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Tony Allen: "I was kind of overshadowed"

Print | Comments () Posted by Gary Washburn Globe Staff July 24, 2010 12:28 AM

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Former Celtics guard Tony Allen met with the Memphis media Friday, as there still remains mystery why he would leave a title-contending team for the upstart Grizzlies.

Allen explained why he chose Memphis.

"Ultimately I would say the way they embraced me, the way they reached out to me, let it all out, let me know I was needed," he told reporters in Memphis. "Being in Boston, I was kind of overshadowed by those guys, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. I kind of feel like I am a rookie again, with something to prove."

The Celtics asked Allen to be a shut-down defender and Allen threw himself into the role. But after averaging a career-low 6.1 points last season, he sounded like a felt he was pigeonholed.

"I don't mind embracing the role, but there is more to my game. Let's not get that twisted," Allen said. "Whatever I could do to win ballgames. If that's just passing out Gatorades or flashing towels or giving somebody a high five, I'm willing to do that."