It’s the mid-July, and the Memphis Grizzlies and 29 other teams haven’t signed Tony Allen yet. What’s up with that?
A lot of the blockbuster signings have taken place. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry returned to Golden State, as expected. Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka are back with the 6, giving the core another run. Gordon Hayward shifted the landscape of the West when he fled East to play with Brad Stevens’ Boston Celtics.
The Memphis Grizzlies have made some moves that help them become more athletic and younger. Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans are now on the Grizzlies at the expense of Zach Randolph and Vince Carter.
As free agency dies down, there’s one available free agent that sticks out: “The Grindfather” Tony Allen.
Mr. “First Team All-Defense” is on the wrong side of 30 (35 to the exact), but his defense prowess is still there. This year, he was selected to Second Team All-Defense. In addition, his offensive numbers weren’t terrible, averaging 9.1 points on 46.1 percent shooting from the field and 5.5 rebounds – with an impressive 2.3 offensive rebounds.
Even though the league has fallen in love with the deep ball, his ability to lock opponents down on one end and generate second chances on the other is still valuable.
So, why isn’t he on a team yet? Why haven’t the Grizzlies re-signed him?
Why he should be on a team?
Though he provides a strong defense prowess, his lack of a jumper scares teams away. Using a spot on a 15-man roster on a shooting guard that can’t shoot is troublesome. However, teams needing a defensive specialist should be lining up for his services.
Teams out East need a designated “LeBron Stopper.” Granted, there’s no true way to stop the King, but a guy like Tony Allen could, at least, slow him down. Boston already has Marcus Smart to guard Kyrie Irving and Jae Crowder on LeBron. However, bringing back Tony Allen could help give those guys a breather without a defensive drop-off. Toronto and Washington are two Eastern Conference contenders in need of a defensive specialist.
Allen is a versatile defender, which allows him to guard either Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant. Some Western Conference teams would be wise to sign TA as a defensive specialist. Houston and San Antonio have enough spacing to nullify his mediocre shooting. The Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves have been mentioned as potential landing spots for the Grindfather as well.
Any young team could be interested in his services as a mentor. It’s hard to get young guys to buy into defense, and a guy like Tony Allen would help instill that into the team’s culture.
Tony Allen’s defensive tenacity is a commodity, even in today’s NBA. I’d be shocked if he’s without a team on opening night.
Related Story: 5 Best Landing Spots for TA
Why the Grizzlies haven’t signed him?
I’ve said all the things, and Grizzly fans are probably thinking: then why haven’t we signed him?
The Memphis Grizzlies are trying to change the team’s style, and they can’t do that without moving on from the past. Over the past several seasons, they would try to push the pace to no avail. They would just retreat back to “Grit ‘n’ Grind” basketball. If they really want to move forward, they can’t have the two guys that ignited the “Grit ‘n’ Grind” brand of basketball. They’ve already let Zach Randolph walk, and Tony Allen will probably be next.
In addition, there’s already a surplus of players at his position. Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans will probably absorb most of the playing time at the 2-guard. Summer League sensation Wayne Selden is ready for “big boy” minutes, and he not only proved that this summer but also in the playoffs. Then, they still have Troy Daniels, a 3-point specialist who can go en fuego at any moment.
It’s hard to find time for him at the small forward position as well. Obviously, there’s 94,000,000 reasons why Chandler Parsons is the Grizzlies’ number one small forward. James Ennis still has upside as a 3-and-D wing. Rookies Dillon Brooks and Rade Zagorac could also find minutes there once they adjust to the speed of the NBA.
Memphians would do anything for Tony Allen to return. There will be a Twitter riot once he signs with another team. While many – including myself – would love to see TA back on the Grizzlies, you have to ask yourself: with all these other wings, when would he play?
Next: Grizz Discuss Sign & Trade with Clips
Closing Remarks
Tony Allen has done a lot for the Memphis Grizzlies. He instilled and embodied a culture that’ll forever be a folk legend around the city. He played a big part in the seven-year playoff run. In addition, he’s proven that defensive still matters in this league.
It’s shocking to see Tony Allen without a team in mid-July, but whoever signs him will find a gem.