Memphis Grizzlies 2016-17 Final Review: Tony Allen

As we round up our final thoughts on how each player of the Memphis Grizzlies, does Tony Allen’s performance indicate a return or departure?

The Grindfather, Tony Allen, is a catalyst for the Memphis Grizzlies. He may drive fans crazy with blown layups, bonehead shots and failed “And-1” impersonations. However, you can’t imagine the Grizzlies without him.

Tony Allen has been the starting shooting guard every year since their first playoff run in 2011. Recently, there’s been talk about a reduced role for the – lack of – shooting guard.

While he’s their best perimeter defender, his lack of shooting makes him a complete liability. In addition, his age is bound to catch up to him eventually.

Will he be the starting shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies next season? Who knows.

Will Tony Allen be on the roster next year? Now, that’s a question you can debate around town for the next few months.

As Allen is a free agent, the Grizzlies are caught in a dilemma. They have 11 of their 15 roster spots occupied and a total of $92M tied to them.

With guys like Andrew Harrison, Wayne Selden, Troy Daniels and James Ennis vying for an increased role, is the era of the Grindfather over?

As the question looms in your head, let’s review Tony Allen’s performance this season?

Offense

Most people think that Tony Allen’s offense is terrible. He’s not going to light teams up with his offense, but he did have one of his best offensive seasons as a Grizzly.

His scoring average (9.1) was his second-highest as a Grizzly, third-highest for his career.

Allen’s strongest skill on the offensive end is his rebounding. He averaged 2.3 offensive rebounds per game. Some guys who averaged 10 total rebounds a game didn’t even average that many offensive rebounds.

His ability to snag offensive rebounds is important to this team. Because JaMychal Green and Marc Gasol are sometimes stretched out to the 3-point line, someone has to keep possessions alive on missed shots.

Maybe his poor outside shooting is a blessing in disguise.

Offensive Grade: C

Defense

Tony Allen’s defense is his bread and butter. It drives the Memphis Grizzlies to new heights – and a top-10 defense. Whenever he’s not on his “First-Team, All-Defense” antics, the Grizzlies’ defense deteriorates.

It was evident in their playoff series against the Spurs. The Grizzlies needed someone to lock down MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard. Throughout the series, Leonard scored 32, 37, 18, 43, 28 and 29 points in each of the six games. James Ennis, Vince Carter and Wayne Selden did an admirable job guarding him. However, none of them possess Tony Allen’s elite defensive abilities.

While he may lose a step or two in the coming years, his ability to turn a game with defense is something very few in the league can do.

Defensive Grade: A

Related Story: TA: To Stay or to Go?

Final Grade: B

Tony Allen’s season wasn’t his best, but he was still solid. Coach Dave Fizdale found a way to make him useful on offense.

At times, teams implemented the “Tony Allen treatment” that knocked the Grizzlies out of the playoffs in 2013 and 2015. However, because their bigs expanded their range, the tactic has become less effective.

For the Grizzlies to raise their ceiling though, they need to acquire a shooting guard that can both shoot and score. I’m not saying that Tony Allen should leave the team. His defense, leadership and off-court impact are still second to none. Those traits are both valuable and essential to the Memphis Grizzlies. As evident in the playoffs, the Grizzlies didn’t have that “Grit ‘n’ Grind” swagger without their defensive maniac. Despite all this, he can still provide that … in a bench role.

As Tony Allen’s free agency decision lingers for the next few months, take time to appreciate what he’s done not just this season, but throughout his entire stint in Memphis.