In the aftermath of Cleveland’s loss to the Celtics, many questioned Jarrett Allen’s toughness, wondering if he should have done more to play.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Jarrett Allen heard all the criticism in the aftermath of his playoff rib injury — including the biting words from former teammate Marcus Morris Sr.“It takes a lot more to get under my skin,” Allen said during the Cavs’ annual media day on Monday afternoon at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
At various points throughout the Cavaliers’ 12-game postseason run, cleveland.com reported through a source that Orlando swingman Franz Wagner “pierced” Allen’s rib with a sharp elbow, leading to the starting center being in excruciating pain, which increased each time he attempted to raise his arms above his head — a necessity for Allen to be effective given his rebounding and defensive responsibilities.
The nonstop chatter only made it more difficult. In the aftermath of Cleveland’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the Boston Celtics — a series in which Evan Mobley shifted to full-time center — many questioned Allen’s toughness, wondering if he should have done more to play. “It’s understandable,” Allen said of Morris’ comments. “Like I said, you don’t understand until you go through it.”
“You don’t understand until you go through it. But I feel like I’m very sure of myself. I feel like I’m very understanding of if I was able to play, I would play. I played every single game that season that I could, barring the injury, and if I could have, I would’ve.” The Allen saga is now in the past. He is healthy, happy and smiling. He is here in Cleveland, reunited with his old coach Kenny Atkinson — for the long haul.
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