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Memphis Grizzlies: Ranking 5 Best Landing Spots for Tony Allen

By Nathan Chester

January 6, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9, left) celebrates with forward Zach Randolph (50, right) during overtime against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 128-119. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 6, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9, left) celebrates with forward Zach Randolph (50, right) during overtime against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 128-119. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MARCH 7: Kyrie Irving (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MARCH 7: Kyrie Irving (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a great team. Pretty big news, right?

They’re also a flawed team that could greatly use the help that Tony Allen provides. After all, Cleveland is a team that gave big minutes in the NBA Finals to Iman Shumpert, who can’t dribble or shoot, and the lifeless shell of the player who used to be Deron Williams.

Presented without comment.

Tony Allen would help alleviate Cleveland’s struggles on the defensive end. Cleveland was 22nd in defensive efficiency this past season and containing dribble pentetration was a major source of their issues. They didn’t have the slightest chance of slowing down the Warriors in the Finals. The Cavs will never be elite defensively, but Tony can help make them better in these areas.

Cleveland would also give Tony almost as large a role as he has in Memphis. Tony would easily have more minutes than anyone else in Cleveland’s backcourt coming off the bench. Depending upon J.R. Smith’s performance next season, Tony could even conceivably be in the starting lineup.

LeBron James will be as happy as anyone if Tony Allen joins the Cavs. Imagine an NBA Finals where Lebron doesn’t have to chase Kevin Durant around, but instead allows an elite defender like Tony Allen to do so.

All in all, Cleveland is the best fit for Tony Allen as he enters the twilight of his career. The Cavs would allow for him to contend for more championships while still allowing him to play a large role on the court. The Cavs need defense, and the Grindfather brings it in spades.

Next: The Legacy of Tony Allen

Have other ideas for where Tony Allen may go? Let us know in the comments below.

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