Tony Allen, a defensive specialist and key contributor to the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship team, carved out a legacy as one of the NBA’s toughest perimeter defenders. After establishing his hard-nosed, grit-and-grind mentality in Boston, he became the heart of the Memphis Grizzlies’ identity, earning six All-Defensive Team selections during his career. Recently, Allen shared his personal all-time starting five—but only included players he once suited up alongside.
Appearing on the Knuckleheads podcast with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, Allen didn’t hesitate when asked to build his dream lineup from his former teammates. “We going KG, we going Z-Bo… We got to go Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce, bro,” Allen said.
The lineup—Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, Paul Pierce, Zach Randolph, and Kevin Garnett—is more than just star-studded. It’s a testament to toughness, high basketball IQ, and relentless two-way effort.
Defensive identity: a lineup built on toughness
Allen’s picks reflect a clear theme: defensive grit and leadership. Garnett’s elite rim protection and commanding presence anchored every team he played on, while Rondo’s uncanny instincts and quick hands made him one of the league’s best perimeter defenders. Pierce offered clutch shot-making and strong wing defense, and Randolph controlled the post with physicality and old-school toughness. Allen, the lineup’s defensive glue, consistently drew the league’s toughest assignments and thrived in the challenge.
Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) and small forward Paul Pierce (34) react during the NBA basketball game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Boston Celtics at the New Orleans Arena.
Notable omissions: big names left off
Despite building a formidable five, Allen left out several high-profile former teammates. Ray Allen, whose sharpshooting played a vital role in Boston’s 2008 title run, was notably absent. So was Marc Gasol, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year who anchored the Grizzlies’ paint during their peak years. Even Mike Conley, Memphis’ longtime floor general and an underrated two-way guard, was passed over in favor of Rondo’s disruptive brilliance.
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Allen’s vision: defense over everything
More than a highlight reel of big names, Allen’s selections double down on a personal philosophy: defense wins. He prioritized effort, accountability, and physicality over flash. While some omissions may spark debate, this NBA starting five represents the hard-nosed, no-shortcuts approach that defined Allen’s career. These aren’t just former teammates—they’re players who matched his relentless energy and helped define an era of gritty, grind-it-out basketball that still resonates with fans today.
