NBA Notes: Cavs, Jarrett Allen, Bucks, Damian Lillard, Grizzlies

So a big part of the Cavs’ defensive spotlight in the next series will shine right on Allen.

“We all know J.A.’s next step is to be able to guard five out,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I think it’s a challenge. But he’s more than capable with his versatility. I will say this, they apply that, but we also have two bigs offensively, so they’re going to have to guard us too, right? It’s a hard guard for us.”

“But I think when we play those two bigs together (Allen and Evan Mobley) with our offensive rebounding, our pick and roll offense with J.A., they’re going to have to guard him. So it might seem like a disadvantage for us on one end. It could be an advantage for us on the other.”

Bucks

Star guard Damian Lillard underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair a torn left Achilles tendon, the Bucks announced in a press release.

The procedure was performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a widely respected name in sports medicine, with input from Bucks orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Carole Vetter. The team confirmed that Lillard has already begun the initial stages of what is expected to be a long road to recovery.

What remains unclear, however, is when, or if, Lillard will return next season. Given the timing of the surgery, a full-season absence in 2025–26 is very much on the table.

Lillard, 33, is the latest NBA star in his 30s to deal with this type of injury. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both endured similar setbacks in recent years and ultimately returned to form — but not without extended rehab and time away from the court.

Grizzlies

A 48-win season would typically be a cause for celebration, especially after limping to 27 wins the year before. But for the Grizzlies, it feels more like a warning light on the dashboard than a return to form.

Yes, they nearly doubled last season’s win total. Yes, they made it to the playoffs. But a 14-23 finish to close out the year, postseason included, has left the franchise with more questions than answers heading into what could be a pivotal summer.

According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, a former Grizzlies front office executive, league insiders are increasingly skeptical about the direction Memphis is heading. Hollinger points to four pressing concerns raised by those around the league.

At the top of the list: Ja Morant. Electrifying when available, but too often unavailable — his off-court issues and on-court injuries have made him tough to rely on, and that’s a problem when he’s the face of the franchise.

Next, there’s Desmond Bane. A terrific shooter and competitor, but is he a third star, or is Memphis trying to turn him into something he’s not? Some execs worry the Grizzlies may be locking themselves into a core that can’t quite carry them deep.

There’s also the erosion of depth — Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson have all been lost in recent seasons, and Memphis hasn’t truly replaced their collective grit and versatility. Those losses aren’t always loud, but they’re felt.

Finally, the Grizzlies have swung and missed on the trade market. They’ve yet to land that difference-maker to complement Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and the clock is ticking.

Put it all together, and Memphis finds itself at a familiar NBA fork in the road: double down on the current core and hope for internal growth — or shake things up before the window closes.