Fired Cleveland Cavaliers Coach Possibly Takes Shot At Player Jarrett Allen

No one's off limits for former Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who recently talked about his tenure in Cleveland and took a not-so-subtle shot at a former player.

This postseason, the Cavaliers struggled with injuries, including big man Jarrett Allen.

Allen, battling a rib injury, missed the entirety of the second-round series against the now-champion Boston Celtics. 

Fans questioned Allen's decision to forego any treatment to get back on the court.

Speaking on the Dallas Mavericks who just lost the Finals, Bickerstaff lauded Mavs superstar Luka Doncic for playing through pain. By comparison, Jarrett Allen sat out.

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Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley formed a formidable duo on the Cavs' frontcourt. 

Mobley (formerly a lottery pick for Cleveland) stepped up to the postseason pressure this year and Allen's absence in the second round proved to be a glaring deficiency against the longer Celtics roster.

Allen's contributions to this iteration of the Cavaliers complement a strong backcourt featuring Donovan Mitchell (at least for now) and Darius Garland. Last season, Jarrett Allen played 77 games, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Donovan Mitchell threw his support behind Allen shortly after Bickerstaff's comments went viral on Tuesday. 

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 13: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The All-Star Cavs guard posted a cryptic photo featuring himself and Allen, offering no caption but a clear visual of support for his teammate. 

Could Allen be the key to keeping Mitchell happy in Cleveland? It sure looks like it.

Whether with Donovan's approval or not, the Cavs are interested in seeing more commitment from Allen moving forward before offering his name as a potential trade asset. 

As for Bickerstaff, he may be holding grudges after another disappointing exit in the playoffs, which could've ended differently had Allen been more available.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 13: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a foul call during the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

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