This episode delves into the performances of Eastern Conference teams like the Bucks and Celtics. Jarrett Allen discusses his NBA All-Star snub, playing with Durant and Irving, the Cavs' success with injured players, and his changing role in the league. Insights on Donovan Mitchell, playoffs expectations, and favorite baked goods are also shared.
Jarrett Allen discusses his growth in the short roll and passing decisions, attributing improvement to coaching and teammates.
The defensive transformations of the Milwaukee Bucks under Coach Doc Rivers focus on improved pick-and-roll defense and utilization of defensive personnel.
Emphasis on the vital roles of lesser-known players in complementing stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, showcasing team adaptability during injuries.
Deep dives
Jared Allen's Development in Cleveland
Jared Allen discusses his growth in the short roll, emphasizing his comfort in making plays in the pocket and passing decisions such as going for a score, corner pass, and high post pass. He attributes his improvement to playing under coaches like Brett Broman and Coach JB in Cleveland, where he now thrives in this role, especially with the support of teammates like Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro.
Cleveland Cavaliers Defensive Improvements
The podcast delves into the defensive transformations of the Milwaukee Bucks under Coach Doc Rivers. Highlighting the team's improved pick-and-roll defense and strategic adjustments, particularly in increased switching and defensive personnel utilization. The discussion underscores the correlational defensive enhancements with offensive potential and the significant defensive contributions of players like Brook Lopez.
Team Dynamics and Players' Contributions
The podcast shifts focus to the vital roles played by lesser-known players like Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, and George Niang in complementing star players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. It emphasizes the team's adaptability during injuries and how these players' performances have positively impacted the team's success, reflecting on their pivotal contributions to the Cavaliers' gameplay and recent achievements.
Influence of Expectations on Performance
The podcast delves into how winning increases pressure and expectations on athletes. The discussion highlights how fans expect more from successful teams, adding to the internal pressure faced by players. Despite the heightened expectations, the athletes remain focused on their individual and team growth, striving to maintain their performance standards amidst the evolving pressure.
Lessons from Playoff Series and Physicality in Basketball
The podcast explores the physicality of playoff basketball, drawing insights from specific series matchups. The conversation emphasizes the distinct physical demands of playoff games, where every action involves heightened intensity and contact. Players prepare for the playoffs by adapting their gameplay to accommodate the increased physicality and evolving strategies of opposing teams.
This week we’re extremely excited to welcome Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen for his first appearance on The Old Man and The Three! JJ and Tommy open up the episode by taking a look at the recent play of the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and other Eastern Conference contenders to find out how likely each could make it out of the east. Then, Jarrett joins to discuss whether or not he thinks he should’ve been an NBA All-Star this season and his improvements and developments on the Cavs and how it compares to his play from when he was on the Brooklyn Nets. He also gets into what it was like playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the Nets. Jarrett also explains how the Cavs had an amazing record when Darius Garland and Evan Mobley with both injured. Then, he talks about Donovan Mitchell’s incredible (maybe MVP-like?) season, the expectations the Cavs have for this year’s playoffs, and what he learned from last year’s series against the New York Knicks. He also shares amazing insight on how his role as a big has changed over the last few seasons as the league changes, and his mindset about blocking dunks. Lastly, they close it out with a draft of their favorite baked goods.