The latest rankings for NBA 2K26 have been released ahead of the game‘s launch, placing Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen at 59th among the league’s top 100 players. This marks a steady position for Allen, matching his rank from the previous NBA 2K25 edition and marking an improvement from his 63rd position in NBA 2K24. The rankings, published by 2K Games, reflect how players stack up heading into the 2025-26 NBA season and offer a glimpse into Allen’s standing among his peers.
Although these rankings are subject to change as the real NBA season unfolds, Allen’s placement just ahead of Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane reinforces his solid reputation. However, he still trails established big men such as Rudy Gobert (57), Lauri Markkanen (54), and Kristaps Porzingis (53), indicating room for growth compared to some frontcourt rivals.
Analyzing Jarrett Allen’s Strengths and Limitations on the Virtual Court
Allen’s core value lies in his consistency and defensive presence. He reliably protects the rim, secures rebounds, and capitalizes on scoring opportunities created by his teammates. His steady contribution often results in regular double-double performances for the Cavaliers, keeping him integral to the team’s success on both ends of the floor.
Despite these strengths, Allen’s playing style faces challenges in fitting the evolving role of NBA big men. Unlike versatile forwards such as Markkanen and Porzingis, who extend defenses with long-range shooting, Allen does not stretch the floor offensively. This tactical limitation lowers his ranking compared to big men who combine size with shooting ability.
Moreover, fellow Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley, whose ranking remains unreleased, is expected to surpass Allen due to his more multifaceted skill set. Allen’s traditional approach, while dependable, may hinder his ability to climb higher in future NBA 2K rankings unless he adds new offensive dimensions, similar to how Brook Lopez developed his shooting threat.
What This Means for Jarrett Allen and the Cavaliers Moving Forward
Jarrett Allen’s consistent ranking at 59 underscores his role as a trusted cornerstone for Cleveland, both on the virtual and real hardwood. The ranking recognizes his stability and impact but also highlights the shifting priorities in modern basketball, where versatility and shooting range increasingly define player value. For Allen to elevate his standing in upcoming editions of NBA 2K, further diversification of his offensive game will be critical.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Allen can evolve his game to meet these demands. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, benefit from having a reliable presence like Allen anchoring their frontcourt, providing a strong foundation as they aim for success.
“Although pre-launch rankings for every iteration of NBA 2K are arbitrary on paper, they do sometimes carry weight.”
—Evan Dammarell, Sports Journalist
“His no muss, no fuss approach is what has made him Cleveland’s most reliable player.”
—Evan Dammarell, Sports Journalist