After a disappointing senior year at Temple, there was a question of whether or not Lavoy Allen would be able to crack an NBA roster, let alone earn significant playing time at the next level. Thanks to a stellar playoff performance, Allen's NBA future is no longer in doubt as the Sixers have rewarded the 23 year-old power forward with a 2-year contract worth $6.2 million dollars.
Lavoy had a pleasantly surprising rookie season, earning occasional rotation minutes for his toughness and physicality. In the playoffs, where toughness and physicality is the name of the game, the Sixers needed Allen to play an increased role and he was game for the challenge. Though his playoff numbers were modest (6.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Lavoy's impact extended beyond the stat sheet. He did a great job of crashing the offensive glass, knocking out the mid-range jumper, and banging down low against opposing big men. The highlight of Lavoy's postseason was his matchup against future hall-of-famer Kevin Garnett. Allen garnered national attention for his ability to move KG off the block and take him out of his comfort zone, often forcing him into contested jump shots. Perhaps even more impressive was that the rookie seemed completely unfazed by Garnett's shit-talking, elbow-throwing antics, never allowing the veteran to take him out of his game.
The immediacy of this move after the opening of free agency demonstrates the importance of Allen in the eyes of the Sixers' front office. Depending on what happens with Spencer Hawes, an unrestricted free agent, and Elton Brand, a candidate to be released under the amnesty clause, Allen should see an expanded role with the team next season, possibly as a starter.
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