Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen Inspires Youth Through Unique Hobbies and Authenticity

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is not your average NBA star. Following a dominant 122-82 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Allen shared a personal achievement: he built a bookshelf himself instead of resorting to store-bought options.

“I built a piece of furniture with some walnut plywood and oiled it,” said Allen, who stands 6 feet 9 inches tall. “I had the measuring tape, got power tools, and I’m on the ground cutting these things out. It was a fun experience.”

Allen’s creativity runs parallel to his performance on the court. This season, he is averaging 13.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while boasting a shooting percentage of 70.7%, ranking as the Eastern Conference’s leader in shooting percentage. He’s also part of a Cleveland team with the best record in the NBA at 48-10, supported by formidable teammates including All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and fellow big man Evan Mobley.

Despite his success, concerns earlier this offseason surrounded the potential for trading Allen due to the perceived difficulties of his pairing with Mobley. “I understand the business of all this,” Allen explained. “If I wasn’t part of that plan, so be it. I’ve been traded before; I know how things go.”

New Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, however, advocated for keeping Allen on the roster, recalling their successful time together with the Brooklyn Nets. “I believed it could work because I knew [Allen’s] skillset,” Atkinson said.

Reflecting on the decision not to trade him, Allen expressed gratitude, stating, “I was happy. I really mesh well with these guys. It’s just a good group to be around.”

Those close to Allen acknowledge that he has never succumbed to peer pressure, a quality instilled in him by his father, Leonard Allen, a former San Diego State center. “He’s not shy to be himself in the most goofy, worst way possible and in the best way,” Jarrett said of his father. “I want to be like that.”

Jarrett Allen’s eccentric pursuits — which include building computers and mid-century furniture — showcase his willingness to embrace his uniqueness. “If I see an interest, a project, I’ll just try my hand at it,” he said. “The worst thing that can happen is you just mess up and try again.”

In a league where extravagant lifestyles often prevail, Allen remains humble. He owns a single Tesla Model X designed for his height and enjoys long road trips across the country. “I go on road trips with it. That’s my baby,” he said.

His iconic afro further distinguishes him among his peers, earning him the nickname “The Fro” within the Cavaliers community. His casual, laid-back style drew attention during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend, where he attended in a simple hoodie and jeans, prompting social media commentary.

“It’s funny. I thought I was OK. What was I supposed to wear? A $5,000 chain to a game?” Allen quipped about the fashion criticism.

American Tall, a clothing company designed for tall individuals, signed Allen to an endorsement deal after the incident. “I’ve been buying their clothes for like six, seven years now,” he noted. “I thought I was dressed nice.”

Looking to the future, Allen is venturing into architecture, seeking to build a home in Austin, Texas. “I’m designing a forever home,” he said. “I’m figuring out how to draw the floor plan, what the house will look like.”

As the Cavaliers aim for their first championship since 2016, Allen carries a message for young fans: embrace your individuality. “Just trust yourself,” he urged. “Just be who you are. It makes it a lot easier when you’re accepted for all of that than trying to fit into the mold.”

The Cavaliers will face the reigning champion Boston Celtics on the road tonight, leading the team into a crucial phase of their championship aspirations. “Everyone’s locking in to another degree,” Allen said, highlighting the shared commitment among teammates.