Jarrett Allen Sidelined With Ankle Injury, Cleveland Cavaliers News

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen will miss up to two weeks with a left ankle bone bruise.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the precipice of beginning a crucial season for the future of their organization. Fans are anticipating the team to make a deep playoff run, but the season certainly isn't starting on a high note.

The organization announced on Saturday afternoon that the team's starting center Jarrett Allen will be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks with an ankle injury. 

Here is the official press release from the organization:

"Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen sustained a left ankle bone bruise in practice recently, An MRI at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health yesterday confirmed the injury, and he will begin a period of treatment and rehabilitation. Allen will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate."

pic.twitter.com/eNSpfWXsJj

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 7, 2023

Allen is coming off of a solid 2022-23 season where he nearly averaged a double-double with 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds. He was also a key piece in Cleveland having one of the best defenses in the NBA as he had a 108.1 defensive rating, the second-best defensive rating in the league.

Being without JA during the preseason and possibly into Opening Night will be a challenge for J.B. Bickerstaff and the Cavs as they create rotations and lineups for this season.

Mar 21, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) looks on during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland was very thin in their frontcourt last season and that was something the team addressed over the offseason. They traded for Damian Jones and signed Tristan Thompson to a one-year deal. 

Will this be enough to help cover for Allen if this ends up being a long-term injury he deals with?