Knicks Trade Rumors: Defensive-Minded Options To Help Jeff Hornacek

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Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) defends a pass in the first quarter by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Allen

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 34 (1/11/1982)
Experience: 13th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .486/.294/.672
2016-17 Season Averages: 27.7 MPG, 10.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 1.8 SPG

If the New York Knicks are looking for a perimeter defender who can lock down multiple positions, then there’s no better option than Tony Allen. He’ll turn 35 years of age on Jan. 11, but Allen remains one of the premier on-ball defenders in the NBA.

A five-time All-Defensive Team honoree and former NBA champion, Allen is the most decorated defensive player on the market.

Allen, whom Kobe Bryant singled out as the toughest defender he’s ever played against, would be a massive acquisition for the Knicks. His erratic jump shot is a concern, but he has an uncanny ability to strip players of the ball and turn it into points on the other end.

Allen is currently No. 4 in the NBA with 3.11 steals per 48 minutes.

More importantly, he’s holding opponents to 41.0 percent shooting from the field and 31.8 percent shooting from 3-point range.

New York has struggled to defend the 3-ball in big games, which establishes Allen’s potential value. It’s also No. 29 in the NBA in points via turnovers per game, which establishes why Allen’s ability to create turnovers is so critical to note

With an expiring contract and a hunger to win a second ring, Allen could be the leader New York needs along the defensive perimeter.

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