DraftKings Post-Ups: Allen Projects Prosperous Career for Smart

Tony Allen and Marcus Smart are two of the most tenacious, versatile defenders to walk through the TD Garden doors during the last decade.

That may have something to do with the common ground the guards share when it comes to their roots.

The pair, who will suit up on opposing sides of the court tonight in Boston, each hail from Oklahoma State University. Allen, a Celtic from 2004-2010, believes that parallel has helped shape their defensive tendencies.

“I’m starting to think it’s hereditary,” Allen said this morning before his Grizzlies faced the Celtics. “Guys that come from Oklahoma State hold their hats on the defensive end.”

The pair attended the University 10 years apart, but Smart was still very familiar with the feisty guard. He would watch Allen’s film and listen to his advice when he visited campus.

Yesterday after Boston’s practice, Smart vividly recalled Allen telling him, “’Just keep playing, keep playing hard and keep playing the right way. The game rewards guys who play the right way and respect the game,’ so I just try to take what he said and imply it everyday on the court.”

C’s coach Brad Stevens acknowledged before tonight’s game that the two share some similarities, though Smart has a long way to go before he can reach the level of the three-time NBA All-Defensive First Teamer.

“Tony’s combination of savvy and explosiveness is pretty unbelievable,” said Stevens. “He’s in on every play, he reads every play and then he’s able to get to the play.”

“As a young player (like Smart) you’ve gotta continue to kind of experience the game and see the game. But then the athleticism is a huge part of that, and I think Marcus is a great athlete and he’s an awfully savvy young defender. So time will tell if he has that kind of impact or not.”

Allen, who’s in the midst of his 12th season, believes it’s certainly possible that Smart could follow a similar defensive path as himself, and foresees a long career ahead of the young Celtic.

“He’s found his niche on defense, and not only that, he’s shooting the long ball,” said Allen, “so he’s definitely got a 10-year span in this league.”

Expect the pair to thrive in their niche tonight in a tenacious, defensive battle.

- Taylor C. Snow