Jarrett Allen

Allen is an American center who has established himself as one of the most efficient and reliable defensive big men in the NBA since being drafted 22nd overall in 2017. He spent his first three and a half seasons with the Brooklyn Nets before a trade sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he has anchored the defense and earned an All-Star selection.

Born on April 21, 1998, in San Diego, Allen attended St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, after a freshman year at Round Rock High School. He won two SPC championships and played in the 2016 McDonald's All-American Game. Rated a five-star recruit and ranked 15th overall in the Class of 2016, he committed to the University of Texas.

As a freshman at Texas, Allen averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, though the team finished a disappointing 11-22. His best collegiate performance came against Kansas, when he recorded 22 points and 19 rebounds. After the season, he declared for the 2017 NBA draft.

The Brooklyn Nets selected Allen with the 22nd overall pick. At 19 years and 182 days, he became the second-youngest player to appear for the Nets. He joined the starting lineup in January 2018 and steadily improved his production, recording career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks during his tenure. On January 14, 2021, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the four-team blockbuster that sent James Harden to the Nets.

In Cleveland, Allen signed a five-year, million contract in August 2021 and was named to his first NBA All-Star Game in February 2022. He holds the highest offensive rating in NBA history among players with at least 15,000 minutes played. His rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll finishing have made him a cornerstone of the Cavaliers frontcourt.

Allen is a traditional center with elite efficiency around the rim, strong shot-blocking instincts, and a developing mid-range game. He scores on lobs, putbacks, and rolls to the basket, and he uses his length and timing to contest shots without fouling excessively. His offensive rating reflects his ability to convert high-percentage looks and set solid screens for ball-handlers.

Allen enters each season as a starting center and defensive anchor for the Cavaliers, with an All-Star selection and a historic offensive rating on his resume. His trajectory from a Texas freshman on a losing team to a million contract and an All-Star nod reflects consistent improvement and a commitment to rim protection and efficient finishing at the highest level.