Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen (born April 21, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who serves as the starting center for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1] Standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighing 243 pounds (110 kg), Allen is renowned for his defensive prowess, elite rebounding, and exceptional field-goal efficiency, particularly in the paint.[2] Over his NBA career to date, he has established himself as one of the league's premier big men, earning selection to the 2022 NBA All-Star Game and leading the NBA in field-goal percentage during the 2024–25 season at 70.6%.[3][4] Born in San Diego, California, Allen is the son of Leonard Allen Sr., a former college basketball player at San Diego State University who was selected in the third round of the 1985 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks and later played professionally in Europe.[5][6] The family relocated to Round Rock, Texas, where Allen grew up and developed his basketball skills.[5] At St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin, he led the team to two Texas state championships and earned McDonald's All-American honors in 2016.[7] As a freshman at the University of Texas in 2016–17, Allen started all 33 games, averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, while earning third-team All-Big 12 recognition.[8] Allen declared for the 2017 NBA draft after one college season and was chosen 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets.[2] He spent his first three and a half seasons with the Nets, emerging as a reliable starter and contributor to their playoff runs, including a second-round appearance in 2021.[8] On January 13, 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the blockbuster deal sending James Harden to Brooklyn.[8] Since joining Cleveland, he has anchored the team's frontcourt alongside Evan Mobley, helping the Cavaliers achieve consistent playoff berths and ranking among the league's top rebounders with career averages of 9.1 rebounds per game.[8] Notable achievements include being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week in November 2021 and posting multiple 20-point, 90% field-goal games, a feat tied for second-most in the shot-clock era.[9][10] As of the 2025–26 season, Allen remains a cornerstone of Cleveland's defense and has signed a five-year, $100 million extension in 2021 and a three-year, $91 million extension in 2024, underscoring his value to the franchise.[11][12]Early life and education
Early life
Jarrett Allen was born on April 21, 1998, in San Diego, California.[13] His parents are Leonard Allen Sr. and Cheryl Allen, both of African-American ethnicity.[14] Leonard Allen Sr. is a former college basketball player at San Diego State University, where he became the all-time leader in blocks during his tenure.[6] The family has a history in basketball, with Allen's older brother, Leonard Allen Jr., also pursuing the sport at the college level.[15] When Allen was eight years old, his family relocated from California to Round Rock, Texas, embarking on a three-day drive to start a new chapter.[16] During his childhood, he received early exposure to basketball through his father's involvement in the sport, beginning with participation in a church league at age seven.[6] Alongside this, his parents placed a strong emphasis on education, particularly in STEM fields, encouraging hands-on learning and intellectual development for Allen and his brother.[17] This balanced upbringing, blending athletic pursuits with educational focus, shaped Allen's early years before he transitioned to high school basketball at Round Rock High School.[13]High school career
Allen began his high school basketball career as a freshman at Round Rock High School in Round Rock, Texas, during the 2012-13 season, where he played on the varsity team.[15] Following his freshman year, Allen transferred to St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, for his sophomore through senior seasons from 2013 to 2016. As a sophomore in 2013-14, he helped the Spartans in the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC).[15][18] In his junior year of 2014-15, Allen elevated his performance, averaging 21.4 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game while guiding St. Stephen's to a 27-6 record and the SPC state championship.[15] As a senior in 2015-16, he averaged 20.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game, contributing to a second consecutive state title, including a 35-point performance in the championship game victory over Houston Episcopal.[15][19] Allen's standout high school career culminated in his selection as a McDonald's All-American in 2016. He was ranked as the No. 15 overall recruit in the national class of 2016 by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index (RSCI).[20]College career
Allen committed to the University of Texas in June 2016, following his standout high school career that included McDonald's All-American honors.[21] As a freshman during the 2016-17 season, Allen started all 33 games for the Longhorns, averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while playing 32.1 minutes on average.[22] He recorded 12 double-doubles on the season, a mark that tied for the third-highest total by a Texas freshman in school history.[23] In Big 12 Conference play, Allen excelled with eight double-doubles, including standout performances such as 19 points and 14 rebounds against Baylor and 20 points and 15 rebounds against Kansas, contributing significantly to the team's frontcourt production despite an overall 11-22 record.[24][23] For his efforts, Allen earned third-team All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press and coaches, as well as a selection to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.[23][25] He was also recognized as Big 12 Newcomer of the Week twice during the season.[26] Following the season, Allen declared for the 2017 NBA Draft in March 2017, initially without hiring an agent to preserve his college eligibility, but ultimately forgoing further seasons at Texas to pursue his professional career.[27][28]Professional career
Brooklyn Nets
Allen was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft.[13] He signed his rookie scale contract with the team shortly thereafter.[29] Allen made his NBA debut on October 20, 2017, against the Indiana Pacers, becoming one of the youngest players in the league that season at 19 years old. During his rookie 2017–18 season under head coach Kenny Atkinson, Allen appeared in 72 games, starting 31, and averaged 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 20.0 minutes per game while shooting 58.9% from the field.[30] His efficient play and defensive presence helped establish him as a promising big man alongside guards D'Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie.[31] In the 2018–19 season, Allen solidified his role as a starter, playing all 80 games and averaging 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 26.2 minutes per game.[32] His development continued under Atkinson's guidance, contributing to the Nets' improved 42–40 record and their first playoff appearance since 2015.[33] In the playoffs, Brooklyn faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round and lost 1–4 in five games, but Allen averaged 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds across the series.[34] Allen further progressed in the 2019–20 season, averaging 11.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 70 games (64 starts) while playing 26.5 minutes per game.[35] He recorded a career-high 30 double-doubles, showcasing his rebounding prowess and defensive impact.[36] The Nets again reached the playoffs, this time in the NBA Bubble, where they lost 0–4 to the Toronto Raptors in the first round; Allen contributed 10.3 points and 14.8 rebounds per game in those four contests.[37] Atkinson's emphasis on player growth helped Allen emerge as a key interior presence for Brooklyn's backcourt-led offense.[38] The 2020–21 season began under new head coach Steve Nash, with Allen providing strong early contributions in 12 games (five starts), averaging 10.8 points on 66.7% shooting, 3.2 offensive rebounds, and 9.8 total rebounds in 26.7 minutes per game.[39] On January 13, 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-team deal that sent James Harden to the Nets; in exchange, Brooklyn acquired Harden, while Cleveland received Allen, Taurean Prince, and a first-round pick.[39] This transaction marked the end of Allen's tenure with the Nets, where he had grown from a raw rookie into a foundational defensive anchor over 234 regular-season games.[13]Cleveland Cavaliers
On January 14, 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Jarrett Allen from the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team trade, where he immediately assumed a starting role at center, appearing in 40 starts across 51 games during the remainder of the 2020-21 season.[39] Following the season, Allen signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Cavaliers on August 6, 2021, securing his long-term commitment to the franchise.[40] Allen's tenure in Cleveland marked a period of significant growth and team success. In the 2021-22 season, he emerged as a breakout performer and defensive anchor, earning his first NBA All-Star selection as a reserve in February 2022 after replacing an injured James Harden.[3] His contributions helped the Cavaliers return to the playoffs in 2022-23 for the first time since 2018, and he continued to play a pivotal role in subsequent postseason appearances, including reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.[41] During the 2024-25 season, Allen demonstrated exceptional durability and efficiency, playing in all 82 regular-season games and earning a perfect attendance certificate from the team, while leading the NBA in field goal percentage at .706.[42][43] In the playoffs that year, the Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat 4–0 in the first round before falling to the Indiana Pacers 1–4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Allen providing key rebounding and rim protection throughout.[44] As of November 19, 2025, through 13 games in the 2025-26 season, Allen is averaging 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 58.6 percent from the field.[45] He remains the starting center for the Cavaliers, serving as the primary leader in rebounding and rim protection alongside guard Donovan Mitchell and forward Evan Mobley, forming a formidable frontcourt duo that anchors the team's defensive identity.[46] Post-trade, Allen's international profile rose when he was named to the 2024 USA Men's National Team player pool on January 23, 2024, recognizing his status among the league's top big men.[15]Playing style and accolades
Playing style
Jarrett Allen serves as the starting center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, measuring 6 feet 11 inches in height and 243 pounds in weight while shooting right-handed. He embodies the traditional big man role, anchoring the paint on both ends of the court with his length, quickness, and physicality.[13] Allen's primary strengths lie in his defensive impact and finishing ability. As an elite rim protector, he averages 1.2 blocks per game over his career, deterring drives and altering shots with his 7-foot-6 wingspan. His rebounding prowess stands out, with career averages of 9.2 rebounds per game split between offensive and defensive boards, allowing him to control the glass effectively. Offensively, he is a high-efficiency finisher, converting 64.0% of his field goal attempts—predominantly dunks and layups in transition or off pick-and-rolls. He also excels as a pick-and-roll defender, leveraging his mobility to hedge, recover, and disrupt ball-handlers without compromising rim protection.[13][47][48] Allen's offensive game, however, remains interior-focused with limited perimeter range; he attempts three-pointers rarely at just 0.2 per game, hitting them at a 15.8% clip career-wise. His free-throw shooting sits at 71.3%, which can prove costly in close contests, and his aggressive defense occasionally leads to foul trouble, averaging about 2.8 personal fouls per game.[13] From a raw rookie relying on athleticism in 2017-18, Allen has evolved into a polished two-way big, enhancing his passing vision from the high post and screening technique to boost team facilitation. His explosive athleticism echoes an early DeAndre Jordan, while his defensive range and help-side awareness parallel Rudy Gobert's versatility.[49][50][51]Awards and honors
Allen has finished in the top 12 of Defensive Player of the Year voting three times: 9th in 2018–19, 12th in 2019–20, and 10th in 2023–24.[13] In the NBA, Allen was selected as an All-Star for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, representing the Eastern Conference after averaging 16.1 points and 10.8 rebounds during the 2021–22 season.[2] He earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for games played November 1–7, 2021, during which he averaged 18.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 3–1 record.[9] In the 2024–25 season, Allen led the league in field goal percentage at .706, becoming the first player in NBA history to shoot over 70% from the field and over 70% from the free-throw line in a full season.[52] He also appeared in all 82 regular-season games that year, receiving a perfect attendance award from the Cavaliers for his durability.[53] Among his key career milestones, Allen recorded his first NBA double-double on January 24, 2018, with 10 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets.[54] He reached 1,000 career offensive rebounds on December 10, 2022, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting his consistent impact on the glass.[55]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Jarrett Allen entered the NBA as the 22nd overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 NBA draft and has since established himself as a reliable starting center, known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability during the regular season. Over his first eight full seasons, Allen has demonstrated consistent growth in scoring and rebounding efficiency, playing in 569 regular-season games while starting in 514 of them. His career has been marked by strong field goal percentages, often exceeding 60%, reflecting his effectiveness in the paint.[13] In his rookie season of 2017-18 with the Nets, Allen appeared in 72 games (31 starts), averaging 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in 20.0 minutes, shooting 58.9% from the field. He increased his role in 2018-19, starting all 80 games and posting 10.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. In 2019-20, Allen started 64 of 70 games, contributing 11.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. In 2020-21, split between the Nets and Cavaliers, he played 63 games (45 starts), averaging 12.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. With Cleveland, Allen's production peaked in subsequent seasons; in 2021-22, he started all 56 games, averaging 16.1 points and 10.8 rebounds; in 2022-23, 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in 68 games; in 2023-24, career highs of 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 77 games; in 2024-25, he shot a league-leading 70.6% from the field while averaging 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds in 82 games. As of November 19, 2025, in the early 2025-26 season, he has played 11 games, averaging 15.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes with a 58.4% field goal percentage.[13][30][2] The following table summarizes Allen's regular-season per-game statistics by year:| Season | Team | G | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PTS | TRB | AST | STL | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | BKN | 72 | 20.0 | .589 | .333 | .776 | 8.2 | 5.4 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1.2 |
| 2018-19 | BKN | 80 | 26.2 | .590 | .133 | .709 | 10.9 | 8.4 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 1.5 |
| 2019-20 | BKN | 70 | 26.5 | .649 | .000 | .633 | 11.1 | 9.6 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 1.3 |
| 2020-21 | BKN/CLE | 63 | 29.6 | .618 | .316 | .703 | 12.8 | 10.0 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.4 |
| 2021-22 | CLE | 56 | 32.3 | .677 | .100 | .708 | 16.1 | 10.8 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 1.3 |
| 2022-23 | CLE | 68 | 32.6 | .644 | .100 | .733 | 14.3 | 9.8 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 1.2 |
| 2023-24 | CLE | 77 | 31.7 | .634 | .000 | .742 | 16.5 | 10.5 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 1.1 |
| 2024-25 | CLE | 82 | 28.0 | .706 | .000 | .718 | 13.5 | 9.7 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| 2025-26* | CLE | 11 | 25.8 | .584 | .000 | .750 | 15.5 | 7.9 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.9 |
NBA playoffs
Jarrett Allen made his NBA playoff debut with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 and has since appeared in seven postseason runs, three with the Nets and four with the Cleveland Cavaliers through 2025. Over his playoff career, Allen has averaged 12.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game across 47 games, often showing elevated rebounding intensity in high-stakes series compared to his regular season norms. His defensive presence and ability to secure double-doubles have been key contributions, particularly in limiting opponents' interior scoring.[37][56] With the Nets, Allen's playoff appearances included a 2019 first-round loss to the Philadelphia 76ers (1-4), averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in 5 games. In 2020, during the NBA Bubble, the Nets were swept 0-4 by the Toronto Raptors, with Allen averaging 10.3 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 4 games. In 2021, he helped the Nets defeat the Boston Celtics 4-1 in the first round (12.3 points, 9.7 rebounds in 5 games) before a 3-4 second-round loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in 7 games, posting 16.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks.[37][57][58] Allen's playoff tenure with the Cavaliers began in 2023 with a 1-4 first-round loss to the New York Knicks, averaging 9.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 5 games. In 2024, the Cavs defeated the Orlando Magic 4-3 in the first round (Allen averaged 14.3 points and 10.1 rebounds in 7 games), but lost 1-4 to the Boston Celtics in the second round, with Allen averaging 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 5 games. In 2025, Cleveland swept the Miami Heat 4-0 in the first round (Allen 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds in 4 games) before falling 1-4 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals (14.0 points, 8.8 rebounds in 5 games). He played all 9 games in the 2025 playoffs, averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks with 72.1% field goal shooting.[37] Standout performances include multiple double-doubles in elimination games, such as his 20 points and 15 rebounds in Game 7 of the 2021 second round against the Bucks, where he also recorded 2 blocks to disrupt Milwaukee's offense. In the 2020 Bubble Game 4 versus Toronto, Allen grabbed 17 rebounds to go with 13 points in a losing effort. His rebounding prowess was evident in the 2024 first round, where he notched a playoff career-high 21 rebounds in Game 3 against Orlando, contributing to a defensive effort that held the Magic under 85 points. These moments highlight Allen's impact in heightened playoff environments.[37][59]| Series | Year | Team | Opponent | Result | Games | PPG | RPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | 2019 | Nets | 76ers | L 1-4 | 5 | 11.0 | 6.8 | 0.6 |
| First Round | 2020 | Nets | Raptors | L 0-4 | 4 | 10.3 | 14.8 | 1.8 |
| First Round | 2021 | Nets | Celtics | W 4-1 | 5 | 12.3 | 9.7 | 1.2 |
| Second Round | 2021 | Nets | Bucks | L 3-4 | 7 | 16.3 | 11.9 | 1.6 |
| First Round | 2023 | Cavaliers | Knicks | L 1-4 | 5 | 9.4 | 7.4 | 1.0 |
| First Round | 2024 | Cavaliers | Magic | W 4-3 | 7 | 14.3 | 10.1 | 1.0 |
| Second Round | 2024 | Cavaliers | Celtics | L 1-4 | 5 | 10.9 | 7.6 | 0.8 |
| First Round | 2025 | Cavaliers | Heat | W 4-0 | 4 | 12.5 | 8.0 | 0.8 |
| Semifinals | 2025 | Cavaliers | Pacers | L 1-4 | 5 | 14.0 | 8.8 | 1.0 |