Jarrett Allen is a name that resonates in the world of professional basketball. Known for his towering presence on the court, Allen has solidified himself as one of the NBA’s premier big men. But his height is only part of the story. As a key figure in the Cleveland Cavaliers, Allen has made a name for himself not just as a towering center, but as a player with exceptional skills that go beyond his size.
In this article, we’ll answer the question of how tall Jarrett Allen really is, explore his background, his college years, his NBA career, and look at his physical attributes that make him an elite center. Along the way, we’ll explore his playing style, accomplishments, and key stats that have earned him recognition as one of the best at his position. We’ll also clear up some confusion around similar names and other search terms. So let’s dive in.
1. How Tall is Jarrett Allen?
Jarrett Allen is officially listed as 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) tall. This puts him in the taller category of NBA players, though he may not be the absolute tallest player on the court. However, his height is complemented by his wingspan, which measures at an incredible 7 feet 5.25 inches (226 cm). This wingspan is key to his ability to contest shots, block shots, and grab rebounds in traffic.
While 6’9” is considered tall by most standards, it is important to note that in the NBA, some players tower even higher — centers like Rudy Gobert and DeAndre Jordan, for example, stand well over 7 feet tall. But Allen’s physicality and natural athleticism give him the advantage in many situations, making him a formidable presence in the paint.
2. Early Life and Where Is Jarrett Allen From?
Jarrett Allen was born on April 21, 1998, in San Diego, California. He spent much of his childhood in Round Rock, Texas, where he developed his basketball skills. Allen’s physical talent was evident from an early age, and he attended Round Rock High School before transferring to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas. During his time at St. Stephen’s, he played for the school’s basketball team, honing his skills in preparation for the next step in his basketball journey.
Growing up in Texas, Allen was part of a basketball culture that’s rich with talent and competition. His time in high school helped to shape his mindset and prepare him for the rigors of college basketball and, eventually, the NBA.
3. College Career: Jarrett Allen at the University of Texas
Jarrett Allen attended the University of Texas for one year, playing for the Texas Longhorns during the 2016–17 college basketball season. Allen was a standout freshman, showcasing his skills as both a rebounder and a shot-blocker, traits that would later define his professional career.
During his one season at Texas, Allen averaged 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, all while shooting an impressive 56.6% from the field. His performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, and by the end of the season, Allen declared for the NBA Draft. Despite only spending a year in college, his ability to contribute immediately on both ends of the floor made him a highly regarded prospect.
4. When Was Jarrett Allen Drafted?
Jarrett Allen entered the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 22nd overall pick in the first round. This was a big moment for Allen, as he joined an up-and-coming Nets team that was beginning to make waves in the Eastern Conference. At the time of his selection, Allen was praised for his raw potential and physical attributes, especially his shot-blocking ability and his mobility as a big man.
5. NBA Career: Teams Jarrett Allen Has Played For
Brooklyn Nets (2017–2021)
Allen started his career with the Brooklyn Nets, where he played for four seasons. During his time with the Nets, he developed into one of the league’s best young centers. His shot-blocking and rebounding abilities made him an important defensive presence, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Brooklyn. Allen’s energy and commitment to the team earned him a starting role, and by the time he left the Nets, he had cemented his reputation as a highly effective center.
Allen’s best season with Brooklyn came in 2020–21, where he averaged 10.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His defense and rebounding were key in Brooklyn’s playoff push that year, and although the team fell short of a championship, Allen’s contributions did not go unnoticed.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–Present)
In January 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a multi-team trade that saw James Harden join the Nets. This trade marked the beginning of a new chapter for Allen, as he was now part of a rebuilding Cavaliers team.
Since arriving in Cleveland, Allen has emerged as a key building block for the Cavs. He became an instant starter and formed a dynamic frontcourt duo with fellow big man Evan Mobley. In his first full season with the Cavaliers (2021–22), Allen made his first NBA All-Star appearance, a recognition of his outstanding play and development.
With the Cavaliers, Allen has been a steady presence in the paint, contributing on both offense and defense. He has continued to evolve as a player and is considered one of the most reliable centers in the league.
6. What Position Does Jarrett Allen Play?
Jarrett Allen plays as a center, which is one of the most important positions in basketball. Centers typically operate in the low post, controlling the paint, rebounding, and defending the rim. Allen excels at these aspects of the game, using his athleticism and length to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Allen also has a soft touch around the basket, making him an effective offensive player as well. He doesn’t stretch the floor with a three-point shot, but he excels at finishing lob passes and dunking around the rim.
7. Career Stats and Achievements
Here are some of Jarrett Allen’s key stats and career achievements:
2021–2022 NBA Stats (Regular Season):
- Points per game: 16.1
- Rebounds per game: 10.8
- Blocks per game: 1.7
- Field goal percentage: 66.0% (basketball-reference.com)
Career Achievements:
- NBA All-Star: 2022
- NBA All-Defensive Team Nominee: 2022
- Rising Stars Challenge Participant: 2018
- Led NBA in field goal percentage: 2021
These stats and accolades highlight Allen’s growth and development as a player, and his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. He has become an essential piece for the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially with the team’s focus on youth and building a competitive roster.
8. Jarrett Allen’s Playing Style
Jarrett Allen is known for his rim protection, rebounding, and finishing around the basket. Here’s a closer look at his playing style:
Defensive Presence
Allen is an elite shot-blocker, with a quick jump and the ability to alter shots around the rim. His 7’5″ wingspan allows him to cover a lot of ground defensively. He is also an effective rebounder, especially on the defensive end, where he helps his team control the glass.
Efficient Scorer
On offense, Allen is a traditional center who thrives on pick-and-roll situations and dunking around the rim. He doesn’t take many three-pointers, but he is efficient in the low post and has an impressive finishing ability near the basket. Allen also works well in transition, running the floor and finishing lobs from his teammates.
9. Clearing Up Keyword Confusion: Jared Allen vs Jarrett Allen
It’s important to clear up any confusion between Jarrett Allen and Jared Allen.
- Jared Allen is a former NFL player who was a star defensive end for teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. He played in the NFL for over a decade and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Jarrett Allen, on the other hand, is the NBA center currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The mix‑up between these two athletes is common due to their similar names. However, they belong to two different sports (NBA vs NFL) and have completely different playing styles and careers.
10. Conclusion
Jarrett Allen is one of the rising stars of the NBA, with a unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill that makes him one of the most feared big men in the league. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches with an impressive wingspan of over 7 feet, Allen has the physical tools to dominate the paint. His college career at Texas, followed by a successful NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers, has earned him recognition as one of the top centers in basketball.
While his height might not make him the tallest player in the league, his combination of size, length, and mobility makes him a standout player on both ends of the court. With continued development and his commitment to defense and rebounding, Jarrett Allen is poised to be one of the top players in the NBA for years to come.
For fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen represents the future of the franchise — a player who will help lead the team back to championship contention.
