Jarrett Allen
Getty
Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been without starting center Jarrett Allen in their last five games due to a right knee injury. The Cavs announced an update on Allen’s recovery on Sunday before their loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Allen was having an unreal month in February, averaging 22.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He also shot a whopping 74.0% from the field, helping the Cavs to an 8-3 record in that span.
The 27-year-old big man started March on a high, putting up 20 points, six rebounds and two steals in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. He then followed it up with an eight-point effort against the Detroit Pistons.
It was in that game that he suffered a knee injury after bumping knees with an opposing player, as reported by Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints. Allen was later diagnosed with right knee tendinitis, though there was no timeline given for his return.
Kenny Atkinson Shares Update on Allen’s Injury
GettyJarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Before their game against the Mavericks on Sunday, coach Kenny Atkinson shared an update on Allen’s injury and progress. Atkinson called his center’s status day-to-day, but he has no clear timetable for a return. Nevertheless, the coach was confident that it was not going to be a long-term injury.
“I still think it’s day-to-day,” Atkinson said, via cleveland.com. .”That’s where we are with it. I wish I could get more specific. But you know, I don’t anticipate this to be long term. But he’s just working through some pretty severe tendonitis and sometimes it happens during the season, right?”
The coach added: “Especially after the stretch he had and the usage he had. I’m thinking it’s just going to be this little break, and we’ll get him back in the mix pretty soon.”
The Cavaliers have been plagued by injuries this season, but they are still fighting for a top-four finish in the East standings. In Allen’s absence, Evan Mobley has been playing more at center and thriving.
Allen’s Monster February Joins NBA Mythology
Due to his performances last month, Allen joined the ranks of several mythological players, according to teammate Larry Nance Jr. The veteran forward called it “Black History Month J.A.,” who was in the same category as “Masked Kobe Bryant” and “Untucked Kyrie Irving.”
Donovan Mitchell hilariously acknowledged the new mythological player and gave his props to his teammate.
“Dr. J.A.? As soon as he put the Black History Month shirt on, he just flipped,” Mitchell said. “He’s puttin’ on for our people. Respect to J.A.”
Gabriella Kreuz
Larry Nance Jr asked the final media question tonight:
“There’s masked Kobe, jersey untucked Kyrie, where does Black History Month Jarrett Allen fall?”
Don: “Dr. JA? As soon as he put the black history month shirt on he just flipped. He’s puttin on for our ppl, respect to JA”
Other mythological players include “Hoodie Carmelo Anthony,” “Game 6 Klay Thompson,” “LeBronto James” and “MSG Trae Young.”
Cavs Insider Worried About Allen’s Injury
On the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Chris Fedor shared that Allen’s injury is a little worrisome due to what the player told him on Sunday.
“I think it’s mildly concerning,” Fedor said. “I talked to Jarrett last night in Dallas, and he said he really doesn’t know when he’s going to be back, that it is a true day-to-day situation.”
The Cavs begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday, facing the Milwaukee Bucks and then the Chicago Bulls before a final stop against the New Orleans Pelicans.