Can We Bring Back Tony Allen?

[KGs Knee]

To answer the question, no we can not bring TA back.  Memphis surely ain't trading him for BBD.

As far as the dialouge so far on this topic, yes, at times TA frustrated me, but, he also was an invaluable defender who had some redeeming qualities on offense.  The issue was always how to mitigate his mistakes.  Based on the role he played here, that was always going to be difficult.

Ultimately, I always thought TA had value when healthy, and wished he was kept.  It sure would have been nice to have had someone to defend against Wade/LeBron this past season.

[jambr380]

TA the "leader" of the Grizzlies???  Are you guys serious???
On a team with Z-Bo, Gay, Conley, Gasol, and Mayo who have been there for years, and also Battier coming in, TA is nowhere near the top of the pecking order there.  Now to his credit he did have a decent season, similar to what he did for the C's before his injury when he got decent playing time.  But let's not overstate his impact.  I just remember when he returned to TD Garden for the first time as a Grizz, he fired 3 airballs; same old TA.  For every great play he makes, he makes 2 or 3 bad ones.

Yeah, those couple air balls definitely outweigh the steal and dunk that put them up 7 and won the game.

Typical; ever think you just notice the mistakes more because you hate him?  If you really think he makes 3 bad plays for every good one then I'd check your math.

Most of greenpride's points are valid, though. I understand that he was a huge piece in winning the game against Boston last year, but he is nowhere near the leader for Memphis. I always liked what Tony added to our team while he was here, but he was tough to watch, at times. 'Lock down' defenders off the bench are a nice commodity to have, but most people seemed to think that his time had come to an end here.

I am glad he found a niche in Memphis and am happy he is successful in his current role, but let's not overrate the guy either. As for a trade for BB - personally, both guys are of about equal value, in my opinion...

[Yogi]

Let's see:
Championship = check
Playing for a great coach = check
Playing with and learning from Hall of Famers = check
Tough as nails, never back down attitude = check
Beating the **** out of OJ Mayo and putting him in his place = check
Filling in for one of their best players (Rudy Gay) and leading them to victory against the number one seed = check
Yeah that's a lot closer to leadership than getting 20 10.

You can't compare Tony's production for the Grizzlies with what he did with the Celtics.  He really improved almost every aspect of his game and really grew into his role there.  Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because the grass is actually greener. 

[boom]

I'm Team Tony.

I love the guy, have his autograph and jersey and play Memphis in NBA2K11 just to play as Allen.

I'm realize I'm sick in the head, but I always thought highly of TA. I was at the game he blew out his knee..heartbreaking at the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PWNkY5TY6s

[Chris]

You can't compare Tony's production for the Grizzlies with what he did with the Celtics.  He really improved almost every aspect of his game and really grew into his role there.  Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because the grass is actually greener. 

I would argue that he grew into that role, because that role fit his skillset a lot better than the role the C's were asking him to do. 

And this is the thing about the NBA.  Beyond superstars, it is all about fit.  Sometimes you have talented guys who are a square peg in a round hole on one team, but fit like a glove on another.  That was Tony IMO.  He was a terrible fit in Boston's tight system that relied on out executing the other team, but he was perfect for Memphis, who relied on winning with grit, hustle, and tenacity. 

[Yogi]

You can't compare Tony's production for the Grizzlies with what he did with the Celtics.  He really improved almost every aspect of his game and really grew into his role there.  Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because the grass is actually greener. 

I would argue that he grew into that role, because that role fit his skillset a lot better than the role the C's were asking him to do. 

And this is the thing about the NBA.  Beyond superstars, it is all about fit.  Sometimes you have talented guys who are a square peg in a round hole on one team, but fit like a glove on another.  That was Tony IMO.  He was a terrible fit in Boston's tight system that relied on out executing the other team, but he was perfect for Memphis, who relied on winning with grit, hustle, and tenacity. 

Agree fully.  Tony is a much better fit in Memphis than he is in Boston.  He can display his athleticism in offense, and have much more freedom on defense.