A big question remains as the regular season quickly approaches for the Cleveland Cavaliers: will Jarrett Allen be ready to play during their opening game?
Allen has been absent from the preseason because of a left ankle bone bruise.
He hasn’t been a part of the team’s practice since October 7 and was scheduled to be out for at least a couple of weeks.
Sam Amico shared a photo of Allen on the court, taking part in post-practice drills alongside Tristan Thompson and Damian Jones.
That is a good sign, but does it mean he will be back in a few days?
Cavs center Jarrett Allen taking part in post-practice drills with fellow centers Tristan Thompson and Damian Jones. More hoops https://t.co/07DB6szupr. pic.twitter.com/lLeE33iMQ0
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) October 19, 2023
Like everyone else, Amico doesn’t have much more insight into the situation, simply saying that Allen is “progressing.”
Although the Cavaliers definitely want Allen to progress as quickly as possible, they want it to be done the right way and don’t wish to rush him.
Last season, the big man was good for 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, shooting 64.4% from the field.
He was one of the best centers in the East and a crucial part of the team’s fantastic regular season.
If he remains away from the team, fans can expect to see more of Thompson, Jones, and especially Evan Mobley.
This will be Mobley’s third season in the NBA, and he understandably still has some room to grow.
So the Cavaliers could use Allen’s absence as an opportunity for Mobley to get more possessions and enhance his game.
That would be the bright side of losing Allen for some time.
It’s not clear when Allen will be back, but he is obviously moving in the right direction, and that’s a huge relief to the Cavaliers.
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