Tony Allen is a Pelican

Per shams

First team all defense?

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Originally Posted by shanetrain93

First team all defense?

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Possibly, we still need a shooter. I say go for Dunleavy or a Ennis trade or even McDermott trade

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Originally Posted by Silverfoxx

Possibly, we still need a shooter. I say go for Dunleavy or a Ennis trade or even McDermott trade

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I wonder if McDermott can be had cheaply (i.e. Euro player who will never come or a future 2nd). I expected Cunningham and a shooter. Maybe Cunningham is still possible and they consider him the shooter.

I don't know how to feel about this

BLAMO. You can question the fit offensively but when Hill went down, Allen was by far the best talent in the FA pool to fill the void.

I love Tony Allen but the fit is questionable. Hopefully he'll bring some grit and hustle to the locker room.
I know Dell's hands are tied a bit but he always seems to zig against his coach's zag. "My coach want defense? I'll get him players that can't defend a bike but can hit threes" "My new coach wants shooters? Time to focus on defensive players who can't hit a shot". At the same time, I don't hate the commitment to zig while the rest of the league zags.

Part of me hopes we don't see a lot of Rondo and Allen out there together. It took three hall of fame players in their prime who fit well next to each other when that worked in the past and one of them was the second best shooter of all time. At the same time, Rondo/Jrue/Allen/AD/Boogie should be able to completely lock any team up that doesn't move the ball well. I think ball movement a-la 2011-14 Spurs probably still causes some issues but there aren't too many teams that smart or talented to pass with that level of intelligence. I'm not a big believer in the effect that coaches have on their teams but Alvin is a bit of a system coach and this is the antithesis of his system. Might be interesting.

Still expect either Ajinca or Asik to be off the roster by the start of the season.

So are we really going to start him at SF?

Most positive takeaway is that our games just got more fun to watch even if his offensive deficiency hurts us. The dude is fun as hell.

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

So are we really going to start him at SF?

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Yes we are and it's a great signing.

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Originally Posted by Jabberwalker

I love Tony Allen but the fit is questionable. Hopefully he'll bring some grit and hustle to the locker room.
I know Dell's hands are tied a bit but he always seems to zig against his coach's zag. "My coach want defense? I'll get him players that can't defend a bike but can hit threes" "My new coach wants shooters? Time to focus on defensive players who can't hit a shot". At the same time, I don't hate the commitment to zig while the rest of the league zags.

Part of me hopes we don't see a lot of Rondo and Allen out there together. It took three hall of fame players in their prime who fit well next to each other when that worked in the past and one of them was the second best shooter of all time. At the same time, Rondo/Jrue/Allen/AD/Boogie should be able to completely lock any team up that doesn't move the ball well. I think ball movement a-la 2011-14 Spurs probably still causes some issues but there aren't too many teams that smart or talented to pass with that level of intelligence. I'm not a big believer in the effect that coaches have on their teams but Alvin is a bit of a system coach and this is the antithesis of his system. Might be interesting.

Still expect either Ajinca or Asik to be off the roster by the start of the season.

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Damn I agree with you. Love Allen not sure he fits. I'll let this one play out.

I'm excited.

Another undersized player that can't shoot. Great!

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Originally Posted by Topdawg26

Another undersized player that can't shoot. Great!

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The Pelicans will battle teams with their big men on offense, and battle the Warriors' shooters with Allen. I don't know how big a part Allen had on it, but he is a great defender, and the Grizzlies gave the Warriors problems, winning I think twice against them last season.

People are underrating Rondo here. With him feeding Jrue, Davis, and Cousins, this team is gonna be nasty.

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Originally Posted by Topdawg26

Another undersized player that can't shoot. Great!

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Who is our other undersized player? Rondo and Jrue are probably one of the biggest backcourts in the entire NBA and AD and Cousins are grown men against anyone.

As far as the signing goes, I've been saying it for weeks now since Hill got injured. Tony Allen just made WAY too much sense. How many minutes does he play and does he start? I don't know. That depends on Miller and who else we sign. But one thing you need in this league is a shut down wing defender and Tony Allen gives us that. Even if he is only brought off the bench to guard the other teams best wing, it's a great fit.

People forget Rondo has shot 35% or higher from 3pt for 3 years in a row now. He actually shot better than Moore from 3pt last year.

I like the signing, especially with the twin towers guarding the rim. Though I hope that last roster spot goes to somebody capable of guarding 3/4

Without knowing any of the details of Tony Allen's deal, I hope our last roster spot goes to Cunningham.

Looking less and less likely DC is back

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

Without knowing any of the details of Tony Allen's deal, I hope our last roster spot goes to Cunningham.

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Agreed.

Come on guys. I was advocating for Tony Allen for a reason. The last spot absolutely MUST go to a shooter now, but...come on! Tony Allen. One of the best perimeter defenders and tough guy leaders of the modern era, and he just got added to a team with Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo. This is a great move. And there's your defensive captain, and also a guy who might inspire some defensive flashbacks from Rondo.

I approve this signing. Committing to the defensive game!

And in training camp news

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Perry Jones has agreed upon a training camp deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jones will have an opportunity to make the regular season roster. Jones played in 24 games last season in the G-League.

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Originally Posted by Jabberwalker

I love Tony Allen but the fit is questionable. Hopefully he'll bring some grit and hustle to the locker room.
I know Dell's hands are tied a bit but he always seems to zig against his coach's zag. "My coach want defense? I'll get him players that can't defend a bike but can hit threes" "My new coach wants shooters? Time to focus on defensive players who can't hit a shot". At the same time, I don't hate the commitment to zig while the rest of the league zags.

Part of me hopes we don't see a lot of Rondo and Allen out there together. It took three hall of fame players in their prime who fit well next to each other when that worked in the past and one of them was the second best shooter of all time. At the same time, Rondo/Jrue/Allen/AD/Boogie should be able to completely lock any team up that doesn't move the ball well. I think ball movement a-la 2011-14 Spurs probably still causes some issues but there aren't too many teams that smart or talented to pass with that level of intelligence. I'm not a big believer in the effect that coaches have on their teams but Alvin is a bit of a system coach and this is the antithesis of his system. Might be interesting.

Still expect either Ajinca or Asik to be off the roster by the start of the season.

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Very spot on post.

I like him as a mentor for Jrue. He was there when Conley morphed into a max-worthy player. Hopefully he has some insight that can help Jrue make a similar leap.

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Originally Posted by boardtown

I like him as a mentor for Jrue. He was there when Conley morphed into a max-worthy player. Hopefully he has some insight that can help Jrue make a similar leap.

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Wouldn't that be sweet!

I don't see how anyone can be upset with this signing. He is basically going to give just about what you would have gotten from Solo. He might even be a bit better on the defensive end if he still has it.

Re-sign Dante and lets get the season started already!

Well, I'm not sure if I've seen a potential for a great defense like this in a while. Reminds slighty of the Detroit Pistons with Sheed and Big Ben.

Should really be looked at as a Pondexter for Tony Allen swap since thats where they got this money, and thats a very solid move imo.

While he doesn't have the shooting ability you prefer, he still has the ability to expose defenses through back door cuts. This is a crucial skill in our new offensive system, and one that Cousins should be able to take advantage of as well as anyone. Allen shot nearly 36% from 3 two seasons ago so its entirely possible that with our spacing, he could at least knock down the wide open ones. If Rondo and Allen can just hover at 34%, the Pels offense will be fine. Defense should be great, but I still think they should stagger Rondo and Allen as much as possible. Will be interesting to see whether they finish with Allen or Moore.

Theres clearly something to be said for having AD and Boogie on the same team in terms of being a free agent destination. Thats now Rondo, Clark, and Allen on one year deals. Even with minutes available, I don't think signings like this happen before the Boogie trade. These are the types of players that the Pelicans/Hornets historically would have had to over pay, but now they see the potential to help a talented core make the playoffs. It will be interesting to see whether these signings improve even more if the Pels make the playoffs and are able to retain Cousins.

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Originally Posted by Mythrol

Who is our other undersized player? Rondo and Jrue are probably one of the biggest backcourts in the entire NBA and AD and Cousins are grown men against anyone.

As far as the signing goes, I've been saying it for weeks now since Hill got injured. Tony Allen just made WAY too much sense. How many minutes does he play and does he start? I don't know. That depends on Miller and who else we sign. But one thing you need in this league is a shut down wing defender and Tony Allen gives us that. Even if he is only brought off the bench to guard the other teams best wing, it's a great fit.

People forget Rondo has shot 35% or higher from 3pt for 3 years in a row now. He actually shot better than Moore from 3pt last year.

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You think 6'1 and 6'4 is a big backcourt?

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

You think 6'1 and 6'4 is a big backcourt?

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Agree here, I wouldn't call it a big backcourt by any means. However, both players are long with the ability to defend 1s and 2s, and Rondo is a very good rebounder for his position. Allen is also long and a solid rebounder, and obviously he has the ability to slow down top wing players as well as most. I think the main thing you usually worry about with height is rebounding and we really shouldn't have any problem in that regard.

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Originally Posted by AusPel

And in training camp news

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Man, what happened to him. Dude was supposed to be a stud.

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Originally Posted by AusPel

And in training camp news

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God, if he has a Hassan Whiteside like resurgence...

Edit: Also, we are about to play some seriously good D.

I like Perry Jones, he was immature when he got into the league, but maybe time away is what the doctor ordered (though certainly not our team doctors). I am not expecting him to make the team, but if he does that is great because he has a lot of positives to his game (or he did when he first got to the NBA).

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

You think 6'1 and 6'4 is a big backcourt?

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Wingspan my friend.....wingspan!

Obligatory
https://youtu.be/jfBoAUNl44c

He defends Durant very well. He's a pest. A Patrick Beverly on the wings

This move makes the team better. BBIQ and veteran experience is MUCH MUCH higher on this team compared to the last 4-5 years.

Demps made some costly mistakes in the past but he's done so many good things since getting Cousins. This team is going to be dominant. I want one more proven shooter.

I think we are going to have a top 5 defense.


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Good signing!! So excited to get the season started.

At first I wasn't excited over the move, simply because Allen can't shoot. But the fact that he's still an above average defender, and brings some toughness to the team, I'm glad to have him on board. Plus if Perry Jones can give us anything positive, it's lagniappe, I say. Welcome Grindfather!!!

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Originally Posted by Bricklayer

Come on guys. I was advocating for Tony Allen for a reason. The last spot absolutely MUST go to a shooter now, but...come on! Tony Allen. One of the best perimeter defenders and tough guy leaders of the modern era, and he just got added to a team with Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo. This is a great move. And there's your defensive captain, and also a guy who might inspire some defensive flashbacks from Rondo.

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Oh yeah absolutely. They were best friends when TA was with the Celtics and Rondo to this day mentions him as one of his best friends. If we don't see at least a good defensive effort from Rondo with Jrue helping out vs guards, Allen destroying opposing wings, AD protecting the rim + Erman shouting from the sideline I give up on him.

We're turning into Memphis with better offensive bigs. Which isn't a bad thing.

Great signing! One more peace and We are ready to go!

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Originally Posted by KevinDavis1022

At first I wasn't excited over the move, simply because Allen can't shoot. But the fact that he's still an above average defender, and brings some toughness to the team, I'm glad to have him on board. Plus if Perry Jones can give us anything positive, it's lagniappe, I say. Welcome Grindfather!!!

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Not to be a downer but I doubt Perry Jones makes the team.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

Wingspan my friend.....wingspan!

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It's true. Its not how tall the guy is, its how high he can reach. A 6'10 player with a 6'10 wingspan is just as effective as a 6'5 player with a 6'10 wingspan.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

It's true. Its not how tall the guy is, its how high he can reach. A 6'10 player with a 6'10 wingspan is just as effective as a 6'5 player with a 6'10 wingspan.

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TA is 6'3 doe

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Originally Posted by AusPel

TA is 6'3 doe

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With a 6'9 wingspan, that's UNO's point. He's 6'4 btw.

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Originally Posted by RaisingTheBar

With a 6'9 wingspan, that's UNO's point. He's 6'4 btw.

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Thing is he could be 4'2" with a 3'6" guy's wingspan at this point and it wouldn't change anything -- this isn't a rookie where we are having to speculate how he'll turn out. Whatever his height and reach this has been one of the best perimeter defenders the league has seen for a dozen years now. Arguing that "but Tony Allen is only such and such height" is a bit like arguing that "but Steph Curry has a hitch in his shot!" Doesn't matter. Whatever his height it flat works for him. Anybody who watches the NBA knows what Allen can do. Even if he's slowing a bit, he's still a massive upgrade defensively from what was there before, and would be for almost any team. He's been swinging to SF part time for the Grizz for years. In the year they won 55 and challenged the Warriors in the playoffs, 82games.com actually had him playing 2/3 of his minutes at SF (he and Lee were always pretty interchangeable at those spots).

So, Kushner said we'd be signing someone else soon in the coming days, that Cunningham is still in play and that we'd be likely signing someone who can guard both forward spots. Using deductive reasoning of whose left and fits that description, I would assume we are talking to some combination of Dante, Matt Barnes, Derrick Williams, and maybe Shabazz Muhammad who played some minor small ball in Minny. Assuming we go for a vet, everybody else feels more guard than forward

My opinion is that you've got Etwan Moore starting with Jrue and Rondo. Tony comes off the bench but will get some decent minutes like a starter. Depending on the game situation, Tony comes in to play lockdown D. If we are playing from behind, Tony stays on the bench.

You have to minimize him and Rondo on the floor at the same time when points are needed.

With that being said, I think it's a great signing. He will bring leadership and a good defensive mentality. He knows his role and will fill it well.


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Originally Posted by R Pelly

My opinion is that you've got Etwan Moore starting with Jrue and Rondo. Tony comes off the bench but will get some decent minutes like a starter. Depending on the game situation, Tony comes in to play lockdown D. If we are playing from behind, Tony stays on the bench.

You have to minimize him and Rondo on the floor at the same time when points are needed.

With that being said, I think it's a great signing. He will bring leadership and a good defensive mentality. He knows his role and will fill it well.


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Just no way Moore can guard SFs. Has to be Allen or the player to be signed into that last roster spot, assuming that Demps isn't going to hold that spot open for auditions by Perry Jones etc. Always a chance for a Darius Miller spot start, with Allen subbing in before it gets too ugly, I suppose.

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Originally Posted by Bricklayer

Just no way Moore can guard SFs. Has to be Allen or the player to be signed into that last roster spot, assuming that Demps isn't going to hold that spot open for auditions by Perry Jones etc. Always a chance for a Darius Miller spot start, with Allen subbing in before it gets too ugly, I suppose.

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In my ideal world, Darius comes in and is a serviceable NBA fringe starter getting about 20 minutes and Tony gets about 25 with his hustle. BUT knowing how Alvin Gentry likes his 3 guard lineups and Moore's experience with the system/team, I think Moore will get the start day one and hopefully work in Darius as the eventual starter.

Believe me, I don't want Moore to start.


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