Tony Allen Sign With Pelicans On 1 Year Deal

As a 6 time All-NBA Defensive team member, NBA veteran Tony Allen earned the reputation of a hard-nosed, shut down perimeter defender.

After 6 seasons with the Boston Celtics, and another 7 with the Memphis Grizzlies, the "Grindfather" has joined the New Orleans Pelicans on a 1 year veteran minimum deal, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports.

Allen, 35, is a below average shooter, leaving the Pelicans with spacing issues on offense. He'll likely soak up the minutes vacated by starting small forward Solomon Hill, who will remain out for another 5 to 7 months as he recovers from surgery to repair a hamstring injury.

While Allen isn't likely to benefit the Pelicans offense, he's equally as likely to benefit the New Orleans defense.

After Allen's signing is finalized, New Orleans will have a little less than $4 million left to spend on a free agent and remain under the hard cap.