Memphis Grizzlies: A Position-by-Position Breakdown (Shooting Guards)

Tony Allen

One of my most favourite battles to watch last playoffs was Tony Allen going toe to toe with Kevin Durant. On paper, it was a no brainer – Allen at 6’4, was five inches shorter than NBA scoring extraordinaire, Kevin Durant; it would have been child’s play for Durant to score.

But boy oh boy, was everyone in for a treat.

Durant was forced to work for every point he scored. Allen worked tirelessly, running through screens, keeping on Durant’s hip, making sure nothing was easy for the MVP. Durant shot only 36% while guarded by Allen, and 57% against everyone else.

And while Oklahoma City won the series, Allen came out of the series with many referring to him as “the best perimeter defender in the NBA.”

Strengths: Defense

"“You just do it,” he would say. I would counter: “OK, so, there is one large man running at you with the singular goal of blocking your path, and a slithery 7-foot scorer directing you into that large man’s chest. What is the best strategy for avoiding that large man?” And he would respond, again and again: “You just do it. You don’t get screened.”"

That’s a quote from a conversation Allen had with Grantland’s Zach Lowe. And that quote perfectly sums everything about Allen.

Allen is a defensive stalwart. What he lacks in size and athleticism, he makes up for in heart and determination. Allen plays defense like it’s the last thing he does on planet Earth. This is what Allen does to you on defense:

• Post up? He will deny you the post position.
• Oh, you have post position? He will deny you the entry pass.
• Having someone set you a screen? He will fight that screen, all the while making sure he’s still stuck on his opponent’s hip.

But Allen isn’t all just about will and determination; he has the defensive instincts and smarts too. He knows he has a defensive anchor in Marc Gasol, and will happily funnel his man through to Gasol. He plays patient defense and doesn’t allow himself to go for unnecessary attempts at steals. At only 2.2 fouls per game, Allen plays hard but fair defense on his opponent.

He truly can be considered “Best Perimeter Defender in the NBA.”

Weaknesses: Scoring, Health

And this, unfortunately, is the reason why Memphis had to bring in Courtney Lee. Allen is an under-average shooter and scorer, and did not help the Grizzlies with their floor spacing. He has always struggled on the offensive end, and opponents have been more and more willing to leave him open on offensive possessions.

Allen was limited in his offensive production last season, having more single digit points totals (31) than double digit games (24). The Grizzlies do not need him to shoot lights out or be a volume scorer, but his increasingly deficient shotmaking ability is starting to affect the team on offense.

Another concern is his health. After watching Allen play defense, I was not surprised to learn that he has had to battle with a variety of ailments recently. He has developed a reputation as a player who prefers to have his body feel 100 percent before playing, and as he gets older, he might have to spend more time on the treatment table.

Role and Expectations

Unfortunately, we might see less of Tony next season. With the way his body is breaking down, and his inability to be a floor-spacing option, he might be played backup minutes or as a defensive specialist. Unless Allen improves his shooting, we might see less of him on the court.

With the addition of Jordan Adams, the Grindfather will have to compete with the rookie for more playing time. Perhaps this will be all for the better, as Allen looked fresher in the playoffs, after playing less minutes and starting less games.

All hail the Grindfather.