Former Cleveland Cavaliers Champion Issues Major Challenge to Jarrett Allen After Disappointing 2nd Round Exit 1 May 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket between guard Max Strus (1) and center Jarrett Allen (31) in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Former Cleveland Cavaliers Champion Issues Major Challenge to Jarrett Allen After Disappointing 2nd Round Exit

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 22, 2025 7:57 AM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers have drawn criticism from the fans and pundits following their second-round exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

During the latest episode of the “Road Trippin” podcast, former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye was particularly harsh on Jarrett Allen, whose recent playoff performances are “bothering” him.

“It’s really been bothering me… Jarrett Allen is not a playoff big man. That is my statement. He is not physically dominant. He is not physically aggressive… At some point, as the main dude – the biggest dude on your team – you’ve gotta f*** somebody up once in a while,” Frye said about Allen.

Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrate during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Allen was largely a non-factor during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 5 loss against the Indiana Pacers, notching only nine points and four rebounds on 4-for-6 shooting from the field in 30 minutes.

Cleveland Cavaliers News: Koby Altman reveals his true stance on Jarrett Allen

Cleveland Cavaliers president Koby Altman dispelled notions that Jarrett Allen is “not tough enough” for the playoffs. Altman even compared the one-time NBA All-Star to Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.

Detroit Pistons Vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds, Picks, Moneyline NBA 2024-25 10/25/2024 2 Apr 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and center Jarrett Allen (31) celebrate during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

“You have to have some toughness to play 82 games,” Altman said of Allen during his exit interview. “To play every single playoff game, 91 games for the season… Jarrett remains incredibly important to us. We’re not a 64-win, one seed without him. I think this is part of his story.”

“Think about Myles Turner. Always in trade rumors. And now Myles Turner is an intricate part of what the Pacers are doing,” he continued. “Incredible example of sticking with a guy, and he’s now a huge part of their success.”