The Difficult Reality Facing the Cavs: Choosing Between Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley — Jimmy Watkins

One had his best season yet, averaging 21.4 points per game in a playoff series against the eventual conference champions.

One is a premier rim-runner and rim-protector; the other could be even more.

One changed this franchise’s trajectory upon arrival in 2021, while the other raised Cleveland’s ceiling when he was drafted the same year.

As the 2024 offseason begins, the Cavs may have to choose between them.

Life is rarely fair, and life in the NBA is particularly ruthless, especially if you play center (or should play center) for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen posted career-highs in points per game (16.5) and assists per game (2.7). He played 81 consecutive games (including playoffs) during a season where the Cavs struggled with injuries around him. In his four healthy playoff games, he averaged 17 points and 13.8 rebounds.

However, due in part to some ill-placed elbows to his ribs during the Magic series, Allen is once again a prime candidate to be traded this summer.

This isn’t last year’s story, where trade rumors followed Allen after a disappointing playoff performance against the New York Knicks. This year’s narrative goes beyond the rib bruises (or fractures) Allen suffered this postseason. These events help illustrate the larger, more complex plot involving Allen, Evan Mobley, and Cleveland’s future—a plot that could be nearing its conclusion.

The CliffsNotes:

Mobley is younger and has a higher ceiling than Allen.
The Cavs have invested more in Mobley (the third pick in 2021 and a potential $200 million rookie extension) than in Allen (Dante Exum, a 2022 first-round pick, a 2024 second-round pick, and a five-year, $100 million contract).
Cleveland glimpsed Mobley’s potential during the Celtics series, where he averaged 21.4 points per game while Allen was sidelined with his rib injury.
Trading Mobley after that performance seems unimaginable. The Cavs owe it to Mobley—and their vision when drafting him—to explore his untapped potential. Mobley’s playoff performance as the only on-court big (and a more featured offensive player due to injuries) is intriguing. The Cavs cannot ignore the conflict between the best environment for Mobley’s development, which might be their best chance to maximize this roster, and the plan for keeping Mobley and Allen together.

The Cavs have two elite rim protectors with low-maintenance personalities. Mobley and Allen showed improvement in their second season together (and apart). Both have contributed to Cleveland’s consecutive playoff appearances.

However, the Cavs struggle with spacing when both bigs share the floor. Mobley showed too much promise during Allen’s absence. Cleveland has invested heavily in its younger center and must avoid stifling his development by playing him next to another big.

As the 2024 offseason begins, the Cavs may only keep one, and the choice won’t be easy. Allen is playing his best basketball, changing the franchise’s trajectory, and establishing himself as an elite player. But Mobley’s potential at a younger age with a higher ceiling is hard to ignore, especially highlighted by Allen’s injury.

Life isn’t fair, and for Mobley, Allen, and the Cavs, it’s downright ruthless.