Memphis Grizzlies’ Allen Voices All-Star Opinion Via Twitter
Feb 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after the game against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Atlanta 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies’ defensive leader, Tony Allen, responded to the Milwaukee Bucks’ veteran Jared Dudley on Twitter in a discussion regarding the 2015 NBA All-Star team. Allen did not hold back on his thoughts.
It all began with a tweet. A single tweet. Jared Dudley of the Milwaukee Bucks tweeted a random thought recently, which pertained to the 2015 NBA All-Star squad in relation to the Memphis Grizzlies. It read:
Is it me or how does the Memphis Grizzles only have 1 all star?!!! 38-13!! Esp since Kobe and Blake aren't in the game this yr.. #justsaying
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) February 9, 2015
It was a very valid argument from Dudley. Zach Randolph and Mike Conley were both snubbed from the Western Conference All-Star team this season.
Even with two replacements needing to be selected due to injuries to the Clippers’ Blake Griffin and the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, the Grizzly duo became snubbed yet again. The NBA chose Sacramento’s Demarcus Cousins and Portland’s Damian Lillard to fill in for Griffin and Bryant.
Once he read Jared Dudley’s tweet, Tony Allen decided to voice his honest opinion. He stated the following response, in which Dudley found pretty funny. [Ed. note: Allen’s response tweet has been deleted, but Dudley’s quote tweet with a response is still live].
TA goes straight to the heart. Yet, you cannot argue against the Grizzlies’ Grindfather.
Marc Gasol–in a very deserving manner–was voted in by fans worldwide as the starting center for the game. However, has Z-Bo or Conley pleaded to the media (or on social media, for that fact) about being/not being All-Stars? No, at least not yet. But Damian Lillard? Yes. Multiple times now.
Here is a link from Yahoo! Sports to a few of Lillard’s long quotes where he expresses how “disrespected” he felt when he was snubbed from the original selections. Whether Dame’s words were–or were not–classy or right, it is surely safe to say that his bold remarks to people and players all across the league played a part in finally adding Lillard to the annual game.
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The Grizzlies have played so well–notching the league’s third best record with only 13 losses to date. They have beaten the two teams above them, too–Golden State and Atlanta–at both opponents’ hottest points this season.
Randolph, the double-double machine, and Conley, the offensive coordinator, cannot seem to find any love this year. Although Zach has made the All-Star roster multiple times in the past, Mike Conley is still looking for his first selection.
From the tweet, I guess Tony Allen is not a fan of Damian Lillard’s self-publicity. And the public pouting. And the whining. Yes, Lillard is a great player, but he nearly went off the deep end when he did not get what he wanted.
Mar 6, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball against Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen (9) during the game at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Spruce DerdenUSA TODAY Sports
It will most definitely be interesting to see Tony Allen play his lockdown defense on Damian Lillard when the two teams play on February 22nd–the Memphis Grizzlies’ first game after the NBA All-Star break.
Regardless of how many Grizzlies should have made the All-Star squad, it should be a guarantee that Zach Randolph and Mike Conley would both rather win a championship for the city of Memphis instead of receiving All-Star accolades.
Marc Gasol will represent Memphis and the Grizzlies exceptionally well this upcoming Sunday. Additionally, as 2015 moves forward, the future looks even brighter for the Grizz. Lifelong goals are set to come to fruition. World Champs, perhaps?
The best is yet to come, Grizz Nation.
What do you think about Tony Allen’s comments regarding the All-Star roster replacements and the lack of Grizzlies representing the West? Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
Go Grizz!