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With the NBA season upon us, it's time to take a quick look into why OSU fans should finally be interested if they weren't already.
No, we are not an NBA blog, but with three guys who went to OSU and are looking to get at least twenty minutes a game, fans of OSU should be excited. Lately we have seen former Pokes make impressions in the NFL, now let's see what you should expect from them on the hardwood.
Tony Allen
Tony Allen has been one of the most reliable defensive guys in the NBA for almost a decade with the Celtics first and Grizzlies since 2011. This year the Grizzlies are one of the oldest teams in the league but are still looking for leadership, and some are looking to Allen to take it. While you nor I should expect Allen to become a dynamic scorer by any means, expecting the 32-year-old veteran to score 10 a game as he shot .494 from the field last year, his best since 2010. Allen figures to be one of the many focal points for the Grizzlies as they look to suplant the Thunder, Clippers and Spurs as the best in the west.
Marcus Smart
At one point most of us probably thought Smart could start on most NBA teams. However, his return to OSU for his sophomore year and inconsistency was well documented, but Smart was still good enough to be drafted to the Celtics in the lottery. Smart actually was expected to start for Boston for at least the first game, but recent news that came out today says that Rondo will indeed be the starter. Smart will have a good career, but may not get a lot of minutes to start. Don't worry Poke fans, this guy can learn from one of the best point guards in the league before getting his chance and when he does, watch out because he could end up being a star.
Markel Brown
In case you've lived under a rock, this guy has some amazing athleticism. According to some sources, Brown was very impressive to the Nets organization over the preseason and started to really improve his jump shot. The Nets actually play the Celtics to tipoff the season, but Brown was listed as being out due to illness. Brown will get his chances with a team that made the playoffs last year in a weak Eastern Conference, and perhaps may get a chance to play in a playoff game before Marcus Smart(?!?).
Well that's all we have today, folks. There was one more ex-OSU star, John Lucas III but he was signed and released by the Wizards in a matter of days.