Post by DERRENMATTS on Jan 5, 2006 4:07:26 GMT -5
Tony Allen is just about set to return to the court. He almost was reinstated back with the squad on wednesday, but he gave the thumbs down. But if the knee holds up today in practice, he'll be back. But in any case, both he and the coaching staff feels he's real close to a return.
So what happens with his playing time? I'm sure Doc will go easy with him at first to make sure he doesn't put too much wear on his knees. But eventually, when Tony starts to get his feel for the game again, he's going to need a lot of playing time--especially if we want him to develop like the way Delonte is developing.
Here's a guy, who in his rookie season, got praises from none other than Michael Jordan and Antoine Walker and they said he was the best player on the court (this was during summer workouts in Chicago, where he went up against the aforementioned players, as well as guys like Michael Finley and other proven veterans). Tony Allen also had a huge spring training as well, scoring 29 pts against the Pistons and other impressive scoring games. And just before he went down with his knee surgery, Doc said that he's expecting a breakout season out of Tony.
I like Tony's game. He an underrated ball handler and he's a good slasher. His jumper needs work to become consistent, but aside from that, he's a terrific all around guard.
Last season, he got the starting job, but only got to play 16 minutes a game. If Doc is truly intent on developing him, he's going to have to dedicate a lot of playing time to Tony, just like how he's given 30+ minutes a game to Delonte. And Delonte is blossoming right before our eyes because he's getting all of these minutes.
So what happens if Tony's game takes off? What happens if Tony begins to prove that he should be on the floor as much as possible because good things happen when he's on the court?
I see Ricky going back to his 6th man role when this happens. I really think this is what's best for the team. Ricky and Marcus need to infuse that scoring attack off the bench again like they did last year.
Will Doc begin to split the minutes between Pierce, Ricky, and Tony? Will 32 minues per player be enough for everyone to be happy, but still be able to compete in games?
So what happens with his playing time? I'm sure Doc will go easy with him at first to make sure he doesn't put too much wear on his knees. But eventually, when Tony starts to get his feel for the game again, he's going to need a lot of playing time--especially if we want him to develop like the way Delonte is developing.
Here's a guy, who in his rookie season, got praises from none other than Michael Jordan and Antoine Walker and they said he was the best player on the court (this was during summer workouts in Chicago, where he went up against the aforementioned players, as well as guys like Michael Finley and other proven veterans). Tony Allen also had a huge spring training as well, scoring 29 pts against the Pistons and other impressive scoring games. And just before he went down with his knee surgery, Doc said that he's expecting a breakout season out of Tony.
I like Tony's game. He an underrated ball handler and he's a good slasher. His jumper needs work to become consistent, but aside from that, he's a terrific all around guard.
Last season, he got the starting job, but only got to play 16 minutes a game. If Doc is truly intent on developing him, he's going to have to dedicate a lot of playing time to Tony, just like how he's given 30+ minutes a game to Delonte. And Delonte is blossoming right before our eyes because he's getting all of these minutes.
So what happens if Tony's game takes off? What happens if Tony begins to prove that he should be on the floor as much as possible because good things happen when he's on the court?
I see Ricky going back to his 6th man role when this happens. I really think this is what's best for the team. Ricky and Marcus need to infuse that scoring attack off the bench again like they did last year.
Will Doc begin to split the minutes between Pierce, Ricky, and Tony? Will 32 minues per player be enough for everyone to be happy, but still be able to compete in games?