CLEVELAND, Ohio — Jarrett Allen is currently showcasing the best basketball of his career, prompting the Cleveland Cavaliers to face a challenging question about their frontcourt lineup. Since Evan Mobley suffered an ankle injury, Allen has stepped up as a dominant offensive presence in the team’s rotation.
According to Cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Allen’s numbers have surged dramatically in Mobley’s absence.
Since Evan Mobile has been out, Jarrett Allen is 22 and 11 on 70.9% effective field goal percentage on 13.2 shots a game,
Watkins revealed.
It’s almost exactly when Evan went out is when Jarrett started playing at a completely different level.
This sharp increase in Allen’s efficiency has created what Watkins refers to as a “good problem” for the Cavs, as the pairing of Allen and Mobley had served as the backbone of Cleveland’s defense in recent seasons. However, Allen’s offensive upside seems much greater when he is given more room to operate without Mobley on the floor.
Influence of James Harden on Allen’s Offensive Growth
Another key factor contributing to Allen’s offensive breakout is the presence of James Harden. Harden is widely known for his elite pick-and-roll skills, which have historically boosted the production of centers he teams up with, including Clint Capela, Joel Embiid, and Ivica Zubac.
He’s a pick and roll savant,
Watkins said of Harden.
He is. So I think there’s some of that in there too. But it’s just like it makes a lot of sense that when Evan goes out, Jarrett plays better, there are more opportunities, there’s more space for him.
Harden’s playmaking ability creates openings for Allen to thrive offensively, capitalizing on Allen’s mobility and finishing skills in pick-and-roll situations.
Reconsidering Jarrett Allen’s Role in Cavaliers’ Offense
The recent discussion on the podcast highlighted a revealing point about the Cavaliers’ offensive strategy: until recently, Allen’s role had been underemphasized.
Kenny said today, that today is the first time that the Cavs have run an ATO [after timeout play] for Jarrett Allen all season,
Watkins noted.
I do think the Cavs are coming to this realization that maybe we’ve overlooked this guy a little bit and we have not tended to him with the kind of care that maybe we should have.
This new awareness presents both an opportunity and a challenge for head coach Kenny Atkinson as he reconciles Allen’s newfound offensive prominence with the anticipated return of Mobley, who remains a vital part of the team’s future.
Challenges in Balancing Allen and Mobley on the Court
Watkins expressed curiosity about how the Cavaliers will integrate Mobley back into the rotation without diminishing Allen’s impact.
I’m going to be really interested to see how they approach this when Evan Mobley comes back,
Watkins said.
What’s the balance of touches when they’re both on the floor? Do you spend more time? Is it a harder stagger between the two of them so you can get more spacing around both of them, which could benefit both of them?
Previously, debates centered on whether Allen’s presence might stunt Mobley’s growth. Now, the roles appear reversed, with questions arising about how Mobley’s re-entry could potentially restrict Allen’s expanding offensive role.
Implications for the Cavaliers’ Playoff Prospects
Finding the right mix between the two frontcourt stars will be crucial for the Cavaliers’ championship ambitions. Allen and Harden have already demonstrated strong chemistry in pick-and-roll scenarios, but sustaining this dynamic while involving Mobley effectively will require strategic adjustments.
As the All-Star break nears, Atkinson and his coaching staff face the complex task of developing solutions, which might include staggered playing time, innovative lineup rotations, or redesigned offensive schemes. Their approach will likely influence Cleveland’s competitiveness deep into the postseason.
