Cleveland Cavaliers: Official midseason report cards

Jarrett Allen’s midseason grade: B+

If there’s one word to describe Jarret Allen’s time thus far in Cleveland, it’s fun. Whether he’s crashing down alley-oops or rejecting shots at the rim, Allen has provided a jolt of electricity into the Cavaliers’ locker room and his free-flowing attitude has made him an instant fan favorite.

He’s been the perfect replacement for Andre Drummond, whose time in Cleveland flamed out shortly after Allen’s arrival. JA brings much of the same positives as Drummond, with fewer negatives.

Allen is a seven-foot, athletic center who blocks shots and runs the floor. He uses his size well in the paint to deter opponents and is active on the glass, pulling in the 11th most rebounds this season across the NBA.

Before joining the Cavs, Allen ranked in the 92nd percentile as a roll man. This number has dipped, as switching from elite creators like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to young studs like Darius Garland and Collin Sexton will do to you – yet Allen is still a lethal scorer in the paint, converting 60 percent of his attempts in the pick-and-roll.

Efficiency is something Allen brings to the table. His 66.3 field goal percentage is the highest of anyone to attempt 200 shots this season and he’s hit 4-of-8 deep attempts as well, a portion of his game that would make him incredibly versatile if he expands on it.

At 22 years of age, Allen fits in perfectly with the current Cavs’ core. He’s a clear building block for the future and has a high ceiling as a paint beast for the Cavaliers.