"The one guy that drives me crazy" - Charles Barkley discusses Cavaliers center whose untapped potential "disappoints" him every year
Hall of Famer and NBA legend Charles Barkley expressed his "disappointment" with a Cleveland Cavaliers center regarding his untapped potential. Barkley talked about Jarrett Allen not being used properly as the second option on the team behind Donovan Mitchell.
Speaking on "The Jim Jackson Show" podcast, Barkley spoke about feeling disappointed with Allen's lack of development.
"The one guy that drives me crazy, and I've been waiting on him, I've been bragging about this dude for five years and he disappoints me every year – Jarrett Allen. I thought he'd be a 20-10 guy and an All-Star by now. He should be the second option on that team, behind, he's the second-best player on that team. People automatically go to (Evan) Mobley," Barkley said. [H/T Cavaliers Nation]
The "Round Mound of Rebound" added:
"When I watch them play, when Jarrett Allen plays well, that's when they play their best. They've got to do a much better job. It should be Donovan (Mitchell) and Jarrett Allen, one and two, and everybody else get to eat after that."
Charles Barkley explained that Jarrett Allen has the physical traits to be successful with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He said the Cavaliers could get over the hump if Allen plays like an All-Star. The 26-year-old big man is coming off his best season, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
"Man, this guy, he got so much talent. He got a great body. He can play against big guys. He’s athletic enough to play wing guys, and he — they can't guard him in the post 'cause he's too big. So, he's the one guy in my opinion that if Cleveland's gonna ever get to the next level, it's gotta be him," Barkley said.
Jarrett Allen was named an All-Star in 2022.
Charles Barkley correctly predicted Celtics-Cavaliers playoff series
After the Boston Celtics blew out the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, Charles Barkley predicted a gentleman's sweep for the Celtics because they were just too good despite the Cavaliers having a healthy Jarrett Allen.
"It's going to be quick and painless. With or without Jarrett Allen, the Celtics are a better team. I think it's going to be a gentleman’s sweep. I think this Celtics team, they're on a mission. They're tired of going deep in the playoffs or losing in the Finals. They went out, as good as they were, they went out like we need Jrue Holiday and we want Porzingis," Barkley said on 'Inside the NBA.' [H/T Mass Live]
The Celtics did beat the Cavs in a gentleman's sweep on their way to winning the NBA championship.
Cleveland didn't make any big moves but signed Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro to new contracts ahead of the new season.