Tony Allen

[micah kenneth]

There may be some big opposition to my thoughts on Tony Allen, and that's fine, everyone is entitled to think and believe what they will.
Tony Allen had a season of recovery, his play was both physically and mentally careful which hampered his confidence for a good stretch of the season, he was of course inconsistent and that was to be expected by the coaches and the fans.
However Tony can be a  force defensively and offensively next year with a complete season of rehabbing  now over and with a championship ring he's more inspired than ever to be a big part of the C's. Tony is a very tough cover for most players in a one on one situation, he's quick, he's strong, and he's aggressive. If only Ray Allen would spend some time teaching Tony how to shoot the ball better turning Tony into serious combination threat from the inside to the outside and then on the defensive end.
I would hold onto Tony Allen for another season to see what he's able to do now that he's fully recovered.
 I've seen him play in college this guy though at times is a bit out of control can play a strong game.

[Redz]

I have no problem with Tony remaining a part of this team, but it's going to come down to finances and his willingness to accept what the Celtics offer (if they, in fact, have any interest is another issue)

[wdleehi]

I think TA is back for one more year just because I don't think anyone else will make a run at him because he is a restricted FA. 



I hope he learns this offseason how to come off the bench and contribute no matter how much he has been playing.  Spend some time with House and Powe. 

[Who]

I'd like to see Tony Allen get a good opportunity next season even if it's elsewhere.

I was thinking about this the other day, on which role player is the best penetrator. Which role player drives the best and gets to the rim best. So someone under the MLE (excluding rookie contracts) which Tony has no hope of getting. And .... I couldn't think of anyone who's better than Tony especially on the wings. Is Tony Allen the best penetrating player earning under 5mil a year? I'm going to try and think of a few more names to put up there against him.

I have Tony Allen down as one of the steals of Free Agency with the caveat of good health. I think he'll have a breakout season if given the opportunity to play.

[footey]

I'd love TA back. My second biggest fear is that the Lakers will make an offer for him that we won't be able to match. My biggest fear is that they will go hard bore for Posey.

[wdleehi]

I'd love TA back. My second biggest fear is that the Lakers will make an offer for him that we won't be able to match. My biggest fear is that they will go hard bore for Posey.

I would love it if the Lakers wasted that much money. 

[Who]

I'd like to see Tony Allen get a good opportunity next season even if it's elsewhere.

I was thinking about this the other day, on which role player is the best penetrator. Which role player drives the best and gets to the rim best. So someone under the MLE (excluding rookie contracts) which Tony has no hope of getting. And .... I couldn't think of anyone who's better than Tony especially on the wings. Is Tony Allen the best penetrating player earning under 5mil a year? I'm going to try and think of a few more names to put up there against him.

I have Tony Allen down as one of the steals of Free Agency with the caveat of good health. I think he'll have a breakout season if given the opportunity to play.

So I just went down a list of players and I could only spot 6/7 guys that I felt were comparable penetrating players to Tony Allen earning under $6mil a season (excluding rookie contracts). Only one of those players did I feel was a superior penetrator than Tony and that was John Salmons for the Kings earning $5.1mil a season.

That's impressive. So many teams lack a fourth player who can beat his man one-on-one or a player who can get to the rim when their stars are doubled resorting to perimeter shots instead. Having someone who could fill that void would make a huge difference to many teams.

[Andy Jick]

i think the problem right now is that we're on this emotional high and we're forgetting that tony, for the most part, still doesn't get it.  he was a VERY small part of our winning a title.  if it's money that can be used elsewhere, then i'd let tony walk.

i hope he succeeds, but i still don't like his game...he's too erratic, makes poor decisions, and hasn't quite grasped the concepts after all these years in doc's system.

i vote to let him go...

[wdleehi]

i think the problem right now is that we're on this emotional high and we're forgetting that tony, for the most part, still doesn't get it.  he was a VERY small part of our winning a title.  if it's money that can be used elsewhere, then i'd let tony walk.

i hope he succeeds, but i still don't like his game...he's too erratic, makes poor decisions, and hasn't quite grasped the concepts after all these years in doc's system.

i vote to let him go...

They have him locked in for one more year at a 2.7 qualifying offer.  If they don't give him that, that money can not be used on another player is a signing. 

So I think if no other team wants to offer him more, he is fine at that amount for one more year.

[PRIDE]

Tony needs to make sure the knee is healthy and work on exploding to the rim. He is very strong and can penetrate on almost anybody. His energy can bring a lot to this team next year. His biggest concerns are his handles and his shooting. Two things that he can easily improve.

[celticfan10]

I like Tony Allen for his defense...I also wonder if the lack of playing time/knee recovery issues played into the whole "he doesn't look like he gets it" feeling.  He is a defensive minded slasher, and at the price he could be signed I don't think hurts us at all.

[Redz]

And yes, for the record I am making it my personal responsibility to remind the world of the following statement - I just can't get it out of my head.

Tony Allen's career ends with the Celtics' season.

heh?

I will forever give up posting on any sports related blog if Tony Allen has an NBA contract next year.

Do we have witnesses here?

I'm not a huge Tony Allen fan at this point, but you might want to aim a little lower on a "guaranteed out of the NBA" claim.

Do you think he'll get a better offer outside the league and jump on it, or do you just think he's fallen so badly that no one will give the guy a shot in the NBA?

[Chris]

I think TA is back for one more year just because I don't think anyone else will make a run at him because he is a restricted FA. 



I hope he learns this offseason how to come off the bench and contribute no matter how much he has been playing.  Spend some time with House and Powe. 

Exactly.  It is in both the C's, and Tony's best interest that he accepts the qualifying offer. 

The C's will get an extra body, who does have an NBA level skill on the defensive side of the ball...and could still end up "getting it". 

Tony gets another chance to prove himself, and earn a bigger contract after next year.  If he comes out next year, and shows some more mental maturity, and in general plays well, then he could concievably earn himself an MLE contract, or more.  I wouldn't count on it, but it could happen.

[LB3533]

Tony should stay and we should want him to stay...he and Rondo and Perk as well as Powe and Big Baby will help our Big 3 sustain longer careers.

[BirdNerd]

before he got hurt, TA was playing out of his skull.

he'll be heard from again, the toughest part of post injury is the mental, timing, and confidence.   

if he can get his handle straight, he'd be a great Ray Ray backup plan.   he's a full on disrupter out there, makes things happen without touching the ball.