CLEVELAND, Ohio — When Kenny Atkinson took over as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach in 2024, questions immediately arose about the viability of playing two non-shooting big men together in an era dominated by spacing and pace. Would Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley be able to coexist during crucial moments, and could the Cavs sustain offensive success when both occupied the paint?
Atkinson acknowledged the challenges but committed to finding solutions. Drawing on his experience with Golden State’s Draymond Green and Kevon Looney pairing, he sought to preserve Cleveland’s defensive identity while evolving their offensive approach with Allen and Mobley sharing the court.
Developing a Dynamic Partnership on Both Ends
Rather than rigidly playing the two bigs simultaneously at all times, Atkinson experimented with staggered minutes to generate more versatile lineups. He encouraged Mobley’s growth as a playmaker and carved out a specialized role for Allen as a screening force and vertical finisher who influences possessions without needing the ball in his hands. This strategy has produced measurable success.
During the 2024-25 season, the Allen-Mobley pairing posted a plus-12.2 net rating per 100 possessions over 1,034 minutes together, demonstrating elite effectiveness. This season, despite a dip to a plus-6.5 rating in 462 minutes, the pairing remains valuable and more adaptable to changing scenarios.
On an individual level, Allen’s production has improved, with his offensive rating rising by 2.2 points per 100 possessions above the tandem’s average, up from 1.1 last year. When Mobley has missed 13 games due to calf injuries, a new dimension of Allen’s game emerged: more space, responsibility, and leadership.
Stepping Up Amid Evan Mobley’s Absence
With Mobley sidelined, Allen has gained more freedom to attack the lane, receive short-roll passes, and assert himself aggressively, no longer deferring instinctively. Over seven games without Mobley, Allen recorded a plus-13.5 net rating, second on the team only to Sam Merrill among players appearing in all contests. He averaged 21.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in just under 28 minutes per game as Cleveland went 6-1 during that stretch.
“I’ve seen a new person. I’d love to know when the change [happened]. He’s just completely different from the beginning of the year,”
said Kenny Atkinson.
“There was a stretch when he hurt his finger, and I don’t know, this is my theory, his two fingers, he couldn’t play, obviously, and he just went on this mad conditioning kind of with [Derek Millender], our strength guy. And I don’t know, did he get in better shape and that kind of propelled him? Because he struggled right after that, but he’s seemed to take off. I think Evan being out, obviously he’s taken more and more responsibility. But this might be the best Jarrett Allen I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Really impressive what he’s doing on both ends.”
– Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach
Atkinson emphasized how Allen’s increased offensive role has sharpened his defensive performance as well. In a recent Cavaliers win over Washington, he highlighted Allen’s defensive contributions and efficiency.
“Maybe it coincides with the Evan absence, but he’s been incredible. Even tonight, he saved us defensively, I don’t know, 5, 6, 7 times,”
Atkinson remarked.
“He was at the rim. And then his finishing, obviously another 8-for-8 night. Said the guys are calling him Wilt in the locker room. You can’t get more respect than that.”
– Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach
Enhancing Offensive Roles to Unlock Defensive Strength
The Cavaliers’ coach admitted that giving Allen more offensive opportunities—such as creating plays after timeouts and involving him in rim runs—has revealed new facets of his value. When Allen feels integral to the offense, his defensive intensity escalates, communication improves, and rotations become more precise.
Allen is transitioning from simply being the team’s defensive anchor to becoming a driving force that propels the entire lineup. His increasing influence is key for Cleveland’s identity moving forward.
The Impact of Adding James Harden to Cleveland’s Offense
The arrival of James Harden adds a new dimension to the Cavaliers’ pick-and-roll game. Allen, Cleveland’s most formidable screener and vertical threat, now pairs with one of the game’s best pick-and-roll operators, potentially transforming both players’ effectiveness.
“We’re a darn good pick-and-roll team as is, and now you add one of the greatest ever,”
Atkinson said of Harden.
“I hope it just elevates it even more. I’m not sure where we’re ranked, I’m sure we’re ranked pretty high, but he changes the equation. I think that’s what we’re excited [about] too. He’ll elevate our bigs. He makes others better.
“When you watch his film, what really stands out is the passing. I know everybody talks about iso and pick-and-roll, but he’s a great, great passer. I can’t wait to see how he interacts with our two talented bigs.”
– Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach
Harden’s ability to attract multiple defenders opens lob opportunities and creates passing lanes, which Allen can exploit for highlight finishes or high-percentage shots. Furthermore, Harden’s command of the offense provides Allen extra time to read defenses and make better decisions, bolstering his confidence as a finisher and facilitator.
A Critical Stretch to Cement Allen’s Role
With 27 regular-season games remaining, Cleveland’s focus is reinforcing Allen’s role as a key finisher in late-game lineups. He requires consistent plays where the ball is directed to him post-timeout and assurance that his responsibilities will not diminish under playoff pressure. Securing a top-two seed in the Eastern Conference this season would provide a favorable path, though the real test looms in the postseason.
Preparing for a Demanding Eastern Conference Playoff Run
Two years ago, before a rib injury ended his postseason early, Allen was one of the Cavaliers’ most impactful players against a physical Orlando Magic team. This year’s first-round campaigns threaten to be just as daunting.
The Boston Celtics present a challenge with Nikola Vucevic’s rim protection and versatile scoring, while the Detroit Pistons bring imposing interior presence with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. The New York Knicks emphasize physicality and rebounding with Mitchell Robinson, who nearly eliminated Cleveland in 2023.
Perimeter threats such as Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown add further pressure on the Cavs. Defensive stalwarts Dean Wade and Jaylon Tyson contribute versatility and wing strength, critical components against an Eastern Conference stacked with creative and physical players.
Allen’s Emerging Identity as More Than a Complementary Piece
Despite the surrounding discussions about Cleveland’s defensive specialists and perimeter playmakers, Allen remains a quietly pivotal figure. This is not a new development for the center, but the conversation may be shifting. If Atkinson continues to integrate Allen offensively, if Harden helps unlock new layers of his game, and if Allen embraces the leadership that surfaced during Mobley’s absence, Cleveland’s closing lineups could be dramatically altered.
Allen’s presence will no longer be justified only by his rim protection in late-game situations; his screening ability and threat atop the lob will be demanded as crucial offensive tools. His dual impact makes him a more complete player who can influence the game on both ends when the stakes are highest.
The final games of the regular season represent an audition that will test Allen’s confidence and the Cavaliers’ belief in him. Kenny Atkinson, who has coached Allen since his rookie year in Brooklyn, suggests this may be the strongest iteration of the player he has seen.
If Allen fully embraces this expanded role before playoff pressure intensifies, Cleveland’s X-factor will no longer be the hidden variable but a clear blueprint for their ceiling and championship potential.
