The Cleveland Cavaliers have some things to figure out before next season.
First, they need to determine whether they should run it back with the same core of players.
If that’s the case, then they need to set the record straight and define everybody’s role.
To that end, analyst Danny Cunningham said the Cavs need to come to terms with Jarrett Allen’s status.
“I think Jarrett Allen is a very good player. He’s a very high-level role player, but I don’t think he’s a core player. … I do think that running back Darius [Garland] and Donovan [Mitchell] and Evan [Mobley] is the direction I would go with if I’m Koby Altman. … I think they have three core players … and then Jarrett Allen is a role player, and I think that’s kind of how we should look at things,” Cunningham said, via 92.3 The Fan.
"I don't think a Core Four exists for the Cavs anymore. I think they have three core players…then Jarrett Allen is a role player and I think that's how we should look at things"
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Allen is a very good player and drew some consideration for an All-Star selection this season.
He’s been integral to the team’s regular-season success for years, but he might not be what they need right now, at least as a starter.
The Cavs looked solid with De’Andre Hunter at the 4 and Evan Mobley at the 5.
They can spread the floor with five shooters on the court at all times, and Mobley has proven he can hold his own against bigger and more physical players down low.
The Cavs need a backup big man, but what if current starter Allen fills that role?
Of course, paying him a big contract to come off the bench might not be a savvy business decision.
Then again, the Cavs might struggle to find equal value in a trade, and if that’s the case, perhaps having him embrace a lesser or different role might be the solution.
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