Cleveland Cavaliers News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Image credit: ClutchPoints

Cavs’ Jarrett Allen gets 100 percent real on latest All-Star snub

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Nayan Brahmbhatt | Last updated 4/8/24

In the midst of a season that has seen the Cleveland Cavaliers forge a formidable presence in the Eastern Conference, the conversation around the organization has often turned to the contributions of their stalwart center, Jarrett Allen. Recently, Allen opened up about a variety of topics, per Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, including his take on not being named an All-Star, his role within the team, and the Cavaliers’ prospects as the postseason draws near.

Despite Allen’s season replete with personal successes, including a career-high number of double-doubles and robust defensive performances, Allen was omitted from the All-Star team. When asked about this apparent snub, Allen responded with the equanimity and focus that has become his hallmark. “That wasn’t too big of a deal for me. My job doesn’t get a lot of accolades as a big man with what I do. The guys that got in definitely deserve it. Don’t get that wrong. My time will come. That’s just how I grow up and how I am as a person.” This perspective underscores not just Allen’s maturity, but his commitment to the team ethos that defines the Cavaliers.

Allen’s outlook is not just admirable but necessary in a league where the value of a player is often distilled into highlights and box score statistics. Yet, Allen’s impact is felt in the less glamorous facets of the game—the hard screens, the defensive coverage, the relentless rebounding. His workmanlike approach has been integral to the Cavs’ defensive solidity and their fifth-place standing in the Eastern Conference.

The absence of fanfare hasn’t deterred Allen from excelling in his role. His defensive prowess is evident as he routinely challenges some of the NBA’s elite. This season, he has faced off against a litany of stars such as Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić, earning respect for his tenacity and effectiveness. Allen articulates this challenge with a lighthearted respect for his opponents and the competitive spirit of the game. “I just do what they ask me, honestly. There’s nothing special about my job. I don’t get a lot of accolades for what I do. But that’s just about helping my team.”

The physical toll of such a demanding defensive assignment is significant, but Allen has maintained his durability and resilience, a testament to his off-court regime and his dedication to maintaining peak physical condition. His approach to recovery and preparation, which includes a structured nutritional plan and post-game recovery protocols, is an illustration of his professional ethos.

What’s in Store for Jarrett Allen and The Cavs?

As the regular season wanes and the postseason looms, Allen’s thoughts turn to the team’s potential and growth trajectory. “I’m still confident in this group. Last season, I feel like we made a baseline for what we can do, and we’re trying to find that again,” Allen reflected. His confidence stems from last season’s performance, which set a high bar for what the Cavaliers are capable of achieving. The goal for Allen and his teammates is to rediscover and exceed that baseline.

The Cavaliers, described by Allen as “still a young team,” have navigated a season fraught with injuries, resulting in a variety of lineups. The lack of continuity has been a hurdle, but it has also provided a test of the team’s depth and adaptability. “We’re still a young team. This year, we had so many different injuries and so many different lineups. I just have to look at what we’ve done before as a group. It’s about our consistency. We have to make sure we play every game the same way. It’s about being prepared for the game and trying to play Cavs basketball.”

This ethos speaks to the essence of what the Cavaliers are building: a collective strength that can weather the storms of a grueling 82-game season. Allen’s leadership and poise, coupled with the emerging talent of players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, position Cleveland to be more than a mere playoff participant—they have the makings of a team that could surprise and advance when the stakes are highest.

With Allen anchoring the defense and contributing significantly on the offensive end, the Cavaliers have a core that promises competitiveness in the postseason. They’ve shown they can take on the heavyweights of the Eastern Conference, and with the playoffs on the horizon, the team is focused on peaking at the right time.

As the Cavaliers brace for the playoffs, the contributions of Jarrett Allen—both on the court and in the locker room—will be pivotal. The tenor of his comments not only reflects his own steady mindset but also serves as a barometer for the team’s mental preparedness as they seek to establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the postseason fray.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: