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Memphis Grizzlies: Buy Or Sell Early-Season Statistics

By Tom Firme

Nov 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) defends against Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) defends against Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Allen’s Steals

Sell.

Once again, Allen has been the most reliable defender for the Grizzlies, even in their putrid performances. He’s shown the highest energy from game to game, deflecting passes and grabbing steals.

Still, Allen isn’t getting the number of thefts he should, even though he’s 10th in the league at 29 and averaging 1.7 per game. Part of the reason is that he’s getting only 22.6 minutes per game amid a crowded wing rotation. Allen has only played 25 minutes six times.

If Allen, who grabs 2.7 steals per 36 minutes this season and 2.3 for his career, gets more playing time, he has more chances to impact the defense and raise the energy for the team on that end. Also, he’ll be able to spark more fast break opportunities.

Eventually, players like 35-year-old Matt Barnes will need rest, and it will open more time for Allen to jump in and get steals.

Also, as the Grizzlies’ defense continues to tighten and work better as a unit, Allen will have more opportunities to snatch it from defenders.

Next: Gauging Jeff Green

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