The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite a strong regular season run, were ousted in the second round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers. Central to discussions about their postseason struggles is Jarrett Allen, whose performance has drawn sharp critiques regarding his physical approach in high-stakes games.

Former Cavaliers big man Channing Frye expressed concern over Allen’s inability to assert physical dominance in the playoffs, emphasizing that this shortcoming undermines his impact when it matters most. With the focus on how Jarrett Allen needs to embrace physicality, the Cavaliers face critical questions about their chances moving forward.

Critiques on Jarrett Allen’s Playoff Physicality

Channing Frye, speaking on the Road Trippin’ podcast, was direct about Allen’s limitations as a postseason presence. He stated,

“It’s really been bothering me… Jarrett Allen is not a playoff big man,”

and added,

“That is my statement. He is not physically dominant. He is not physically aggressive… At some point, as the main dude – the biggest dude on your team – you’ve gotta f*** somebody up once in a while.”

—Channing Frye, Former Cavaliers Player

Allen is widely recognized as one of the NBA’s best rim-runners, offering impressive athleticism and efficiency near the basket. Yet, his inability to match the toughness of more physical defenders during the playoffs limits his effectiveness. The Cavaliers’ hopes to progress as a serious contender hinge on unlocking Allen’s full potential, especially by encouraging a tougher, more assertive style.

Throughout the nine playoff games this season, Allen averaged 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 72.1% from the field. Although solid numbers, his postseason performance has varied over the years, and he will likely seek to elevate his game next season to avoid similar criticisms.

Concerns Over Cavaliers’ Injured Lineup

Besides Allen’s struggles, the Cavaliers’ roster faced significant challenges due to injuries among key players during their playoff run. Former NBA star Kenyon Martin expressed frustration on the Gils Arena podcast regarding the number of important players missing games.

Martin noted,

“You don’t suit up, bro, give me something? We’re already down Darius Garland, we know he ain’t healthy,”

and continued,

“We know this going into it, he missed Game 1. So him playing in Game 2 is slim and none. We’ve got to this point, De’Andre Hunter, when you came in, we started playing better. Evan Mobley, we rely on you nightly. It ain’t just your points; it’s your defensive presence, it’s you being out there, it’s something that we could use. When they didn’t play in Game 2 I’m like, ‘Oh man they ain’t going to beat nobody, ain’t got no heart.’”

—Kenyon Martin, Former NBA Star

Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter all missed key postseason games, including matchups against the Pacers. Their absence further hampered the team’s ability to compete at a high level in crucial moments.

The Need for Darius Garland to Build Strength

Cavaliers’ president of basketball operations Koby Altman weighed in on the importance of Darius Garland’s physical development, indicating that Garland must enhance his strength to better withstand playoff intensity. Altman stressed this point during a recent news conference, comparing Garland’s needed growth to the progression of another star.

Altman remarked,

“He (Garland) needs to get stronger so he can compete at the highest level,”

and added,

“It’s the same thing that [happened] with Stephen Curry. … Now, Steph is all-world. I’m not making that comparison. But Steph got stronger … over his years. He’s a different physical specimen than he was when he first started playing.”

—Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations

Garland remains a vital component of the Cavaliers’ core, yet his performance under playoff pressure has fallen short. Building strength could help him better defend and finish plays, making him less susceptible to physical targeting from opponents. If Garland fails to evolve physically, the Cavaliers may be forced to consider trade options, potentially bringing in a new backcourt partner alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Overall, the Cavaliers’ postseason exit has sparked serious conversations about the team’s physical toughness, health, and future trajectory. Jarrett Allen needs to embrace physicality to establish himself as a true playoff force, while key players like Garland must address their physical limitations to bolster the team’s championship ambitions. With these adjustments, Cleveland’s hopes for postseason success could be rekindled in the coming seasons.