Open Thread: Conference Finals cont’d. (Bonus: Roster Review, Center edition)
2021-06-25We’re back with Roster Review part five of five, the Center edition… let’s dive in!
Jarrett Allen
It’s weird to write about Jarrett Allen with the looming chance that the Cleveland Cavaliers might replace him with Evan Mobley but regardless, Allen came in and showed that he has the ability to be a legitimate starting center now and in the future for the Cavs. He’s one of only a couple of players on the roster (Larry Nance Jr. being the other) that could actually find rotation minutes on a playoff team. Unfortunately for Allen, Evan Mobley brings elite defense to the table along with the type of playmaking, skill, and touch that sets him apart from a guy such as Allen.
Outside of the draft, another factor that complicates Allen’s roster status and future is his own looming restricted free agency. The market has cratered on defensive bigs with limited offensive upside over the past couple of years, and decent bigs such as Jakob Poeltl and Nerlens Noel can be found for minimal expense. At the beginning of the offseason there were reports that Allen’s seeking something possibly north of 100 million dollars total, and that there are multiple teams that could pursue him. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that Brooklyn had offered four years at 48 million dollars total that Allen declined. Jarrett Allen’s free agency will surely be one of the most fascinating stories to watch about the Cavs and NBA at large. Luckily for the Cavs, they don’t have to make a decision about Allen until after the draft.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Hard Rock Hartendimes was another feel good story for the Cavs on the margins of the roster. The 23 year old German American showed he could play legit NBA defense with some elite rim protection (7.1% block percentage, 97th percentile in the NBA) and solid defensive playmaking overall, and also established himself surprisingly as one of the best passers on the roster (23.5 assist ratio in 16 games with the Cavs). Hard Rock credited NBA MVP Nikola Jokić for the development of his playmaking.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Chris Fedor reported a few weeks ago that Hard Rock will likely opt out of his player option and become a free agent, which is a smart move on his part because he could easily triple his 1.7 million dollar 2021-22 option on the open market. Fedor also reported that Hard Rock would like to stay with the Cavs in a multi-year deal. One has to think the draft and Jarrett Allen’s pending free agency could make Hard Rock expendable to indispensable in short order depending on what happens with those two events.
Mfiondu Kabengele
Consider yours truly a fan of underdog Mfiondu Kabengele. The stats show an energy small ball center who can protect the rim well (3.9% block percentage, 87th percentile in the NBA) and generally hold up on defense and on the boards. He also showed a willingness to stretch the floor by letting his three ball fly, and although he wasn’t particularly a knock-down shooter (28.1% from three in 16 games for the Cavs), he shows fantastic shooting touch at the free throw line for his career (21 for 25, 84%). As a third string center, Kabengele is absolutely worth a look-see to find out if he can develop into a rotation big with potential stretch ability on offense.
the first draft profile is up, enjoy everybody!
FACTORY OF SADNESS ARTICLE INDICATING CAVS MIGHT LET ALLEN “WALK ” IN FREE AGENCY —–COMMENTS // OPINIONS
Nah
I am starting to come around to the idea that we don’t necessarily need to trade Sexton or Allen if we draft Green or Mobley. At least not right away. In the Green scenario, the benefit is that he is a more natural fit as SG next to Garland. He has more height than Sexton and it seems better playmaking instincts. It moves Sexton into his best role (bench scorer). Green and Okoro can both play some SF. And three guard lineups are everywhere these days. Negatives are that Sexton may balk at a reduced role. And that Okoro and… Read more »
Mobley with his skinny frame may not be ready for banging with big Cs quite yet. His ability to defend the perimeter and decent FT shoiting & stroke say he can shoot some. Should be able to play with Allen & Love & Nance.
That game was all Booker being utter trash in the fourth.
I caught the first 2 and 3/4 quarters, those Pacific/West Coast starting times are absolute murder for fans in Western Europe, ouch. Booker looked alright offensively for the first couple of frames, although his defense on Morris was totally ineffective and they seemed to target him at times.
Just hero ball shots. Not making obvious passes, turnovers, and abysmal d.
Clips trying to pull 3-1 deficit like Cavs in 2016….game 6 will be very interesting in LA too…Reggie Jack was on fire and has been playing well…CP is such a flopper makes Varajo blush…in ECF if Trae is out or hobbled think ATL run is over and Bucks roll again and close it out. Bucks can only beat themselves at this point.
Crowder Crowder Crowder….all I can do is shake
my head and be glad Cavs moved you on.
I hated that the Cavs got him, but I hated that trade overall. When he’s actually hitting threes it’s found money, but he’s just as likely to shoot you out of the game.
So much for that Suns run. Jackson canning triples. Booker forcing offense.
Here Comes the Sun(s). Down to four with a chance for three. Crowd is into it.
Booker had cam for a. Layup and blew it. Cam got it back next play.
Clips in trouble
PG13 absolutely unconscious right now
Imperious.
Prob gonna have to play 45 min unless they blow the Suns out
Wow, he’s sitting!
But Booker then proceeded to have 2 quick TOs and set up Cam Johnson for a third. From down six with the ball to down 13. PG is locked in. Under control. Cool. Calm. Unconscious.
Looks like my Suns in 5 call is gonna be dead wrong.
way to go ben simmons.. 4 yrs into your career, with $140 million still owed on your contract, and you are going to start “working on your shot”.. awesome work ethic bro.. our society is on a firm foundation with the example you are setting..
That work ethic is why I am a hard no on trading for him. Though perhaps being a national laughingstock will get him to turn over a new leaf.
Would you trade Sexton and Love for Ben + #28 + #50?