By Mark Angelo Mañez

PHOTO: G Static

Manila - Out goes "The Beard", in comes "The Fro".

Cleveland Cavaliers' center Jarrett Allen got the nod to participate in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, the league announced Monday (Tuesday in the PH time).



NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement as the 6-foot-11 beanpole is set to replace James Harden, who recently suffered a left hamstring injury in their previous game against Golden State.

Harden, recently acquired from Brooklyn, is expected to make his debut with the Sixers against Minnesota on Tuesday after the All-Star break.

Allen, meanwhile, who has become Cleveland's (35-22, .614, 3rd-East) defensive backbone, will join teammate Darius Garland in the festivities starting Friday in the Rising Stars Challenge. It will also be the 10th time in the Cavs' franchise history that two of its players will participate in the event.

In 49 games with Cleveland as its starter, he averaged career numbers and has boosted its chances of securing another playoff appearance. 

He made a career-best 29 points and 22 rebounds in their win against the Charlotte Hornets, while averaging in double figures (16.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 32.6 MPG).

This year's festivities will be held at the RocketMortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday.