If you’ve been watching the Cleveland Cavaliers lately, you’ve probably noticed that things feel a little different in the paint. It’s not just the scoreboards; it’s the vibe. Jarrett Allen last 10 games have been a strange mix of high-level efficiency and confusingly quiet nights. Honestly, if you look at the raw box scores, you might think he's doing just fine, but there is a growing conversation among Cavs fans about whether "The Fro" is still the long-term answer next to Evan Mobley.
The numbers tell one story. The eye test tells another.
Over this recent stretch through mid-January 2026, Allen has been averaging roughly 12.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. On paper? Solid. In reality? It’s a bit of a dip from the All-Star level impact we've seen in the past. He’s still shooting an absurd 63.1% from the field, because let’s face it, the man doesn't miss when he’s within three feet of the rim. But the volume just isn't there some nights.
The Statistical Rollercoaster
Basketball is a game of rhythm, and Allen’s rhythm has been disrupted by a nagging illness and the shifting dynamics of the Cavs' rotation.
Take the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 6. Allen was a beast. He put up 19 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes, looking every bit like the defensive anchor Cleveland needs. He was aggressive, calling for the ball, and actually imposing his will.
Then, just a few days later against the Utah Jazz (Jan 12), he finished with only 8 points and 4 rebounds.
How does a guy go from a double-double machine to a single-digit rebounder in the span of a week? Part of it is the scheme. Cleveland has been leaning heavily into their perimeter stars like Donovan Mitchell and the surging Jaylon Tyson, who recently went off for 39 points against Philly. When the guards are cooking, Allen often becomes a glorified screen-setter.
Breaking Down the Last 5 Matchups
- Jan 16 @ PHI: 8 points, 6 rebounds. A tough night against a physical Sixers frontcourt.
- Jan 14 @ PHI: 10 points, 5 rebounds. High efficiency (5-for-6), but low impact on the glass.
- Jan 12 vs UTA: 8 points, 4 rebounds. This was the "quiet outing" that had Rotowire and fans questioning his current energy levels.
- Jan 10 vs MIN: 16 points, 11 rebounds. A vintage performance in a high-scoring win.
- Jan 8 @ MIN: 11 points, 10 rebounds. A gritty double-double despite a loss.
Why the Rebounding Numbers Matter
Cleveland’s defensive identity has taken a bit of a hit lately. Through 39 games this season, the Cavs have the 13th-best defense—not bad, but not the elite "Twin Towers" wall we expected. They’ve struggled with defensive rebounding percentage, sitting near the bottom of the league at about 68.6%.
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When Allen isn't vacuuming up boards, the Cavs give up second-chance points. It’s that simple.
In Jarrett Allen last 10 games, we’ve seen him fluctuate between 12-rebound nights and 4-rebound nights. Some of that is Evan Mobley’s growth; Mobley is taking up more space and grabbing more boards himself. But some of it feels like a lack of physicality. Against the Timberwolves' size (Gobert and Reid), Allen held his own. Against the Jazz? Not so much.
The Trade Rumor Mill
You can't talk about Allen right now without mentioning the "T" word. Trade rumors are swirling again. Reports from King James Gospel and other outlets suggest that NBA executives think an Allen trade is more likely in the 2026 offseason, but the Indiana Pacers have reportedly shown interest.
Why would the Cavs move him?
- Spacing: Mobley is most natural at center.
- Wing Depth: Cleveland desperately needs more perimeter defenders.
- Salary: Allen’s extension is kicking in, and the cap is getting tight.
The Verdict on the Recent Stretch
Is Jarrett Allen playing poorly? No. He’s still one of the most efficient finishers in the NBA. He’s still a smart defender who doesn't chase blocks at the expense of position.
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But he is playing quietly.
For a team with championship aspirations, "quiet" doesn't always cut it. The Cavs need the version of Allen that showed up against San Antonio back in late December—the guy who dropped 27 points and 10 boards while going toe-to-toe with Victor Wembanyama. That version of Allen makes the Cavs a threat to win the East.
The version we've seen in the last 10 games? He’s a solid starter, but maybe not the cornerstone he used to be.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking Allen's impact for the rest of the season, watch these three things:
- Rebound Rate vs. Mobley: If Mobley’s rebounds go up while Allen’s go down, it’s a sign of a permanent hierarchy shift.
- Early Touches: If Allen doesn't get a dunk or a hook shot in the first four minutes, he tends to disappear offensively for the rest of the half.
- Screen Assists: Allen leads the team in "the little things." Even when he isn't scoring, his screens are why Donovan Mitchell gets open looks.
Keep an eye on the upcoming home game against OKC on January 19. Facing a smaller, faster lineup will be the ultimate test for whether Allen can still dominate the paint or if he’ll be played off the floor by modern speed.