CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 28: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on February 28, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have rallied their troops brilliantly so far this season. With their domination in the Eastern Conference, they have solidified themselves as a force to reckon with in the playoffs as the franchise looks to end their 8-year championship drought.
Jarrett Allen has been one of the shining names among the Cavs ranks. The center has maintained his dominant form throughout the season but the applause has been far and few. Now he has opened up about it to provide a deeper outlook on his morale.
Jarrett Allen discusses his feelings over lack of recognition
Jarrett Allen is one such name who has not received the recognition he deserves in his seven-season-long career. Allen has finally spoken up about not being a part of the All-Defensive team despite performing consistently over the years.
Speaking honestly about being deprived of acknowledgement, the 25-year-old Cavs center said that it was not something new in his NBA career. “I feel like I just go out there and do the work. I know I don’t get national recognition. I know the recognition comes within the organization. One day, it’s gonna be recognized, but, hey, as long as I’m doin’ it for my team, as long as we’re winnin’ games – puttin’ numbers up – that’s good enough for me”, said Allen.
Jarrett believes in giving his best for the franchise and says that the unrecognition doesn’t bother him. He continued to add, “I hate to say it like this – at this point, I’m used to it. It’s been happenin’ all my career. So, I just roll with it at this point. I know my worth as a big in this league. I know how good my defense can be. I just keep going.”
Allen might say that the lack of recognition didn’t bother him but deep down he too feels he is undervalued regardless of putting in so much effort in securing the top tiers of the Eastern Conference table.
Allen’s Cavs season so far
Jarrett Allen might not get appreciated for his potential but there is no denying the fact that the center has helped Cavaliers both defensively and offensively, showing his versatility on the floor.
The 2022 NBA All-Star averaged 16.1 points, dished out 2.7 assists, and grabbed 10.6 rebounds including 1.2 blocks and a little less than one steal per game (0.7) while shooting at 62.5% from the floor this season. In his last ten games, Allen has recorded five double-doubles and has been shooting phenomenally from the floor. The underrated center also scored his career-high 33 points this season, on their last meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Allen has bloomed as a player after being traded to the Cavaliers and has been performing consistently ever since unveiling his workaholic mentality, missing only five games this season due to his ankle injury. His pairing with Evan Mobley has helped the Cavs acquire a 42-25 win-loss record so far. The 25-year-old still has a long way to go and hopefully, he will achieve his due in the course of time for the franchise that is known for recognizing special talents.
