Tony Allen Flaming LeBron James Being Ranked 22nd Greatest Defensive Player Angers Fans – “His Job Wasn’t Only Defense Like You”

LeBron James going to the Philadelphia 76ers has brought a lot of questions, more than how his arrival answers doubts anyone had about the team and how they will play.

Most important of all is how he will mesh with a team that has four starters who need the ball in their hands to be successful. Except for Tyrese Maxey, none of them are catch-and-shoot experts.

But the most important question many have is about the team’s defense. If the father of three occupies the playmaking spot, some wonder whether he will be able to take on the best point guards in the league.

He may have been an exceptional defender in his prime, as was evident from his seven finishes in the Top 10 race to win the Defensive Player of the Year, but at his age, it is a question mark.

In the past, the 6’9″ forward used his length, wingspan, athleticism, and smarts to be an elite defender. That is why Bleacher Report ranked him 22nd on their list of Top 99 defenders in history. But a certain Tony Allen has a problem with that ranking.

You never had to check nobody, bro… His biggest defensive play was chase-down blocks… All you did was a couple chase-down blocks a game. Name somebody that he had to lock up and get the win.

Tony Allen said on the Chris Vernon Show

Tony Allen calls out LeBron James, saying players hunted him on defense and his only great defensive plays were chase-down blocks.

“All you did was a couple chase down blocks a game. Name somebody that he had to lock up and get the win”

(@TheHeatCentral) pic.twitter.com/uhPGfBgqhm

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 26, 2026

The former defensive ace said he never saw LeBron James lock up any player. As per Allen, the only reason the superstar is included in defensive highlights is because of his chasedown blocks.

Fans tear into Tony Allen for dismissing LeBron James’ defensive skills

Tony Allen also added that the one time LeBron James did play phenomenal defense was against the Boston Celtics in that famous Game 6 from the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. But that was because he was emotional about his past losses and wanted revenge.

When fans saw this clip, they instantly reacted with both reminders to the 44-year-old that the former Lakers superstar had other jobs than just playing defense, unlike himself. That is why he may not have clocked more All-Defensive Team selections.

Moreover, fans understood that he was angry since he was ranked a spot below James. But mostly, fans flamed the former Memphis Grizzlies star for downplaying one of James’ most underrated talents, examples of which are below.

lol this is just false, in fact Tony Allen just bc his job wasn’t only defense like you, doesn’t mean he didn’t play great defense LeBron has took on the challenge many years, from the best players on teams from all positions.

— Ty (@_tyarrington) July 27, 2026

“If Marc didn’t get that award i should of “ is the main point of what he’s saying it got nothing to do with. Mind you serge and Noah got more votes than TA for that award

— brush your teeth please (@finesseDaTruth) July 27, 2026

This is just one example. We not gonna do this! Only accepting facts man. Btw this MVP Rose pic.twitter.com/jSxIRBt3x9

— Kameron Lewis (@ItsKamLew) July 26, 2026

I’ve seen LeBron limit Paul Pierce to literally 1 point lmao tony my dawg but he chattin

— Mase_McGrady (@MASE_MASE18) July 26, 2026

LeBron should’ve got the award that year he lead the league in defensive win shares that year and despite Marc winning the award he was second team all defense LeBron was first team all defense that year

— Talk_You_Through_That (@JokesOnU2026) July 26, 2026

Yes Tony Allen they were saying you should’ve won it but you were in 5TH PLACE DAT YEAR in runner ups😂😂

— him (@Jwmbush) July 26, 2026

Crazy cause he think we can’t go back and check if he capping and literally everyone on the planet know he just yapping, that shit is embarrassing

— Wise (@wise_solomon1) July 26, 2026

So Miami Bron didn’t sit in there or he didn’t lock up several stars over the years toward end of games?

Somebody check on TA

— Gift Of God (@Gift0fGod723) July 26, 2026

LeBron James once claimed that the league wronged him by not giving him the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award he felt he deserved to win. Tony Allen also took offense to this, claiming that even if his former teammate, Marc Gasol, did not win it that year, it was his to win.

LeBron James might not have to worry about playing defense on 76ers

While Tony Allen and others debate LeBron James’ talent playing defense, the oldest player in the league might not have to do that on his new team. It so happens that his new teammates are quite capable of handling that task on their own.

Tyrese Maxey was in the top 10 in steals per game last season, while VJ Edgecombe was not far behind. Jaylen Brown‘s superlative perimeter defense makes him one of the best two-way players in the league.

Then come the big men. Even though Joel Embiid did not play much last season, he is more than willing to block when needed. If he has three lockdown perimeter defenders, he might be happy to conserve his energy and stay put underneath the basket. If he struggles with his health, backup center Adem Bona is a beast at that task.

That means all LeBron James has to do is dip into the free safety role he excelled at while with the Lakers. That should not only help him stay fresh, but will make the 76ers probably the most elite defensive unit in the league.

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