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There's nothing I love more than listening to Tony Allen talk shop. He's probably the most honest individual in the NBA. He's never been one to hold back, which is what makes him such a favorite not only among Memphis Grizzlies fans but among any and all NBA fans, in general.
So, today when he sat down with the great Chris Vernon, he opened up and said some highly-quotable, and certainly straightforward things. From Paul Pierce being the best small forward he's ever played alongside, to getting upset with Rudy Gay's post-Memphis statements, to talking about his future in Memphis, to giving all of his teammates the most amazing nicknames imaginable.
Here are a few of the highlights, picked as quoted on Twitter:
.@chrisvernonshow joking around with Tony Allen about misspelling all his tweets. Blames the fact that TA is on NBAer w/ a BlackBerry.
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
TA on Rudy trade: "We didn't question management. We were just shocked mentally. Hard to believe at first."
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
TA on Tayshaun Prince: "He's a champion. I can vibe with that. Salute. He can defend, knock down shots. He passes & plays the right way."
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
"A foul? That's on Ed (Davis)... Ed, put your hand up!!" - Tony Allen (when he commits a foul)
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
Wait, what?! Tony Allen insists that Kobe Bryant is the only player in the NBA who talks trash to him. The. Only. One.
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
TA on Tyreke Evans crossing him over: "What's my record against him? Have I ever lost to the Kings?"
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
TA on Tyreke Evans saying he needed ankle insurance: "Yea, he deleted that tweet fast cause he knows my resume. He knows I'll see him again"
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
.@chrisvernonshow asked Tony Allen why he and Zach Randolph are such good friends. Allen responds, "real recognizes real."
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
TA on retiring a Grizzly: "Yea, i thought about it. I talk about it w/ Zach. We should retire here. Get our #'s retired. I love this city."
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
Tony Allen on Rudy Gay saying DeRozan is the best SG he's ever play with: "What's on his resume? ... Has he ever played in the playoffs?"
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
TA on Rudy saying Derozan is best SG he's played with: "I guess that's what the league is now. Highlight dunks & alot of points...and lose"
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
"Hands down! Hands down! Haaaands DOWN! Check his resume!" - Tony Allen on Paul Pierce being the best SF he's ever played with.
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
Tony Allen's nickname for Jerryd Bayless is "Yellow, Yellow"... "He's one of the toughest light-skinned brothers I've ever been around." !!!
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) February 15, 2013
"They said 'sic 'em', so I had to sic him." - Tony Allen on shutting down Steph Curry
— Joshua Red Coleman (@3SOB) February 15, 2013
TA on teammates nicknames: "Bayless is Yellow, Yellow. Tayshaun is Champion. Zach is Mac Bo. Darrell is Quiet Assassin. Conley is Mac-11"
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
TA on teammates nicknames: "Tony Wroten is Stay Ready & You Never Have To Get Ready"
— Jon Roser (@Jon_Roser) February 15, 2013
Love how much pride Tony Allen (@aa000g9) has in his teammates. He sticks up for them, which is great.
— Joshua Red Coleman (@3SOB) February 15, 2013
I assume they'll have the podcast up shortly over at 92.9, and I certainly think you should take the time to listen to it. Allen is not only a great talent, but he's an exceptional person who loves the city of Memphis and, most importantly, he respects and adores the fans.