The Tony Allen Love Train

[Celtics17]

I'm on board. I just hope that Mr. Rivers is, as well.

With Marquis still out and Paul sidelined for probably at least a couple of games, TA is going to get minutes in the near future. I worry, though, that he might get shelved when the team gets back to full health.

In light of Doc saying that he wants this team to be the best defensive team in the history of pro sports, I feel that the best perimeter defender on the squad ought to be a big part of it.

Alot of fans are contemplating some sort of trade before the upcoming deadline. TA is often mentioned as one of the primary chips to improve our team going forward. Whatever happens with TA, I'm thrilled with the way he has played so far this season. Over the past few years, TA has hands down been the most villified and hated Celtic. Admittedly, he has deserved alot of the criticism that he's received, but he has bounced back strong and shown that he can be an elite defender in this league. Keep it up, Tony. . . hopefully, in a green uniform.

[hurdler]

I'm the engineer of that train.

15-20 mins of defense and hustle including some mins with starts who can create good opportunities or take pressure off from being a scorer. He's a decent role player that's all I ever advocated for.

[ThroughThatDoor]

I'll admit, I've come completely around on him. There was no one bigger on the I hate Tony Allen train last year than I was and this year it was hard at first but I've really grown to love him and get excited whenever he's on the floor.

[Celtics17]

Woot! Woot! All aboard!!!

[Falcon63]

Liking his production right now, but not on board yet, gonna wait a few more games before deciding.

[RAH]

I agree that Tony has been playing really well this season. Seems to me that the problem with him is that in the past (when not injured) he has been REALLY inconsistent, even more than a normal reserve/role player. And his inconsistencies and crazy mistakes can be really scary - e.g. fouling guys shooting 3-pointers. So far this season he seems to have tamed his out-of-control side and is playing better, perhaps because of maturity.

I wonder why no one has taught him to shoot properly in all the years he has been in basketball, thru college and now in the pros. That jump shot of his (held beside his head) is pretty poor form, and he uses the same motion for his free-throws, which have been a problem this year (although fairly good in prior years). With all the time he's had off, and all the various couches the teams have, why hasn't he learned to shoot properly?? Hitting jump shots is one of the deficiencies of his game, and it doesn't appear that he has worked at it much. His slashing game would be MUCH improved if he could add a jump shot to it (in other words, like Paul Pierce - hey, what an idea!)

I know a lot of folks badmouth Rondo on this forum, especially his foul shooting (rightly so), but at least his foul shooting form is pretty good, which bodes well for the future, and his jump shooting clearly has improved. So if he can do it, why not Tony? Maybe I'm placing too much emphasis on the FORM of their shots, but Tommy Heinsohn emphasizes this a lot and obviously considers it very important in making a player a good and consistent shooter (especially on free throws).

[vct33]

I think shooting (especially foul shooting) is a lot like putting in golf. With enough practice you can achieve decent results regardless of your form. However, a good sound form without a lot of extra movement will always prevail when the pressure is the greatest. I have no doubt that Tony & Rajon probably can sit in practice and knock down free throws all day long. The problems arise when the shots count the most.

[RAH]

I have no doubt that Tony & Rajon probably can sit in practice and knock down free throws all day long. The problems arise when the shots count the most.
You may very well be right. During the game the other night, they were talking about Dwight Howard and that he had said that he could hit 80 out of 100 free throws in practice. The press acted skeptical so he had reporters come to practice and watch him shoot 100. He hit 85 or 87 (I forget which)! I think I heard Heinsohn once say that the reason foul shooting is hard is because you are running like mad and then all of a sudden you have to stop and shoot calmly. Hence all the slow breathing they do to try to relax, etc. Heinsohn said the proper way to practice foul shots is to run around between every few shots. Makes sense. I actually don't think the pressure of the game is all that much a factor, especially in the middle of a regular game. I suppose during "crunch time" it probably is, however.

[apc]

That’s a good point. I was in the army and when shooting after running while heavily breathing gets tricky, much harder the laying down calmly and shooting.

[Kiss My Arse]

Good for Tony.

BTW, APC, where were you and what did you do? I served a few places but my last stop was 160th at Campbell.

[texascelticsfan]

Tony is making a strong argument for playing Ray off the bench when Paul comes back. I would not mind seeing Ray transition to a Manu-like role, providing scoring punch off of the bench. Of course, it'd be an adjustment not being a "starter" but if it gets more wins.

[apc]

Israeli Armi :-)

[meta4]

I never thought I'd hear my self say this but, i actually said this out loud, a few games back..."Give the ball to Tony!". I seriously thought to myself..."what did I just say?".

[Falcon63]

He needs to show he's consistent before I jump on his bandwagon....a few games = nothing

[Celtics17]

He needs to show he's consistent before I jump on his bandwagon....a few games = nothing

I don't think the 25 games he's played in this year equal nothing. His emergence as a reliable wing defender equals the answer to an area of much concern for this team.

I'm looking forward to seeing Marquis return. His overall feel for the game on the offensive end is stronger than Tony's, but he is nowhere near the lock-down defender that TA is.

Billy, your window of opportunity for minutes this year is closing fast. Hoping for a blowout victory tonight with ample time for BW to make a case for himself.

[CelticSooner]

It's a good thing TA wasn't traded while trying to bring in Daniels. Nothing wrong with more bench depth. He's played well and I hope it continues.

[Celtics17]

On a team whose defensive focus and energy have been questioned, TA continues to be our best defensive player, a guy who brings it every night.

Also, has anyone else noticed that Tony has a positive assist/turnover ratio for the first time in his career and is shooting 51% from the floor.

All aboard . . . next stop Chicago, Illinois!