New Orleans Pelicans NBA Trade and Roster Rumors: Tony Allen Is Joining the Pelicans
It appears that the Grindfather is heading to New Orleans.
According to The Vertical's Shams Charania, former Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen is finalizing a one-year deal with the Pelicans.
The Pelicans have been searching for a wing player in the past few weeks because projected starting small forward Solomon Hill is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months after he underwent surgery to repair a proximal hamstring tear in his left leg.
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The team worked out free agent forwards Josh Smith, Martell Webster and Chase Budinger late last month, and Cleveland Cavaliers wing Iman Shumpert was reportedly on their radar as well. But it looks like New Orleans have decided to go with Allen.
Allen was selected into the All-Defensive first and second team three times each during his seven-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, and he's one of the best lockdown defenders in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He's not much of a scorer, though, and he's not a threat beyond the three-point line, so it will be interesting to see if Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry will put him in the starting lineup.
Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo aren't exactly lights out shooters beyond the arc, so the Pelicans may have to start someone else at small forward to help spread the floor.
They are still trying to re-sign Dante Cunningham, and he may get the start if he rejoins the team. However, he's not exactly known for his outside shooting either. E'Twaun Moore is an option as well. Who knows, Gentry may even play Ian Clark at small forward since he's arguably the best three-pointer shooter on the roster.
Still, Allen is expected to play significant minutes with the Pelicans and he's going to give them a huge boost on defense whenever he's on the floor.
