Tony Allen Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team

The former Oklahoma State guard who became GIF-worthy with his “first-team All-Defense” mantra, will have to settle for second-team status this year. The NBA announced their All-Defensive teams on Monday and Allen was (again) honored.

This marks the sixth time in the last seven seasons that Allen has received All-Defensive honors. He was named to the first team in 2012, 2013 and 2015. He was also named to the second team in 2011 and 2016.

Last season, Allen led the NBA in steal percentage and has finished in the top six in that category the five of the previous six seasons. He also recorded a 2.4 defensive box plus-minus score. He’s earned a reputation as one of the toughest perimeter defenders in the league throughout his career.

According to a report, the Memphis Grizzlies will only offer the former Big 12 Player of the Year a veteran’s minimum. Allen will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Another former OSU guard, Marcus Smart also received five first-place votes but did not make the second team.

Allen was recently praised by Kobe Bryant as the toughest defender he has ever faced.