The big 3 need to speak up on Tony Allen's behalf
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:28 am
Tony Allen is our best defender outside of KG. Not as good offensively but at least he can usually get to the basket. He is one more play creator a defense has to pay attention to.
And here's a thought: If Tony is in guarding Joe Johnson, and Rondo can use his length to defend Bibby's 3 pt shot (or if Bibby is on the bench), the Hawks cannot hit a three pointer. This means that whoever else is in the game for us can afford to collapse the paint. This would effectively shut down Atlanta's offense, while allowing us to dominate the boards defensively.
I am not saying he should start - our first unt is playing well when all 5 are in the game. But it would make sense to have him in the game with our second unit, and/or to sub Ray out slightly early, let him get a quick breather, and then let him try to carry the 2nd unit. At other times, we can go small if thats required to get Tony in the game.
Also, when Cassell is in the game, IMO Tony needs to be in the game, or else our backcourt becomes a defensive liability.
This is little more than basic logic. If Doc is worried that he'll get criticized if he plays Tony and he turns the ball over here and there, he needs to get over it. That would be no different then sitting Ray Allen all 48 minutes just because he would likely give up a few easy baskets to Joe Johnson that another player wouldn't have allowed.
And here's a thought: If Tony is in guarding Joe Johnson, and Rondo can use his length to defend Bibby's 3 pt shot (or if Bibby is on the bench), the Hawks cannot hit a three pointer. This means that whoever else is in the game for us can afford to collapse the paint. This would effectively shut down Atlanta's offense, while allowing us to dominate the boards defensively.
I am not saying he should start - our first unt is playing well when all 5 are in the game. But it would make sense to have him in the game with our second unit, and/or to sub Ray out slightly early, let him get a quick breather, and then let him try to carry the 2nd unit. At other times, we can go small if thats required to get Tony in the game.
Also, when Cassell is in the game, IMO Tony needs to be in the game, or else our backcourt becomes a defensive liability.
This is little more than basic logic. If Doc is worried that he'll get criticized if he plays Tony and he turns the ball over here and there, he needs to get over it. That would be no different then sitting Ray Allen all 48 minutes just because he would likely give up a few easy baskets to Joe Johnson that another player wouldn't have allowed.