Former Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics legend Tony Allen was known as one of the league’s best defenders during his 14-year NBA career.
Allen, who also played for the Boston Celtics from 2004-2010 (won the 2008 NBA Championship), played for the Grizzlies from 2010-2017, followed by his final season with the New Orleans Pelicans, had his jersey retired by the Grizzlies this season. He was named to the league’s All-Defensive teams six times. Allen made the first team three times and the second team three more times.
In his career, Allen averaged 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Despite never winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Allen would routinely guard the other team’s best wing, often shutting them down and earning a reputation as a lockdown defender. His heroics have earned him praise from legends like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant
So, when someone of this caliber praises the offensive abilities of a player, that means something. That is exactly what Allen did when he praised an active NBA guard. So much so that he tagged the rising star unguardable.
Tony Allen Finds No ‘Weakness’ in Anthony Edwards’ Game
Allen, appearing on The OGs Podcast, hosted by former Miami Heat teammates Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, said that he would not be able to lock down Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
“As far as Ant, he the one that probably got me,” Allen said. “If he east or west you, he could pull up from 40 now, you know what I’m saying. His range got extended.”
Tony Allen admits he wouldn’t have any answers for guarding Anthony Edwards 😳
(🎥 @theOGsShow / https://t.co/xmPnNvWvSS) pic.twitter.com/rqIf2bVdkr
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
Edwards, who is still just 23 years old, averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this year while leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. Some believe he is on his way to being one of the league’s all-time greats.
According to Allen, no matter which way you try to defend Edwards, he can score on you.
“Then if you push him left, he take off, he might take off, go left and pull and throw it on your head,” Allen explained. “And then if he go right, he’s just as strong as going to the other way to dunk on you the other way.”
“So it ain’t really no weakness in his game,” Allen added. Even if he isn’t the one scoring, he can beat you in other ways. “He figured out that trap,” Haslem interjected. “They start sending two at him, he figured that out.”
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“Yeah he figured that out,” Allen responded. “Start coming up with huge assists. I like that, but he playing, he tough bro. I don’t got no answer for him.” Such praise comes with the massive pressure of living up to it. It would be interesting to see if Edwards can shoulder that.
