Score one for Koby Altman. That was my first thought on the Cavaliers general manager after the trade for young Nets center Jarrett Allen and small forward Taurean Prince.
It was part of a major deal that ended up with Rockets star James Harden landing in Brooklyn next to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
The Cavs were sort of viewed as the throw-in to help facilitate the deal. But honestly, they made out here.
It’s true that Allen is a center, and the Cavs already have two on the roster in Andre Drummond and JaVale McGee. But there are lots of questions surrounding Drummond, whose contract expires at season’s end.
Drummond and the Cavs reportedly haven’t made any progress on an extension, either. That means he could be headed for unrestricted free agency. That means the Cavs could lose him for nothing. Drummond is a key piece to what the Cavs are doing and was a major factor in their early-season surprise.
But considering his uncertain long-term future with the team … well, the Cavs needed some security. And not just any security. They needed a younger talented center with a big upside, someone who can block shots, run the floor and whose style matches the modern NBA.
At just 22-years old, that man is Allen.
And think about this — all Altman had to surrender to snag Allen was guard Dante Exum (traded to Houston) and a 2022 first-round pick that came from the Bucks. Given the fact NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo signed an extension in Milwaukee, that pick is highly likely to be near the end of the first round, maybe even 30th.
The Cavs also gave up a 2024 second-rounder. Yeah. Whoop-de-doo.
SIZE AND SPACE
So what’s so great about Allen?
For starters, he’s 6-foot-11 and can run with the likes of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and rookie Isaac Okoro. And I haven’t even mentioned Kevin Porter Jr., who I presume will in fact suit up for the Cavs again when the time is right.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff could theoretically play those four with Allen for a quick, extremely athletic “small-ball” lineup. Or Bickerstaff could throw in Larry Nance Jr. in place of one of the guards/wings for some added size.
Allen is 6-foot-11 (though his afro makes him seem closer to 7-4). He is all arms, legs and activity. He has been Mr. Consistent since he entered the NBA in 2017.
Two seasons ago, he averaged 10.9 points and 8.4 rebounds. Last year, it was 11.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. Through 12 games this season, he’s at 11.2 points and 10.4 rebounds.
Along with all that, he has never shot less than 59 percent from the field. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. And that’s just his offense.
Defensively, Allen is a shot-altering pest. Whereas Drummond clogs the land with his size and strength, Allen does his dirty work as more of springy string bean who can swat opposing shots into next week.
WHAT OF DRUMMOND?
Yes, lots of questions remain about Drummond’s future. Same goes for McGee, for that matter.
Bickerstaff will need to get creative while all three are on the team. Of course, given the Cavs’ recent string of injuries, depth shouldn’t be a problem.
When all three centers are healthy, McGee’s playing time is likely to become extremely limited. He is also a trade candidate, given the nature of his own $4.2 million expiring contract. McGee is coming off a title with LeBron James and the Lakers and would be a great fit off the bench for a contender. (I’m already hearing Milwaukee is interested.)
As for Drummond, Altman and the Cavs can simply wait and see what develops. How will he fit in the current lineup? Which teams might be interested, and what might they have to offer? Is it worth revisiting an extension?
Thanks to the Allen trade, those questions are considerably less pressing. The Cavs and Drummond can see how it plays out and take it from there. If he walks when his contract comes off the books, well, it shouldn’t be such a big deal.
Basically, the acquisition of Allen has put the Cavs in an excellent position regardless of how things develop with Drummond.
As for Prince, I didn’t realize this, but he’s still just 26 years old. He can be a contributor off the bench at the wing. He had a nice run a few years back with the Hawks, and you would think he’ll get every opportunity to help with Okoro, and even Cedi Osman and Dylan Windler.
When healthy, the Cavs had a nice little run going. Then injuries started flaring up, and in a major way. This trade should give the Cavs a lift in either scenario.
