Ainge on TA

[Change]

Well I was reading some of the threads in the Memphis forums and it seems like they think the Grizz are going to try to play OJ Mayo at the point now. This would open up room for TA in their starting lineup.

this is it. TA will have a significant role in Memphis. He can easily give Mem 10ppg While playing great D.

[Birdbrain]

Via Celtics Twitter:

Ainge on TA: "We had a good six years with Tony. It wasn't a financial decision. You'd have to ask Tony (why he didn't return).

Does this mean Ainge tried to match the offer? Do you think Tony Allen really just wanted out?

I think Tony Allen believes he's better than he really is and while I appreciated his effort he's better served on a bad team where his weaknesses don't impact big playoff games.

Yeah but his role isn't going to be much bigger in Memphis being behind OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay than it was here except he could get more run at the point because Rondo obviously better than Conley there for they would need TA to play at the backup point more so.

True maybe it was just that extra year that he so desired that pushed Memphis over the top.

[GreenEnvy]

TA never came off as the smartest person/player, so this isn't unexpected.

To leave a good situation in a great city to go to a worse situation in a Memphis (of all places) is difficult to rationally understand.

[greg_kite]

Well I was reading some of the threads in the Memphis forums and it seems like they think the Grizz are going to try to play OJ Mayo at the point now. This would open up room for TA in their starting lineup.

this is it. TA will have a significant role in Memphis. He can easily give Mem 10ppg While playing great D.

I agree.  They'll give him a chance to play a lot.  If he doesn't start he could still come in for Mayo or Conley and still play up to 30 minutes a game.  I like the pairing of Mayo and Allen.  Tony can always cover the tougher scorer on the other team.  Mayo could put up 20 a game but could never cover anyone.

[incoherent]

This is kind of boggling. Danny implies it wasn't about the money which implies we offered him a similar salary.  And with Paul/Ray's age certainly Tony would have gotten plenty of time on the court with us.

I don't know what to think of this statement yet.  Anyone know if TA has said anything at all about the move?

[mgent]

Didn't Tony say a couple months ago that he wanted to be a Celtic for the rest of his career?

Can't really blame him for leaving, I've always thought he was better off as a starter on a bad team.  I think a lot of his mistakes are just from lack of confidence.  With more minutes he can be a decent offensive player (14ppg).  I hope he can stay healthy and finally prove himself.

[bbd24]

TA hasn't said much about the move.  The writing is on the wall though.  He obviously wanted more time on the court and he thinks his chance will come in Memphis.

He has a better shot at getting more minutes there, than in Boston.

[xmuscularghandix]

Mayo’s been saying he wants to be a PG, so i’d do something like this...

STARTERS
PG- Mayo
SG- TA
SF- Gay
PF- Randolph
C - Gasol

BENCH
PG- Conley
 C - Thabeet
 W- Henry
SG- Dominique Jones

I think it’s worth a shot. Neither OJ or TA are PGs but both can handle the ball decently.
 

[Assassin70]

Wow, I am surprised that TA prob was unhappy with being on the team.

maybe TA wants to be a star player  

He had to potential to be before all of those injuries. I remember when Pierce went down and was out for a while and tony stepped in was dropping 20 ppg and 5 rpg during that stint. It was a great time for him until he was sidelined with the severe knee injury

While you are stating nothing but facts with the stats during that stint you also have to remember we were a terrible team that year.  Putting up good numbers on a terrible team is not that impressive.

[guava_wrench]

He’s probably sick of playing in a city where the fans wanted him gone most of the time.

I think this is a factor.

I also don't see why they couldn't play Mayo, TA, and Gay at the same time.

[guava_wrench]

Didn't Tony say a couple months ago that he wanted to be a Celtic for the rest of his career?

Can't really blame him for leaving, I've always thought he was better off as a starter on a bad team.  I think a lot of his mistakes are just from lack of confidence.  With more minutes he can be a decent offensive player (14ppg).  I hope he can stay healthy and finally prove himself.

Any comments like Tony's regarding remaining a Celtic should be read with the "all things being equal" disclaimer

[CoachBo]

A 2 who cannot make a jumper to save his life? Really?

Gotta love that Chris Wallace.

 

[kozlodoev]

With more minutes he can be a decent offensive player (14ppg).

From a guard who can't hit the rim from outside 10 feet? Don't hold your breath.

Allen used to shoot the occasional jump shot and three pointer early in his career, and even though the shot was funky it made him a better player. He shot slightly above .300 back then, which is not going to wow you, but compared to the zero makes last season, it's telling.

Tony Allen is strictly an offensive garbage man at this stage of this career, and if the Grizzlies plan to start him, this may end up being a thud of epic proportions... as much as anything in Memphis can be epic in NBA terms.

[More Banners]

You never know when TA would end back up in Doc's dog house. Although I hate to see him go, it was probably a good move for Tony.

This is surely true for TA, as it is for Quisy, BBD at times, Scal, and almost every person on the roster from the 7th spot on down.  [Sheed, in the 6th spot, was safe...]

It makes me wonder whether uncertainty regarding minutes would discourage FA's from coming to Boston, especially since we need some minimum-contract rotation players?

But I also believe [for whatever reason] that Tony thinks he can play more than 15-18 minutes.  I disagree, and think his value is highest when his role is most limited and most clear.  Perhaps this is similiar to Ariza going to Houston for a bigger role?

Another theory:  Tony was sick of all the chatter over the years about the team needing things like a stronger bench (when he was on it), tough defenders, a scorer off the bench (which he had done in the past, pre-injury, when we sucked), and decided to go where he was appreciated more.

Yet another theory:  Memphis is closer to his "Sweet Home" Chicago, easier to get to, and has a much lower cost of living?  Memphis better living than Boston?

[Mr October]

Interesting. He must think that he is capable of a bigger role. Perhaps he'll put up better numbers on a borderline playoff team.

On a contender he is limited to being a defensive specialist and a garbage man on offense.

Hopefully Danny's going to find a solid replacement.

Good luck to Tony Allen. I wish him success in the rest of his career.