Jarrett Allen, Cavs Center: Most Interesting People 2026

Why He’s Interesting: Since joining the Cavs in 2021, Jarrett Allen has become a fan-favorite for his love of Pokemon, his High School Musical wedding dance and his iconic afro. One of the quirkier athletes in Cleveland, Allen insists he’s “a normal dude.” “It just happens that I’m 6-(foot)-9 and really good at basketball, but I still enjoy everything that people usually do.” 

Serial Hobbyist: Off the court, Allen dabbles in woodworking, 3D printing, reading sci-fi and even juggling. “I feel like I go through phases with things. People call them hyperfixations.” 

Let Em Meow: Nearly four years ago, Allen adopted his cat, Sasha Fierce, from the Cleveland Animal Protective League — then later adopted another cat, Silo, from an Austin, Texas, shelter. The two became internet-famous on a fan’s “Let Em Meow” T-shirt gifted to Allen. 

The Fro: Allen’s afro hairstyle has been a signature look since he was a teenager in boarding school. “My dad wasn’t around to give me haircuts as often, so I just let my hair grow. And it just turned into my style.”  

Early Hoops: Today, Allen is a star with the Cavaliers, but he got a rough introduction to the sport at the age of 6 or 7. “My first shot hit off the bottom of the rim, hit me in my face, and I ran off the court. I never wanted to play this game again. From there, probably five or six years later, I joined my middle school team, and after that, it just blossomed into the game that I play.” 

Ethical Basketball: Allen has discussed the Cavs’ “ethical basketball” in media events — specifically, playing “farm-raised, non-GMO, organic, free-range, ethical basketball.” Jokes aside, Allen’s a big team player in his philosophy around the sport. “I’m trying to make sure that not only I’m doing the best I can, but my teammates are doing the best they can.” 

Meet the rest of the 2026 class of Most Interesting People >>

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