Tony Allen: the Memphis Grizzlies most underrated player?
Today CBSSports.com’s Matt Moore, a noted fan of the Memphis Grizzlies, broke each NBA team’s most underrated player. Do you agree with his pick for the Grizz?
Before we get started, I need to address my bias on the situation. I do not have a favorite NBA team. After Michael Jordan retired when I was a kid, I did not have an NBA player to love. As I got back into watching the NBA, there was one guy on the Celtics that I loved. KG? Awesome, but he’s not Tim Duncan. Paul Pierce? I prefer my favorite players walk off of the court under their own power. Ray Ray? Who doesn’t love a 3-point sniper who can work off the dribble? But no, none of these guys caught my eye. The guy that I loved the most on the ’08 Celtics was Tony Allen.
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The reason that I bring this up was because Matt Moore released an article today that broke down the most underrated player on each NBA team. When I came across the Grizzlies, I was pleasantly surprised with his choice. Here is what he wrote about The Grindfather.
"The Grindfather has been wiped away in most people’s minds since the Warriors stopped defending him 18 months ago. But Allen is considered a top-flight defender for a reason. There are good defenders, there are great defenders, and then there’s Tony Allen who makes a huge difference all on his own. Throw in the fact that he’s a great slasher and that every plus-minus data point suggests he helps Memphis win and it’s time to chill with the idea that just because Allen can’t knock down a three to save his soul, he can’t help a team be great. He can, and does."
In defense of Tony Allen
This is a sentiment that I could not agree more with. It seems that he is consistently forgotten about by members of the national media. Overlooked in the age of pace in space is Allen’s ability to play basketball. Is he a proficient 3-point shooter? Nope. Are his fast breaks an adventure that are just as likely to send the crowd into a frenzy as they are to end up on Shaqtin’ a Fool? You betcha’. With that being said, the Grizzlies are without a doubt a better team with Allen on the floor.
Allen is a five-time All-NBA Defensive player. His chops there are unquestioned. Kobe freaking Bryant said that Allen was the toughest defender he has ever faced. There cannot be much higher praise.
Some may believe it is time for Allen may need to head to the bench to split minutes with Chandler Parsons at small forward, but I respectfully disagree. It may bolster the Grizzlies’ uncertain bench but I love Allen in the starting lineup. I love the look of the opposing teams best perimeter player whenever he gets in their grill. I also believe that minutes staggering could unlock more minutes for Tony at the 3 position; including small-ball lineups with Parsons at the 4. And his work off the ball? The work of a basketball savant.
Grindfather’s On/Off Stats
Let’s check TA’s on/off stats that Matt mentioned in his column. Grizzlies offensive rating: Allen on 106.1/Allen off 105.1 (per 100 possessions). Not a huge difference but seeing as Allen is a non shooter he must be an awful offensive player, right? Incorrect. Grizzlies opponents offensive rating: Allen on 106.8/Allen off 108.5 (per 100 possessions). I’m no math major, but I believe that if the offense is one point better and the defense almost two points better that would prove the Grizzlies are more efficient with Tony on the floor.
If you’re into small sample size bias (which, I totally am) the Grizzlies were an astronomical 14 points per 100 possessions better on defense with Allen on the floor in their playoff series versus the Spurs. That’s a huge number even in that small of a timeframe.
Who knows if Tony’s time in Memphis is close to the end. It has been one hell of a ride and I don’t imagine that this season will be any different. I’m looking forward to Tony’s high energy defense, awesome fast break adventures, and most importantly; world class bench antics.
Is Tony Allen the most underrated player on the Grizzlies?
This is tough. You could argue that Marc Gasol is the best center in the league (I would as well). I would also argue that Mike Conley is underrated (although, his price tag disagrees). I would be interested to see your opinion. Check out our Twitter poll on @BealeStreetBearsFS to give us your opinion.