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Washington Wizards: 5 free agents the Wizards can pick up to save season

By Ben Vasconcellos

Washington Wizards John wall and Joe Johnson (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Washington Wizards John wall and Joe Johnson (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans Tony Allen (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

5. Tony Allen

The 36-year old veteran is currently unsigned. His most recent team was the Chicago Bulls, in which they acquired him via trade, but the team ended up waiving him.

Tony Allen would bring a defensive mindset with a grit and grind mentality that the Wizards are lacking. He’s not known for his offense averaging 8.1 points for his career, but Allen has been one of the best defenders in the league during his tenure.

Opponents were scared to go into the Grindhouse and face Allen during his time for the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s a great on-ball and perimeter defender. It would take some pressure off Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., and Kelly Oubre Jr. of always having to play both sides of the game.

Washington is last in most defensive categories and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. Allen can play spot minutes and play hard nose defense on the opposing teams best player.

Yes, he’s a little older and most might assume that Allen’s not quick enough anymore, but I beg to differ. Washington can’t get any worse at defense, so it would be worth taking the risk. Brooks only rotates 8-9 players per game, which means it wouldn’t be hard to find a little playing time for the vet.

Defense wins championships and the Wizards seem to only think that defense is optional. The mindset needs to desperately switch in which Allen could address.

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