A Cavs star talks about the team's stratospheric start to the season: "I think we can do even better"

Jarrett Allen has been with the Cleveland Cavaliers for about 4 years and has established himself as one of the team's leaders. This 2024/25 season has started off with a bang, boasting 15 consecutive wins and a current record of 17-1. The center averages 15 points and 11 rebounds, contributing on both offense and defense. In recent hours, he granted an interview to HoopsHype where he talked about the team's dominant start, the arrival of Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach, the extension of Donovan Mitchell, and much more...

Former Nets members on current Cavs

"It's easier when you know someone. It's easier to know how to coach them and how to approach them. I think that's part of the reason we had a certain initial advantage. They are an approachable group. We fully trust in them. Having previous knowledge of anyone, like how the team stuck together over the summer, I think pushes everyone forward."

Kenny Atkinson

"In many ways. He has changed his focus on the game and on the players. I believe that by taking a step back and being in the role of an assistant coach (with Golden State), he was able to assimilate and learn from past experiences and also under the guidance of Steve Kerr. I think he has brought all of that to Cleveland."

Coach of the Year?

"In my opinion, yes. You don't come into a new team and achieve a 15-0 record so easily. He must definitely be leading that race right now."

Rumors of Donovan Mitchell's departure

"It wasn't as bad. We knew Donovan was committed to us, regardless of what he was debating. We knew he was going to give it his all to play that season. As teammates, we were informed before the rest of the media that he was going to stay. That gave us the assurance that this team would stay united."

Spida's extension

"Donovan is a star. He's a Top 10 player in the league, some would say, and I would too. Cleveland needs someone like him. Cleveland needs someone to cling to and support. That got the city excited again, knowing we had one of the best players in the NBA with us. For the Cavs, you can see how he's helping us now. He can take control of games and lead the team to victory."

Season's start

"I knew we were going to be good but not to what extent. Achieving a 15-0 record for anyone is remarkable. No one can tell me otherwise or expect not to lose a game in that stretch in the NBA. It's special. I think we can do even better."

Expectations

"I think we want to make it to the conference finals. I believe that is the expectation for everyone in the league. We set that level as the minimum. I think we are a good enough team to play consistently, our bench is deep enough, and we have a pretty good starting five. With all of this together and Kenny as the head coach, I think we can go far."

His extension

"It was good. I knew I wanted to be in Cleveland. I actually enjoy living in this city. I'm happy that the general manager and the entire team trusted me enough to pay me and keep me here."

Personal goals

"One of my goals is always to become a better passer, especially as a center. I think it's an underestimated aspect of a center's game, apart from Nikola Jokic, who is the best at it. I want to improve there. It doesn't have to be at that incredible level, but to get better gradually. I've never been fortunate with awards in this league, so my job is to try to do my best for the team and make an impact that way."

Current centers

"I know that's not my style of play, and it probably never will be, like KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns), Myles Turner, and players like that. My job is to perfect my role as a rim protector and screen-setter while excelling in my role. It's something I'm proud of. I'm not going to shoot five threes per game; well, you never know – Brook Lopez did it and made a switch (laughs). Statistically, it might not happen. I want to find every detail where I can excel within my role."

Meals+Math

"The goal has been the same every year. I try to give kids and families the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving and give back to the community and the city where I live. It's fun for me at this point. I look forward to this event every year. I enjoy seeing the kids laugh, smile, and get excited about buying groceries and everything else."

The community

"Growing up, from my grandmother to my mom, we were always in food drives, preparing boxes for those in need and giving back to the community, whether with those boxes or community service. Overall, my family has always instilled in me that if you have something, you should share it."

Advice to the little ones

"Keep smiling. That's something that always helps me. I know your situation is different from mine, but I truly believe that if you find happiness in the smallest things, you can be happy."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Una estrella de los Cavs habla del estratosférico inicio de temporada del equipo: "Creo que podemos hacerlo aún mejor"