When the Cavaliers acquired C Jarrett Allen from the Brooklyn Nets in January, the goal was for the 22-year-old Allen to be one of the building blocks for this team, and since becoming a starter on February 14 after the team decided to hold out Andre Drummond for a possible trade, Allen has been balling.
In the last six games, including last night’s home victory over the Rockets, Allen is averaging 18.8 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
On Wednesday night against Houston, Allen was 10/11 from the field and tied his career-high in points with 26. Allen also added 18 rebounds, four blocks, and a highlight-reel dunk, which, according to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, reminded him of the great Julius Erving.
“It’s funny, as it was happening,” Bickerstaff said. “I had a flashback of ABA Dr. J dribbling it coast-to-coast and taking off with the fro and dunking.”
Allen added on the dunk: “I jumped damn-near from the free throw line. I got the rebound; I took it from Isaac(Okoro), and I took two dribbles. and I see people on my side, I see (Victor)Oladipo. I did not know if he was going to help or not, but by the time I took my last dribble at the three-point line, the ball was going through the hoop.”
Bickerstaff is excited about Allen, and he believes the sky’s the limit.
“At 22 years old, he’s not near his potential ceiling yet,” Bickerstaff said. “That’s the part I’m most excited about. He knows that there’s room for growth from him. There’s a high ceiling for him. He’s willing to put in the work, and he’s willing to try it. He’s trying; he’s not just staying in his box.”
With the Cavaliers, Allen has a much bigger role and more of an opportunity to showcase his offensive skills, which he has embraced.
“Here, I am able to come here with a young team and have my role, and it is bigger,” Allen said. “And I’m willing to step up and take that challenge.”
Allen can become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, so Cleveland can match if he gets an offer elsewhere. Therefore, unless something off the wall happens, Allen will probably be in Cleveland for years to come, which is a good thing.
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