Lavoy Allen proving to be quite a find for Sixers
Temple product Lavoy Allen proving to be much more than just a courtesy pick for Sixers.
Lavoy Allen proving to be quite a find for Sixers
Bob Cooney
Sixers coach Doug Collins often says that a reserve is just one turned ankle away from becoming a big part of the team.
Lavoy Allen is his perfect case in point.
Taken with the 50th overall pick in last June's draft out of Temple, many wondered if the 6-9 forward was anything more than a courtesy pick. He played his high school ball at nearby Pennsbury and was coached at Temple by Fran Dunphy, a good friend of Collins.
But right away Collins talked glowingly of Allen, impressed by his strength, shooting ability, defense and rebounding. The only knock on Allen was that he appeared as if his engine wasn't as revved up as it could be at times.
"Lavoy's good. He's big and strong and can shoot the ball and he's got a real good feel for the game," Collins said. He also alluded to the knock on Allen's motor. "I'll get his motor going," the coach promised. And he has.
Allen played about 28 minutes Friday night, a season-high, in the Sixers 89-72 thumping of the lowly Charlotte Bobcats, posting 8 points and 7 rebounds. He has now played double-figure minutes in each of the last three games as centers Spencer Hawes (strained Achilles') and Nikola Vucevic (strained quad) continue to miss games.
More than his boxscore totals though, Allen is doing exactly what Collins wants from each member of his team - being very active. Numerous times over the past few games Allen has kept balls alive on the offensive end by tipping the ball to teammates after a missed shot. He is getting his hands into passing lanes on the defensive end, often causing turnovers and getting the team out running.
A true sign of how far any rookie has come is in the eyes of his teammates. Gaining trust doesn't come all that easy in the NBA, but just 19 games in, Allen has certainly garnered it from his teammates and, more importantly Collins.
Hawes appears to be on the verge of returning, perhaps maybe as early as Monday's home game against Orlando. Vucevic still seems to be quite a bit away. After warming up before tonight's game, he was limping noticably.
As devastating as those two injuries could have been for the Sixers, Allen has certainly made their absences a little easier to handle.
Lou Williams led the Sixers (13-6) with 17 points, while Jrue Holiday had 15 and Jodie Meeks 14. Thaddeus Young also scored 10. The Sixers will host the Detroit Pistons tonight.
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LaVoy is showing the same skills he had at Temple...but now, paired with NBA talent, more will come out of him...He has been a breath of fresh air in the absebce of Hawes and Vucevich, showing an Elton Brandlike touch on 16 footers (as well as an EB hard foul when needed)...His value showed as he was noticeably getting under Paul Silas' skin giving the Sixers second chance opportunities (maybe that's why he rolled),crashing the offensive boards or playing volleyball tipping balls to others...He'll be out alot again tonight against a real good young player in Greg Monroe and a bullish Jason Maxiel...let the growth process continue.— bearsfriend- wow! i am shocked didnot think lavoy had desire....so happy to see his career getting off to a good start....GO OWLS!!!— malco49
- Great job Lavoy!!!!!!!!
— recGUY - Anytime you can get this kind of production out of a second round pick it is a real bonus. Over half the second round picks taken by teams in this league are either playing overseas or are in the D league. Or in some cases are all ready out of pro basketball completely. In this 'race' to the playoffs, being able to go 9 deep is a real help. I'm glad the Sixers got a hold of Lavoy. I believe his role is only going to grow with this insane schedule. All the more reasons to appreciate what he brings to the table. I admit, I thought on draft day it was a sympathy pick. Now it looks like we added another solid piece to this work in progress. The Sixers have really been a joy to watch this year. Thanks for the 'assist' Lavoy, may you continue to advance your game. You have been a breath of fresh air!— DandyFarAndy
- A player without a "high motor" in Philly? Didn't the Sixers GM learn anything from Andy Reid? That's why we have Brandon Graham instead of Jason Pierre-Paul. The high motor! That's the most important thing! Whether or not you can actually make plays doesn't matter.— TongueWagger
- @DFA...I agree on having a second rounder potentially develop into a player totally can lift the overall talent base of a club...By sophmore year at Temple, people were thinking LaVoy had the makings of a first round pick...I really feel the "low motor" tag was not totally fair..He's unselfish to a fault, as he was coached that way...People across the country, who don't really know the kid were using that tag because the offensive gains were not taking place...To boot, when Allen decided not to attend Portsmouth in April to participate in front of scouts, another "flag" went up about his desire...That totally sent him out of the first round...Glad he's from and played in the area, as the Sixers knew he had some ability...If they don't take him, he may not have been drafted...I'm sure the Sixers are also keeping an eye on CJ Aiken, whose offensive game has not developed to date, but alters shots like JaVale McGee...Maybe that's why they loaded up on second rounders (ala Speights deal)...hoping he'll remain a secret somehow.— bearsfriend
- He looks very good - and big. Not afraid to face up, has a jump hook, can set screens, goes after the offensive boards because we don't run plays for him and, he is a 4 year college player with good coaching and is game ready. Like Vucevic, a very experienced college player with good size and fundamentals— 7mel11
- Cherry & white! He Isnt afraid to shoot the jumper. I am pleased with his performance. Go Owls! Go Sixers!— maximus
- If Lavoy can be consistent, improve his defense and rebounding, then he will have a chance to start at PF when EB contract expires or is traded. He kind of reminds me a little bit of Boozer but not as a good rebounder at this point.— Manok
- Really looks right at home out there and is impacting the game as opposed to taking minutes. He's a smart player w/physical skills and talent- I like the comparison to EB......always nice to see a hometown guy do well as an added bonus.— Northcountry
- Way to go Lavoy ! I moved from Fairless Hills (Pennsbury H.S. & Temple) to OKC and LOVE the Thunder; I was hoping they would pick Lavoy; Because of shortened season, no home game against Sixers; My Pennsbury Gym Shirt audition will have to wait until next year !!!— Jim Gaston
- The key for Lavoy is to be 'strong' under the basket. Contrast that with Speights, who couldn't hold his position down low, and got pushed around. Good pickup for the Sixeras!— fillyfan
Lavoy's skill level makes one believe he can be an NBA contributor. He does need to increase his energy level. There were 2 guys on last night's telecast that he should emulate. Both Mark Jackson & Malik Rose had long NBA careers because they were physical & relentless. I don't see that out of Lavoy, not yet. Also he doesn't exactly have a chiseled body and often that speaks to work ethic. He definitely has the tools, if he can get that Jackson/Rose Philly toughness he'll be around for a long time but it's up to Lavoy.— mtairy1- Marc Jackson is my favorite as a pre/post game pundit on Comcast...He's refreshingly honest.Those two guys you named definitely got the most out of their ability..I could feel the joy in Rose's voice when he was feeling Allen's energy going for offensive boards...In fact, Rose, was wondering why Allen was getting "shortchanged" by the statistician..Ever the rebounder. — bearsfriend
- Say what you want about current and past GM's of this franchise, but they have a serious knack for getting talent in the second round that have a lasting impact in the NBA.— sixers_610
- Go Temple!!— Tyrone Biggums
- The Owls will honor their big brother Lavoy today by stomping the Hawks at the Liacouras Center!— gopherkiddd
- Willie Green, Kyle Korver and Lou Williams are all 2nd round picks by the Sixers. Not bad— Mflamer
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- I would not be surprised that the 6ers still look for a Kamen trade even with Allen prospering.— Koons
- What I always noticed about Lavoy over the years at TU is that despite his listed 6'9 225 he seemed much bigger and stronger even against bigs who are listed bigger. Look at 6'9 225 guys in the NBA and they just do not have Lavoy's natural strengh. We'll use Faried as an example, (more like 6'8 230) as good as Faried can be at the rim he is still "light in the cakes" as a man defender as the maddog would say. Lavoy easily matches up against guys 250 -260 and is not outmuscled, good signs so far...— Independent_1
- @independent...great guy you used (my preference at 16, oh well)..Faried is a quick twitch gazelle at his size, and he gets from floor to rim super fast...Lavoy is definitely bigger than his listed weight...DC said he goes in between 250-260...He looks around 245 to me..Thick, but still not tapered to sinewy muscle..DC said when practice time en sues, they're going to worl on conditioning to make him quicker, actually tighten him up a bit.— bearsfriend
- You can tell Lavoy had a good coach to get to this point. He, right now doesn't understand what he's capable of bringing onto the floor. The issue is when Haws returns where are you going to get the minutes to continue his development. If he can get 6 pts and 4 rbs a game that would be excellent because his defense is pretty good.— Dexter
- I am sort of aghast at the comments about this young player. If he were an Eagle, half the folks posting would be wanting to see him named Captain, and the other half would be sharpening their pitchforks and getting their torches lit! Quite refreshing to see reasonable discourse, quiet dignified commentaries and thoughtful critiques!— TBear
- Against the Nets he looked like he was half asleep after having a not so bad game Monday. last night was mostly garbage so it wasn't impressive minutes to say the least. Looks like the reports on a low motor are pretty accurate.— alwaysphil1
- @alwaysphil1...are you calling going 5 for 5 from the floor a "not so bad" game?...He, along with Lou Williams, was a huge key at the end of the first..and moving midway into the second quarter...at expanding a lead to a blowout, with offensive rebounding leading to second half points...Three weeks ago,the coach was quoted as saying this kid had little to no chance of even seeing any time...Sorry, but your assessment is lacking..Even his head coach,a taskmaster, has called him a pleasant surprise...He's a power forward pulling time guarding centers, and he's showing skills...— bearsfriend
- Where was all this talk during the pre-season. I recall a lot of shots being taken at Allen, glad he has over delivered, home grown makes it even better.— xlGmanlx
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
