Tony Allen, Pelicans agree to 1-year deal, per report

Allen, known as “The Grindfather,” will take his talents to New Orleans. That’s an odd fit for a team that needs perimeter shooting.

After spending the past seven seasons helping build the Memphis Grizzlies into the grittiest team in the NBA, veteran shooting guard Tony Allen will sign a free agent contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to The Vertical’s Shams Charania. Allen’s departure, coupled with Zach Randolph’s two-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, marks the end of the “Grit ‘N Grind” era in Memphis.

How Allen fits with the Pelicans

Even at age 35, Allen is one of the best perimeter defenders the NBA has to offer. He projects to add bench depth and veteran wisdom at the guard spot.

The Pelicans, however, have bigger issues, and a lack of perimeter shooting is chief among them. Allen averaged 9.1 points on 27.8 percent three-point shooting for the Grizzlies last season. Alongside Rajon Rondo (37.6 percent on limited three-point attempts) or Jrue Holiday (35.6 percent from downtown), the Pelicans could find trouble creating space for their two dominant centers, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.

Still, Allen is a competitor, and the Pelicans have a lone goal of making the playoffs this season. A team with Tony Allen is better than a team without him. And while his perimeter shooting struggles seem to make for a bad fit, it’s up to head coach Alvin Gentry to figure out how best to utilize his newest, grittiest player.