Tony Allen, a former NBA player known for his tenacious defense and a key member of the 2008 championship-winning Celtics, candidly shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Chicago to the NBA. He reflects on the lessons learned from his mentors and the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the rivalry with the Lakers and guarding Kobe. Allen discusses his transformation into the 'Grindfather' and the bond with his Memphis Grizzlies teammates, providing an insightful glimpse into the heart of basketball culture.
01:58:42
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Career Fouls
Tony Allen recalls getting six fouls in eight minutes against Kobe Bryant early in his NBA career.
He admits to being "too ready" and overstudying Kobe, falling for every fake.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Juwan Howard's Influence
Witnessing Juwan Howard's success motivated a young Tony Allen.
Howard's return to their shared neighborhood, after signing a large contract, left a lasting impact.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Choosing Crane High School
Tony Allen chose Crane High School after his friend was beaten up.
He initially felt discouraged due to the affluent environment but found camaraderie in the basketball team.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
This week we got a Chicago hooper on the show, first team All-D, and the Grindfather — Tony Allen joins Knuckleheads. TA sits down to discuss his journey: dropping out of high school, figuring it out in Chicago and finding his way to Oklahoma State. Tony looks back on getting drafted by the Celtics, winning a championship with the Big 3 in 2008, and moving on to Memphis. He talks about those legendary Grizzlies teams and what it was like to become one of the best defenders in the league. TA a real one. Tune in!
Growing up in Chicago, dropping out of high school but meeting Will Bynum and going to Crane (7:30)
Getting to Oklahoma State after Juco, dominating there (30:20)
Draft process, getting taken by the Celtics (42:30)
Becoming one of the best defenders in the league, learning from Paul Pierce (54:00)
Boston forming the Big 3, winning the NBA Finals in 2008 (1:02:35)
Celtics-Lakers rivalry, being tasked with guarding Kobe (1:16:56)
Going to the Memphis Grizzlies, teaming up with Z-Bo (1:24:22)
Becoming the Grindfather, getting All-Defense after All-Defense (1:29:25)
About Our Hosts:
NBA veterans Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles are lifelong friends and bona fide truth-tellers. Listen as they invite special guests, high-profile athletes, musicians and entertainers to get brutally honest about everything from current events to untold stories from the golden era of sports and culture. Named for the on-court celebration they made wildly popular, this unfiltered, hilarious and surprising podcast is like playing NBA 2K with no fouls.
Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson & Darius Miles 