Cavs’ Jarrett Allen Staying Upbeat In Face Of Changing Role

The midseason addition of De’Andre Hunter to the Cavaliers has shifted the dynamic of the team, particularly for center Jarrett Allen, whose role has been altered.

Despite not being a part of recent closing lineups, Allen expressed no issues with his reduced role for the greater good of the team, as reported by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Heading into Friday’s matchup against Charlotte, Allen had found himself sidelined during crunch time, with Hunter joining the other four starters in the closing lineup.

“It’s not really difficult for me,” Allen said, via Fedor. “I trust (coach Kenny Atkinson) wholeheartedly. Sometimes I wish I was out there. Sometimes I understand why I’m not. At the end of the day, it’s not my job to decide. It’s my job to do the best I can whenever my number is called.”

However, in a close game against the Hornets, Allen’s defensive presence became necessary. With the team needing rim protection, Allen was inserted into the closing lineup in place of Max Strus.

“We’ve had a discussion with the whole team,” Atkinson said. “Whether it’s you’re in the rotation or not in the rotation, you might deserve to be in a rotation but you’re still not in the rotation because we’re so deep.

“You might finish the game, you might not. That’s just kind of how it is. That’s what it takes to get to that next level. That’s part of the sacrifice and chemistry thing we’ve got going on.”

Allen, for his part, remains committed to doing whatever is necessary for the team to succeed. His teammates have praised his consistency, leadership, and confidence despite the shift in his role.

“I’m here to help the team win,” Allen said. “If that means doing whatever I can when I’m called on, then that’s what I’m going to do.”