Tony Allen
Last year's stats: 19 mpg, 7.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg, fg% 48.5, ft% 72.5%
Projected Stats:
John: 9 mpg, 7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg, 1 spg, fg% 45%, ft% 75
Chuck: 6 mpg, 4 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.8 spg, fg% 45, ft% 77
What will help him the most?
Chuck: His expiring contract. My gut says this is the last year we see
Tony Allen in green, and it's possible he might be traded during the
season. He's playing for another contract and maybe that will keep him
motivated and focused during his limited court appearances. His
defensive skills might get him court time at the end of quarters when
teams have thrown a surplus of shooters on the court to take the final
shot. The Celtics should blow out a lot of teams this year and that
will lead to plenty of garbage time minutes for Tony to showcase his
skills.
John: A lack of back up PG. I think he could get some minutes early in the season as the C's try a patchwork back court behind Rajon Rondo. That could open up some minutes for Tony to give Paul Pierce a rest. But as the season moves on and the C's move more towards a more traditional point guard to back up Rondo, TA will grab more pine time.
What will hurt him the most?
Chuck: The acquisition of Marquis Daniels. I don't see any room in the rotation for Tony. Even if Marquis spends time in the backcourt with Eddie House, I see a slimmed down Glen Davis and/or Bill Walker vying for time at small forward. TA is the type of player who needs steady minutes to play his game. Not knowing his role on a nightly basis will only contribute to his inconsistent play.
John: Chuck's right about the inconsistent playing time. He's just not going to get them, no matter where the C's play Daniels. Tony is going be sitting a lot, and that's going to mess with his head. We all know what happens then.
Burning question: Will TA ever play as well as he did in 2007 before the knee injury?
Chuck: Maybe? When Tony Allen is playing his best, he's attacking the basket and finishing with electrifying dunks. He can also defend some of the quickest guards in the league. We witnessed his best during the 2007 season. But Tony never seems to have his mind and body healthy at the same time. When he's playing his best basketball, an injury always seems to pop up. And when he's physically healthy, it seems like the mental mistakes become a problem. He's a frustrating talent.
John: He could, but probably not with the Celtics. He needs to go somewhere where he can get more minutes. The fact that he's even an option should tell you something about his talent. At his best, he can be a primary offensive AND defensive option. But I just don't see him reaching that level anymore in Boston.
Previous player projections: Rajon Rondo & Brian Scalabrine