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Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Candidates Who Should Represent the Franchise at the NBA Draft Lottery

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 9: Tayshaun Prince #21, Marc Gasol #33, Tony Allen #9, Mike Conley #11, and Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrate during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats on April 9, 2013 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 9: Tayshaun Prince #21, Marc Gasol #33, Tony Allen #9, Mike Conley #11, and Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrate during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats on April 9, 2013 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies NBA Draft Lottery
Memphis Grizzlies NBA Draft Lottery /

Tony Allen, Innovator of “Grit-‘N’-Grind”

Occasionally, you will see an NBA team send a former player — a legend — to the NBA Draft Lottery to represent the franchise and to provide some additional good luck in hopes of a high pick. The Memphis Grizzlies should absolutely utilize this tactic through the avenue of Tony Allen, also known as “The Grindfather.”

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The problem with this idea is that Tony Allen is not officially retired from the NBA. Yet. He did not play at all in the 2018-19 NBA season, and he only logged 273 total minutes through 22 regular season games in 2017-18. Still, it would not be a good look for Memphis to send Allen to the NBA Draft Lottery while he is not under contract with the team and he is not officially retired.

Behind the scenes, perhaps Tony Allen has put the idea of continuing his playing days behind him. That is a legitimate possibility considering he has been a weekly guest on Chris Vernon’s weekly show for Grind City Media. All he has to do in order to get his jersey retired by the Memphis Grizzlies is to officially call it quits on playing, then a date will be set in stone.

Perhaps 2019 is too soon to have Allen represent the franchise at the NBA Draft Lottery. However, it would make perfect sense at some point in the near future. He is personable. He is an NBA World Champion. Everybody knows Tony because he has shut down everybody’s favorite scorers outside of Memphis, Tennessee. The popularity is there. Above all else, he has been a good luck charm for the Grizzlies in the past, so there should be no doubt about his luck within a Draft setting.

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