During training camp, new Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach David Fizdale has been playing veteran Tony Allen at point guard.
Allen, who usually plays at the shooting guard position and has the ability to defend much bigger forwards, told the Commercial Appeal that Fizdale wants the 34-year-old to expand his game:
“I don’t want to be the primary backup point guard guy but I want some spot minutes at it. I don’t want to take away from my first-team attributes. I didn’t have any key assists. But I was getting the team in formations, putting guys in the right spot and know what plays to make when the defense reacts. It’s more about veteran savvy.”
The 2008 NBA champion definitely has the ability to match up against the NBA’s best point guards on the defensive end. His lack of shooting prowess would be less of an issue if he wasn’t required to space the floor like he is when playing shooting guard.
He will need to improve his handles and his court vision if he is to regularly play as point guard for the Grizzlies, but if there is anyone that has shown that they are willing to put the work in, it’s Tony Allen.
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