Unsung Hero Jarrett Allen: The Backbone of Cleveland’s NBA Dominance
Jarrett Allen, often overshadowed by his more prominent teammates Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, emerges as a pivotal player in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ remarkable season. While Mitchell and Garland lead the offense, Allen’s contributions extend far beyond mere statistics. Averaging 13.6 points per game with an impressive 71.2 percent shooting accuracy, Allen’s impact on both ends of the court is undeniable.
Net Points: A New Benchmark of Excellence
In the realm of advanced analytics, a groundbreaking statistic known as net points has highlighted Allen’s significance. Created by esteemed ESPN analyst Dean Oliver, net points measure a player’s influence on every play throughout the game. Surprisingly, Allen ranks sixth in the NBA by this metric, surpassing even luminaries like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This places him in the esteemed company of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum, and Alperen Sengun, underscoring Allen’s impact on the Cavaliers’ success.
The Value of Allen’s Contribution
While Allen may not outshine James or Antetokounmpo in overall talent, his proficiency on both offense and defense is undeniable. His synergy with Mitchell and Garland in pick-and-roll plays has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ dominance this season. Furthermore, Mitchell and Mobley also rank among the top 15 in net points, emphasizing the collective strength of the Cavaliers’ roster. Securing Allen on a bargain three-year, $90 million contract extension last offseason further solidifies his value to the team.
As the Cavaliers gear up for the playoffs, Allen’s unsung heroics serve as a cornerstone of their success, propelling them to the top of the NBA standings.