Celtics’ Tony Allen frustrated by rash of injuries
He was presented with the chance to be the key player off the Celtics’ bench this season.
Tony Allen had the opportunity to step in and try to assume the role that James Posey manned during the 2007-08 championship year.
Instead, the fifth-year guard once again struggled with both his consistency and injuries, making it another frustrating year for Allen.
He missed 13 games with a right ankle ailment in December and January and will be sidelined for two months following left thumb surgery.
Allen, who has played in just 40 games this season, is wearing a cast on his thumb after tearing ligaments during a practice session on Feb. 10. Allen missed 29 games in the 2005-06 season following offseason knee surgery and had his 2006-07 season end in January because of another knee injury that required an operation.
The latest setback came when Allen was running off a pick-and-roll and was tripped going to the basket.
“Yeah, it frustrates me a lot because of the fact I had nick-knack injuries this year,’’ said Allen. “There were no major injuries until this point.
“I felt like I was feeling good. I felt like I had something to offer. Then this happened, and it was just like, man. Even talking about it now, it’s frustrating.’’
Allen, who is averaging 7.8 points, will now miss a chunk of his third season since joining the Celtics as a first-round draft pick in 2004.
After undergoing surgery on his knee in the summer of 2005, Allen was inactive for the first 23 games and missed 29 games in 2005-06.
He assumed a leading role for the Celtics in 2006-07 when Paul Pierce was sidelined, but Allen torn his anterior cruciate ligament while dunking after a whistle and missed the final 48 games.
Allen’s minutes were limited during the postseason last year as he was behind Posey on the depth chart.
Now he is sitting and watching and hoping to be ready for the playoffs in April.
“It gets frustrating, but I’m looking at this one as I’ll be back soon,’’ said Allen. “Fortunately, it was my left hand instead of my right hand, so I can do a lot of stuff as far as staying in shape.
“I can run, lift with my right hand. When I get back, it’s going to be how strong my thumb is going to be.’’
Allen is scheduled to get the cast removed perhaps as early as late next week, and he’ll spend four weeks after that strengthening the hand. Allen is hoping he will be at least able to play in the last three regular-season games during the final week of the schedule in mid-April.
“I definitely want to come back before the playoffs just to get a rhythm and a flow of the game,’’ said Allen. “I’m working hard to get back so I can catch some games before we get to the playoffs. I’ll have to wrap (the thumb) up when I play to support it the rest of the (season).’’
With the recent addition of Stephon Marbury to the backcourt, the available minutes will be reduced should Allen be able to return for the playoffs.
Marbury is playing the point guard spot, allowing Eddie House to swing off to the shooting guard position.
“If that happens, it’ll be a coach’s decision,’’ said Allen about being squeezed out of the rotation. “At this point, I’m working to get back. It is what it is. What do you want me to say?
“If I don’t play, I’m still supportive of my teammates. I’m still cheering, hollering, passing out Gatorade, whatever it is. I can’t control whether I play or not.
“I’m supportive of all my teammates. That’s what I need to be. That’s what is asked of me now when I’m injured. Playing is not my concern right now. It’s getting healthy.’’
Pruitt returns:
After serving a team-imposed two-game suspension, guard Gabe Pruitt returned to practice on Monday afternoon. Pruitt was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Los Angeles last Thursday morning, and the team suspended him for games against the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. … The Celtics play the Nets in New Jersey on Wednesday night before hosting two fellow Eastern Conference powers, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, respectively. Both of those games will be nationally televised.