Memphis Grizzlies Player Evaluation: Tony Allen (Grindfather)

May 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA;Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) prepares to dunk the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 101-86. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

‘Beale Street Bears’ takes a look at Tony Allen’s season for the 2014-15 Memphis Grizzlies and grades his award-winning performance.

If you are looking to name a game-changer on the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster, you need to look no further than Tony Allen, known around Grizz Nation as “The Grindfather.”

Season after season, TA provides the heart, hustle, grit, grind, and all other words that describe one bringing effort. The Grizzly locomotive is fueled by the Grindfather. When he is absent, Memphis becomes a completely different–and lesser-team on the floor.

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a play against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from his main goal of winning a second championship ring, Tony Allen set another bar that he wanted to reach in the 2014-15 season–to notch the award, and title, of First Team All-Defense. He did just that, finishing third overall in the voting with 207 total points received (just 35 points behind first place); therefore, earning a spot on the First Team list.

Along with the accomplished achievement comes more national–and perhaps global–attention for Allen and his Memphis Grizzlies. While the Grizz typically go unnoticed or fly under the radar, they are becoming a regular force in the postseason in which all other teams fear to play. Allen is a major reason for all of this and he completes the Grizzlies’ squad with his intangibles.

In 2014-15, TA appeared in 63 games while posting averages of 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.0 steals (career-high) on 49.5% field goal shooting. Additionally, he ranked third in the entire NBA in steals per game and owned a fourth-best (league-wide) defensive rating of 94.9. Needless to say, offense is not a top priority for Tony, but with the way the Grizzlies’ game plan is drawn, that is more than okay.

Despite not coming up with a championship banner this season, what letter grade does the Grindfather deserve? Some of the ‘Beale Street Bears‘ writers provide their thoughts below.

Ben Parker, Staff Writer

Grade: A

Assessment: “Tony Allen was a fantastic defender all season and played with a lot of heart in the series against Golden State. He definitely earned being on the NBA’s All-First Team for defense and is crucial to this team’s defensive identity. I give him an A.”

Justin Strawn, Staff Writer

Grade: A-

Assessment: “Arguably the most difficult player on the team to evaluate, Allen is there for one reason: #FirstTeamAllDefense. Since he was actually named to the NBA All-Defense First Team, I’ll give him an A-. He loses some points for the missed lay-ups.”

Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Dudley, Editor

Grade: A

Assessment: “Although Tony Allen’s offense fluctuates on nearly a weekly basis, his constant is the single most important thing to the Memphis Grizzlies–his defense. The media did their part by rightfully voting in favor of the Grindfather to earn accolades on the All-Defensive First Team. Had TA not suffered an aggravation of a hamstring injury, the Grizzlies just might have been able to continue their stifling defense on the Golden State Warriors’ backcourt following Game 3, which we saw Memphis leading 2-1.

With a healthy Allen, we might be discussing a Memphis Grizzlies versus Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Finals right now. Tony means that much to the Grizz and he is the No. 1 reason for Memphis toppling the Warriors in Game 2 and Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. For his tenacious defense, despite only scoring 8.6 points per game, he receives an A from me.”

Continue to check with ‘Beale Street Bears‘ as we conduct player evaluations for all current Memphis Grizzlies’ players throughout the coming days.

Go Grizz!

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