About a week ago I asked the following: How good are Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo? I then posted a piece on Perkins and disappeared from the blogosphere for a week. Needless to say I've been busy and it's good to be back. I am going pick things back up again today with a look at Tony Allen. As a reminder Tommy Heinsohn is known around these parts as The Minister of Information.
Tony Allen
Cons: Has suffered two knee injuries. The most recent one occurred last season and was absolutely devastating (see clip below). Allen has also had some trouble with the law.
Pros: A strong defender and excellent athlete. Some people argue that he briefly blacks out on dunks. While that is most likely untrue watch the clips below. Does he have any idea where he is? Also if anyone knows who started this rumor, well that would be helpful as well.
The Minister of Information's Take: This is a tough one. Allen got off to a slow start last season and Celtics fans were ready to give up on him. The Minister did not help things when he called for a three-dribble rule, arguing that Allen lost his effectiveness anytime he dribbled the ball more than three times. However, as the injuries piled up and Allen's conditioning improved, he got a lot of time. And for a brief stretch he was awesome. In the process Allen won back Boston fans and the Minister of Information as well. This lead to the following exchange after his season ending knee injury:
"Dire straits. Dire straits. You know where dire straits is?" - Minister of Information
"Africa?" - Gorman
"Just south of frustration." - Minister of Information
My Take: I am a big Tony Allen fan because he plays so damn hard. Sadly I tend to agree with Jeff from Celtics Blog and wonder if Allen will ever be 100% again. Furthermore, I strongly disagree with Danny Ainge's assessment that Allen can play the point (article archived). Of course Ainge runs an NBA franchise and I blog. I also wonder if Allen can put up big numbers on a winning team. I tend to think of him as more of a role player and wonder if Doc Rivers will ever maximize his talent.
Overall: Even though I am encouraged by reports that Allen is working hard, I am not expecting much from him this season.