METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Pelicans have signed free agent guard Tony Allen for the upcoming season.
The addition of the 6-foot-4 Allen, announced by the Pelicans on Friday, provides back-court depth as well as an option on the wing when using a smaller lineup. Allen also brings a reputation for defense dating back to when he helped the Boston Celtics win the 2008 NBA title. He has been named to the NBA all-defensive first team three times, most recently in 2015.
Allen has spent the past seven seasons with Memphis, mostly in a starting role. Last season, Allen averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 steals.
The 35-year-old Allen began his NBA career in 2004 when he was drafted 25th overall by Boston out of Oklahoma State.