When the Warriors went 73-9 in the season nine years ago, they instantly became the hottest commodity in sports, being covered by every big and small media channel. Well, the Cavaliers are on pace to match the Bay Area franchise’s historic record this year. But they are getting nowhere close to the National attention Stephen Curry and Co. got at the time. Although it’s not hurting the team’s performance, it might be keeping the Cavs stars from getting the recognition they deserve. Especially with All-Star Weekend right around the corner.
Amid this glaring issue, Darius Garland made a desperate plea to the fans regarding his teammates, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, “Man, both of them are incredible. And both are All-Stars. They show up every night for us on both ends of the floor and they’re really our anchors. So, we tip our hats off to them. And y’all should go vote for them for All-Stars because both of them are very deserving of it.”
Yes, DG believes the two Cavaliers bigs deserve to make the All-Star team this season, because they are a major reason the team has a 33-4 record. Of course, Allen has been dominant once again, averaging 14.1 points and over ten rebounds. Meanwhile, Mobley has also taken a massive leap to stardom, increasing his averages to 18.9 points and nearly nine rebounds. However, the latest All-Star fan voting results have Mobley ranked eighth among all East frontcourt players, while Allen is not even in the top ten. Meanwhile, injured players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are ranked higher on the list.
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Maybe, the lack of Cavs’ coverage by the National media is the reason behind the fewer votes for their players. Because they have checked every other box in terms of performance. Even Donovan Mitchell called out the $648 billion industry about the problem, “We belong here. I don’t think we are waiting for the national media to say we belong. We know.” And Garland is making sure Mobley and Allen grab the NBA World’s attention.
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Darius Garland reveals Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley’s crucial role for Cavs as he seeks “Answer” for lack of Media coverage
Following his plea to the fans, Garland also made sure everyone knows how the two bigs make the game easier for him, “Setting hard screens. Getting me open and it opens up for them. So, that’s when they get open dunks, open floaters off the top. And they just make the right read regardless. They’re really good basketball players, so whenever I hit them in the pocket, they’re gonna make the right read… They’re the best two bigs in the league for sure.” Sure enough, DG urged the fans to vote for them once again.
via Imago Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrate during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Right now, Spida is the only one who is likely to make the All-Star team based on the fan votes. Yes, he is ranked second among East guards. Even Garland is barely cracking the top ten despite having a stellar season. And just like Donovan, he too expressed his concern about the Cavs not getting enough National media attention, “Don’t know why. Wish I knew the answer to that. The group that we have, the style of basketball we play, we’re exciting… you’d think we’d be getting (more love nationally).”
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Hopefully, his plea will be heard by fans and the Cavs will have more than one player getting the All-Star nod. Because like it or not, they deserve it and they have their record to back it up. Do you agree?