Cavs’ James Harden: Jarrett Allen better than I thought he was

The Cavaliers didn’t just trade for James Harden to steady the offense. They did it to unlock people.

And early on, no one has benefited more than Jarrett Allen.

Harden has wasted no time figuring out what Cleveland’s starting center brings to the table. In fact, he admits he undersold it.

“He’s better than I thought he was,” Harden said after the Cavs steamrolled the Nets on Thursday. “He’s able to catch the ball and finish around the rim with both hands. He has so much touch around the rim. That’s probably one of the most underrated parts of his game.

“Just trying to find ways to get him the ball in positions where he can be successful. It’s only been four games, but it’s easy for me to just figure it out.”

That part stands out. Easy.

Cleveland had won six straight and 11 of its last 12 entering Friday at Charlotte, climbing quickly in the East. Allen has been a big reason, and Harden’s arrival has taken the training wheels off. Lobs are cleaner. Pocket passes come faster. And Allen looks like a guy who knows the ball is coming.

Coach Kenny Atkinson sees it too.

“Almost like a renewed energy, a belief,” Atkinson said. “They know we got something good going on. We brought in guys that are going to help us. I’m not going to sit up here after four games and say we’re a juggernaut. We still have a lot to prove. But the early returns with our spirit and confidence are really good.”

It’s early. Everyone knows that.

But Harden and Allen already look like they’ve been running this two-man game a lot longer than a couple weeks. And for the Cavs, that’s the whole point.