Tony Allen: ‘I’m a Celtic’

Allen’s paychecks may get signed by the Memphis Grizzlies, but a large part of his heart seems to still be in Boston. His comments following last night’s big Grizz win (via WEEI): “Tony Allen spent the first six seasons of his career in a Celtics uniform and the last six months as a member of the Grizzlies, so forgive him if he blurred the lines of his allegiance following his new team’s 90-87 victory against his old team. Or don’t. ‘I’m a Celtic, but unfortunately, I wear a Grizzlies jersey right now,’ said Allen, who was the only member of the Memphis starting five to receive a positive response from the Garden crowd during Wednesday night’s game. ‘It was a nice reaction. I liked it.’ Allen signed a three-year, $9.5 million deal with the Grizzlies this past offseason. The Celtics reportedly offered Allen two years and $5.2 million to remain in Boston. ‘Yeah, it’s strange, but most importantly I was just happy about the victory and how our guys stuck together and focused for 48 minutes,’ said Allen. ‘That’s what it’s all about.’ Celtics fans weren’t cheering when Allen’s night was done, as his eight points and seven rebounds helped the Grizzlies drop the C’s a full game behind the Bulls in the standings. ‘I wanted this win more than anything,’ he said. ‘We got it.'”