Jarrett Allen is under fire after making some eyebrow-raising comments about the present and future of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The big man recently re-signed with the team, getting a 5-year, $100 million deal.
The Cavs are a young team with huge potential, aiming to return to the top of the Eastern Conference sooner than later. The former Brooklyn Nets center is confident this team can make a lot of noise in the East, but some of his words didn’t sit well with fans.
Talking with Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Allen stated that the Cavs can aspire to a ‘fifth seed or something,’ earning a lot of criticism from fans for putting the bar too low.
https://twitter.com/MikeGoldFool/status/1425554398718009345https://twitter.com/MikeGoldFool/status/1425559107130380288https://twitter.com/wasted_voter/status/1425579686252490756
Their three most promising players being 22, 20 and 20 on difficult positions with obvious way to develop, it seems realistic more than depressing.
If we're 8th seed next year, it's fine by me.
— Cavs Fan France (@CavsFRA) August 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/DWagner85/status/1425564734666027008
Please tell me that’s fake. No way that’s a real quote, right?
— BAGF_E (@BAGF_E) August 12, 2021
This is exactly what you want to hear from a guy who just signed a $100MM contract.
— Rob Ostrom (@RobOstrom) August 11, 2021
Not what you want to hear from the $100 million man about where the Cavs “should” be 6 years into a currently horrible rebuild.
— Mark Gorrow (@MARKGOR26) August 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/CleEric19/status/1425563474965549065
Sure it’s a bad quote ans look
BUT, if next year is yr 1 of the core in place
What is the expectation that year ?
Not playoffs ? Right ?
So on year 2 to go Non Playoff team to fighting for 5th seed ? I mean🤷🏻♂️ Seems reasonable. Throwing in “by year 3” kills it though 😭
— JohnnyOhio ⚾️ (@JohnnyOhio) August 11, 2021
The Bucks, Nets, Sixers, Heat & Celts all have a superstar + an all-star & GMs trying to keep them. Hawks, Knicks, Pacers, Rapts are further ahead in their rebuild so # 5 seed is just keeping it real.
— Flatball (@Flatball2) August 12, 2021
Don’t tell Cavs fans this. They’re convinced we will be a playoff team this year.
— Eli (@emigs23) August 11, 2021
Honestly not really. As a Cavs fan I’ve seen nothing but bottom 5 in the league without LBJ. Is they make the playoffs I’d be ecstatic!
— Matthew Jacobs (@Matthew71616837) August 11, 2021
Until we get a real superstar this is where we are at. It’s realistic. Now if 1 of these young guys really becomes the guy. We can be right in the mix w adding the right vets.
— Trey Parks (@treydru21) August 12, 2021
Horrochoice of words… but I think he was trying not to be over confident
— Jay Moore (@Girlsdad78) August 12, 2021
This made you depressed? I could totally see myself pulling that quote back up in like 3 years when they make the conference finals
— cameron (@ppstorm) August 11, 2021
I mean yeah….. But also ask yourself… When was the last time the Cavs were relevant without LeBron on the roster?
— dnthezip (@dnthezip) August 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/BrannuSunyata/status/1425674891211202560
Fighting for that *championship* would sound a lot better
— Tanner (@TWidomski5) August 11, 2021
This is indeed a questionable quote, but Allen said more than that. While talking about the differences between the Cavs and the Nets, Allen did say that everybody on the team is trying to get better to create a championship team.
“It’s been one hell of a ride,” the 23-year-old said. “Coming from Brooklyn, the championship aspirations in Brooklyn and then coming to a rebuilding team where not every game is going to be a fight for the championship, we know that, but we’re all fighting to get better, fighting to improve our game so down the line we can be part of a championship team. Seeing a team like this, knowing what it takes, we have all the right guys and the right mindsets to do it. So, I thought, ‘Hey, I’m willing to be part of this again, especially with these guys.’
“I see a bright future here that I fit in perfectly.”
This is a lot better than settling for a 5th seed. Of course, the job won’t be easy. The Nets, Bucks and Sixers are considered favorites in the East, while other teams like the Heat, Bulls and Celtics have made moves to improve their level.
Cleveland will have to work hard to reach important stages in the future, but Allen is confident that they can get the job done. This franchise hasn’t been the same since LeBron James left in 2018. They’re working to relive old glories with a group of young and talented players.
