The signing of NBA veteran Tony Allen adds grit and experience while also improving the New Orleans Pelicans defensively.
It has officially been reported that the New Orleans Pelicans signed forward to a one-year minimum veteran contract. The Pelicans were in need of a wing player with out for part of the season due to injury; as a result, they went out and signed the 13-year vet.
Allen is widely known for his ability to guard pretty much any player in the league. Whoever is the opposing team’s best player will most likely be guarded by Allen. Last season for the Memphis Grizzlies Allen made the all-defensive second team, and throughout his career Allen has made the all-defensive team an outstanding six times.
Personally, I like the signing of Allen for New Orleans because he’ll add grit and experience to their roster.
Also, Allen is familiar with Rajon Rondo; the two won a championship together in 2008 with the Boston Celtics so the chemistry between them will be already there.
Defensively the Pelicans took a step forward but offensively they remain the same. Since New Orleans signed Allen in place of Hill, Allen will probably be a starter, especially if the Pelicans aren’t able to sign another forward before the start of the season.
At this point in his career, however, Allen is more of a backup player than a starter, and he would be a great fit as a backup if the Pelicans could sign another forward.
My only concern about Allen is that he shrinks the court offensively.
Rondo is already a poor shooter and with Allen in the starting lineup spacing will be limited for and .
At this point in the offseason, it will be hard for the Pelicans to find a starting forward before the start of the regular season. All of the free agents that are available have either been out the league for a while or just aren’t good enough to be starters in the league.
Although the Pelicans still need another forward, this was a good move by management.
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