Jarrett Allen Bio
Jarrett Allen (born April 21, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who serves as the center for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in San Diego, California, Allen has established himself as one of the most efficient scorers and reliable rebounders in the league since entering the NBA in 2017. His father, Leonard Allen, was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1985 NBA draft and played professionally at San Diego State and in Spain.
Allen was selected 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 NBA draft after playing one season for the Texas Longhorns. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in January 2021 as part of the four-team James Harden blockbuster trade and earned his first NBA All-Star selection in February 2022. Known for his high-efficiency scoring and two-way impact, Allen signed a three-year, $91 million max contract extension with Cleveland in July 2024, keeping him with the franchise through 2027.
Early Life and Background
Allen attended Walsh Middle School in Round Rock, Texas, which feeds into Round Rock High School for his freshman year. He transferred to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin for his final three years of high school, where he helped lead the team to two SPC (Southwest Preparatory Conference) championships. His basketball talent was evident early, and he participated in the prestigious 2016 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, a hallmark event for top high school prospects.
Rated as a five-star recruit, Allen was ranked as the no. 15 overall player in the Class of 2016. His standout high school performance attracted scholarship offers from several major programs. He ultimately committed to play college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin, choosing the Longhorns over other prominent programs.
Path to NBA
Allen played one season for the Texas Longhorns during the 2016-2017 campaign. As a freshman, he averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently from the field. His best collegiate performance came against Kansas, where he recorded a 22-point, 19-rebound game in a 12-point loss. Despite Texas finishing with a disappointing 11-22 record that season, Allen’s individual talent was clear.
After the season, he entered the 2017 NBA draft but initially did not hire an agent, preserving his option to return to college. He ultimately decided to forgo his remaining three years of collegiate eligibility and pursue his professional career, being selected 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Jarrett Allen Career
Brooklyn Nets (2017-2021)
Allen signed his rookie scale contract with the Brooklyn Nets on July 20, 2017, after being selected with the 22nd overall pick. He made his NBA debut on October 20, 2017, at just 19 years and 182 days old, becoming the second-youngest player in Nets franchise history behind Derrick Favors. He finished his debut with nine points on 3-for-3 shooting, two rebounds, and one block.
Allen steadily improved throughout his four seasons with the Nets. On January 25, 2018, he earned his first NBA start and responded with a career-high 16 points and 12 rebounds in a 116-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Later that season, he recorded a career-high five blocks against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 5, 2018. By November 2018, he posted a career-high 24 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, followed by a career-high 24 rebounds in an overtime victory over the Houston Rockets in January 2019.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2021-Present)
On January 14, 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a multi-team deal involving James Harden, who went to the Brooklyn Nets. The trade sent Allen to Cleveland alongside other assets as the centerpiece of Cleveland’s long-term frontcourt plans. On August 6, 2021, he signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cavaliers, securing his future with the franchise.
During the 2021-22 season, Allen started all 56 games he played and posted career-best numbers with 16.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 67.7% from the field. On October 20, 2021, he became the first player since the shot clock was introduced in 1954-55 to make 10 or more field goals without a miss in a season opener. He was later named as a replacement for Harden on Team LeBron for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, earning his first All-Star selection.
Allen continued his strong play into the 2023-24 season. On December 28, 2023, he recorded 24 points and 23 rebounds in a win over the Dallas Mavericks, followed by a 30-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks the next day. On January 22, 2024, he set the Cavaliers franchise record for consecutive double-doubles by surpassing the 11-game streak held by Andre Drummond and Elmore Smith. In Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, he recorded a playoff career-high 20 rebounds along with 16 points.
Driving Style and Strengths
Allen is renowned for his exceptional field-goal percentage and rebounding ability. His 67.7% shooting from the field during the 2021-22 season demonstrated his efficiency as a scorer, particularly around the rim. His timing on blocks and ability to alter shots makes him a formidable defensive presence, while his high basketball IQ allows him to excel in Cleveland’s system alongside other talented big men.
Notable Events and Milestones
Allen reached several significant milestones with the Cavaliers franchise. His All-Star selection in 2022 marked his emergence as one of the league’s top centers. His 11-game double-double streak in January 2024 broke a franchise record that had stood for decades. The playoff performance against Orlando showed his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
Jarrett Allen Career Wins
Allen has built a solid collection of achievements across his NBA career, with his All-Star selection representing the pinnacle of his individual accolades. His efficiency metrics consistently rank among the league’s best for centers, and he has established himself as a reliable starter throughout his career.
Cleveland Cavaliers Highlights
With Cleveland, Allen’s most notable accomplishment remains his 2022 NBA All-Star selection, earned through a standout first half of the season. His 2021-22 campaign saw career highs across multiple categories, with his 16.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game representing his best statistical season. The December 2023 stretch where he posted back-to-back 20-plus rebound games demonstrated his dominance on the boards. His playoff performance in the 2024 postseason showed his capability to compete at the highest level.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to joining Cleveland, Allen showed promise during his time with the Brooklyn Nets, including his career-high 24-point game and his record-setting 24-rebound performance against Houston. His development over four seasons in Brooklyn laid the foundation for his eventual All-Star breakthrough.
Jarrett Allen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Allen comes from a basketball family with professional roots. His father, Leonard Allen, was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1985 NBA draft. Leonard went on to play college basketball at San Diego State and subsequently pursued a professional career in Spain. His older brother, Leonard Jr., initially committed to play collegiate basketball at Baylor University but took a leave of absence in 2017.
Personal Life
In July 2025, Allen married his longtime partner, Jordyn January, in Austin, Texas. The couple got engaged in 2023 before celebrating their wedding the following summer. Allen maintains a relatively private personal life away from basketball while remaining active on social media.
2025 Season Performance
Allen entered the 2024-25 NBA season as a cornerstone piece of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ frontcourt. He started all 82 games for Cleveland, posting averages of 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His consistency throughout the regular season demonstrated his value as a reliable two-way player who can be counted on for heavy minutes.
The Cavaliers’ season saw Allen continue to anchor the defense and provide efficient scoring in the paint. His chemistry with the rest of Cleveland’s core remained strong as the team looked to build on previous seasons’ progress. His offensive output remained steady despite changes in the team’s overall strategy and roster composition.
Allen signed a three-year, $91 million max extension with Cleveland in July 2024, securing his long-term future with the franchise. The contract extension reflected the organization’s belief in his continued importance to their plans. With Allen under contract through 2027, he is positioned to remain a key part of Cleveland’s foundation as the team aims to compete for championships in the coming years.