By Will Locklin August 24, 2022 10:00 am
By Will Locklin | August 24, 2022 10:00 am ET
Who comes to mind when we think of all-time great perimeter defenders? Certainly the host of guards and wings to win the DPOY award. Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Sydney Moncrief, and Marcus Smart are all hallmarks of pesky perimeter defense. Wings like Kawhi Leonard, Ron Artest, and Scottie Pippen have all made their mark in different eras. But there’s one staunch guard who was bad news for the other team any time he checked into the game.
Tony Allen stands a mere 6’4 with a 6’9 wingspan but made the most of his compact size. A strong indicator of all-time great perimeter defense pertains to how well one defends the best offensive threats in the league. Tony Allen has a pretty compelling resume. He’s clamped down against the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. If that seems like hyperbole then stay with me a bit longer as we dive into some of his film.
Before diving into Tony Allen’s film, it’s important to note what his role was within the teams he played on. Allen was a big part of two excellent defenses, the 2008-10 Boston Celtics who ranked in the top 2-5 in DRTG those seasons. Then also the 2011-15 Memphis Grizzlies, who ranked in the top 5-10 in DRTG those years. In both stints, Allen was used as a point of attack defender to bother opposing teams top perimeter threats.
He thrived in that role but also received plenty of help from a strong nucleus of defensive talent. As was often the case of both teams, Allen’s risky play style led to some potential breakdowns that could’ve been exploited. But because Boston and Memphis were so well equipped from head to toe on the defensive end, Allen was able to get away with more gambles. None of this discredits Allen’s play but it’s worth clarifying before analyzing his tape.
This clip paints the picture of what Tony Allen’s defense was like. He starts off chasing CJ McCollum along the baseline. As McCollum comes off the down screen, Allen splits the gap to meet him at the point. After his feet get a bit locked up, Allen scurries over the re-screen. Help closes off McCollum’s driving lane and he’s forced to pass out. Once Lillard catches the ball, Allen gambles by not closing out to his man but the gamble pays off. Allen’s cat-like quick hands force a poor pass from Lillard and the ball is loose on the ground. Then in classic Tony Allen fashion, he dives for the loose ball and immediately gives it up to initiate a Memphis fastbreak.
In that one clip, we saw Allen navigate an off-ball, go over the side ball screen, play in defensive gaps with ready hands and hustle for every second of the possession. These defensive instincts and skills are just a snapshot of Allen’s brilliance on this end.
Boston Celtics, featured, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, new, Headlines, NBA
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