The 50 greatest NBA players of the 2020s (so far), ranked

49) Jarrett Allen

Center Jarrett Allen is one of the few traditional centers to make an appearance on this list but the numbers speak for themselves. First with the Brooklyn Nets and then with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 14.1 points on a terrific 64.4% shooting from the field, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.

That resulted in him making the all-star team in 2021–22 and has made him a valuable trade target for teams in need of a starting center that can catch lobs, finish in the paint, rebound, and block shots. Players like Allen tend to age well and with him being only 26 years old, it seems more likely than not that he can continue to play at a similar level for the remainder of the decade.

With the Cavaliers core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley locked up for at least the next three seasons, the Cavs could make noise in the Eastern Conference, with Allen serving as a key player on a very good team that has upside. Given the depth of the East, his skill set will be needed for them to reach their full potential as a team and more strong play from Allen should ensure that he maintains a spot on the final version of this list of the greatest players of the decade.