Cavs’ Jarrett Allen may have another gear alongside James Harden

Jarrett Allen has given the Cavaliers plenty of dependable basketball. Could a full season with James Harden get even more out of him?

That’s the possibility Mike Anguilano explores in his Cavs season preview for Fear the Sword, pointing to the center’s offensive improvement after the acquisition of Harden.

Allen averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds last season. As Anguilano notes, his scoring jumped by about seven points per game following the trade, while regular-season lineups featuring Allen and Harden produced 122.7 points per 100 possessions.

Anguilano ties that improvement to Harden’s ability to create opportunities for his big men, something he previously did with Clint Capela and Ivica Zubac. His argument: With Harden directing the offense for an entire season, Allen could be positioned for his most productive offensive year yet.

Makes sense. Allen doesn’t need a bunch of plays called for him to be effective. Give him the ball near the basket with a little room to operate, and he can handle the rest.

Anguilano also examines the defensive side, where Allen and Evan Mobley remain central to the Cavs’ chances of taking another step. His preview describes Allen as a steady contributor whose value often gets overlooked when the Cavs struggle.

That’s a reasonable assessment, too. Allen will have some quiet nights. But between protecting the basket and giving Harden a reliable target, he has plenty of ways to help this team win.

Anguilano’s full preview is worth a look, offering a full breakdown of how the Harden pairing could give Allen another level offensively.