
The most frustrating member of the Boston Celtics will make his return to the court tomorrow night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tony Allen. The oft-injured, mentally fragile, turnover prone Tony Allen.
Allen hasn't played yet this season because his ankle, which was surgically repaired in the off-season, has yet to heal. Allen tried to play (one game) during the preseason, but all he did was reinjure himself.Typical TA.
There's no denying his physical tools. He was having a breakout season in 2006-07 when he shredded his knee on the infamous after-the-whistle dunk attempt. He worked his way back, but a couple semi-serious injuries since then (thumb, ankle) knocked him back down. Typical TA.
Even when he plays, Allen can frustrate the most laid back cat. For starters, he is a turnover machine. He has the highest turnover rate among shooting guards.He also has a tendency to fall for upfakes during critical moments. Remember the foul on Chauncey Billups in Dec 2007? Or the fly-by routine which allowed Michael Redd to nail a game-tying three four months later? Typical TA.
And there's the off-the-court issues. He had an assault case hanging over his head for two years, until a judge found him not guilty in 2007. Last year during the playoff series with the Bulls, there were reports he had received death threats (unrelated to the assault). It was serious enough, the Celtics required extra security. Typical TA.
What can we expect tomorrow night in his season debut. A couple of athletic plays, a few turnovers and one big mental mistake. Typical TA.
-BigMck
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