Jarrett Allen’s Selfless Role Shift Underrated Key to Cavaliers’ Success

January 2, 2025

It’s rare to see a player of Jarrett Allen’s caliber embrace a reduced role, but that’s exactly what he’s doing for Cleveland this season, as written by NBA reporter Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

The one-time All-Star center, now a crucial piece for the league’s best team by record, has accepted a supporting role behind the meteoric rise of Evan Mobley, and it’s paying dividends for the Cavaliers.

Allen has ceded touches and minutes to Mobley, recognizing that the young forward’s development is key to the team’s future.

“Evan has been amazing this year,” Allen said, via Fedor. “Whether it’s taking the toughest assignment on defense so he can shine and have more energy on offense or just being in the dunker spot so he can have more room.

“Whatever I have to do to make him the best player, so he can unlock this offense and unlock this team, I’m willing to do it.”

This selflessness is exactly what you want from a player who remains one of the most efficient centers in the league. Allen’s numbers may have dropped slightly — averaging 13.7 points on 69.5% shooting, 10.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks — but his presence, leadership, and commitment to team success have never been more valuable.

As Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson points out, Allen has been “invaluable” during the 29-4 start.

“He is just willing to do what it takes to win, whatever that ask is and it could be different every night,” Atkinson said.

And when Allen is playing at a high level, the Cavs are nearly unbeatable.

Cavs Keep Rolling

Speaking of the Cavs, their 122-110 victory over the Lakers on Tuesday extended their win streak to eight games, each by double digits. They’re 9-0 against the Western Conference and 12-3 on the road.

Cleveland is on pace for a stunning 72-win season. But this is the NBA, and Atkinson remains grounded, knowing it’s the postseason that truly matters.

“We know it’s about playoff performance,” Atkinson said. “You don’t want to be that team that everyone says, ‘Oh, they’re a good regular season team.’”

The competition is taking notice. Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick praised the Cavaliers, saying teams have to play “close to perfect basketball” to beat them.

Right now, that’s doggone hard to argue.