In the modern NBA, big men have evolved. For a while, it seemed like the league may leave them behind. That never happened. The big man is alive and well in 2023-24.
Perhaps we should have seen that coming. Height will always be an advantage in the sport of basketball. The big man hasn’t died – he’s evolved.
Some teams have even doubled down by running two big men in their frontcourt. With that said, that doesnt always work out either.
Take the Cleveland Cavaliers. It feels like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are a questionable fit. The Cavs would ideally run a floor spacer at one of those two positions.
Could they send Allen to the Golden State Warriors as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Jarrett Allen, G Ty Jerome, C Damian Jones
When the big man appeared to be dying, small ball was all the rage. We can thank the Warriors for that. As this team got its dynasty underway, it made some decisions that revolutionized the sport of basketball.
That starts with Draymond Green. He fell to the second round in the draft due to questions about his ideal position. Who would Green guard?
As it turned out, the answer was “everyone.” The Warriors discovered that Green could even hold his position at the five. Small ball was born.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors Updates
It hasn’t died, either. The best teams in the NBA will always have a small lineup they can go to. With that said, a full-time small-ball lineup isn’t likely to win a title, either.
A team needs size. Should the Cavaliers get smaller?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers aren’t committing to full-time small ball in making this deal. Mobley is a viable option at the five. It may even be his optimal position. Mobley is as tall as an average center, but he’ll have a mobility advantage against almost any matchup in the NBA.
Meanwhile, this team has long needed a 3-and-D wing to guard across positions. In theory, Wiggins is that guy. A few short years ago, he was a key cog in a Warriors title run.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Granted, his play has declined this year. That’s why the Cavs are landing an unprotected first here as well. If Wiggins can return to form on the team that drafted him so many years ago, they could comfortably win this trade.
Should the Warriors risk letting that happen?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Do not interpret this as a slight against Kevon Looney. He’s a hard-working role player who does the little things. That said, he regularly puts the Warriors at a size disadvantage.
Allen would help. Realistically, he’s one of the best traditional big men in the NBA. Allen can protect the rim and defend in space. He’s also a smart player who should thrive in the Warriors’ system.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Some will say the Warriors are in no position to give up draft capital. To be sure, it’s been a rough season. Still, it’s not hard to imagine this team returning to title contention by adding a player as impactful as Allen. Contrary to what you might have heard, big men like him are alive.
