Lavoy Allen may be 6-foot-9, weigh over 250 pounds, but he carries himself with a kid-like lighthearted personality to him. He loves comic book movies, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and his username on Twitter is @chefVOYardee.
A week after his wife, Deloris, delivered twins, Allen was back in Indianapolis to make his new deal with the Pacers official. His new contract calls for him to make $12 million over three years, according to a source.
Lavoy Allen sense of humor was on full display Tuesday morning.
Allen, one of six bigs (or seven, counting Paul George at power forward), is like most of us and curious how the lineups and playing time will shake out in the frontcourt.
“I think it’s going to be a nice little battle during training camp vying for the power forward and center spot since it’s wide open right now,” Allen said, seated on a bar stool at the Pacers Locker Room Restaurant inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Allen is open to playing both power forward and center. “I don’t really care as long as I get some playing time,” he said.
Since the end of the season, President Larry Bird and head coach Frank Vogel have stressed that they are going to play at a quicker pace and get into their offensive sets faster next season. That’s part of the evolution of the league and numerous teams have been successful in doing so.
“That’s one of the main reasons they brought me back was the talk about playing more uptempo,” Allen said. “I think that will really benefit us with the people we have — the shooters and bigs who can run.”
And he should hear his name called on more regularly. For one, because David West and Luis Scola moved on and the team traded away Roy Hibbert. With four years of experience, Allen has averaged less than 18 minutes per game. He appeared in 61 games during the 2014-15 season and averaged 5.0 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Coach Vogel appreciates Allen’s hard work, team-first attitude, and mostly his rebounding ability. Vogel’s joke about Allen is if a shot is missed, “Lavoy will get it.”
It’s been a busy summer for Allen. He has gotten situated in their new Texas home, attended a couple of weddings, added two kids to the family, met Olympic Gold Medalist sprinter Michael Johnson, and worked out.
Part of what Allen special is his sense of humor. He’s not often interviewed or in the media so not a lot of fans truly get a taste of it. Though he’s reserved and often keeps to himself, once Allen gets going … look out.
With Allen being interviewed Tuesday morning, most of his replies had a kick to them. (The above quotes were his few serious ones.) I don’t mind it. It’s not a serious time and he’s happy — and sleep deprived — about a new house, a new contract, and twins.
Below are his responses that are sure to elicit a laugh:
What did you do or work on specifically this summer?
My biceps got a little bigger from lifting the chips up to my face while I’m watching T.V. That’s the main difference I’d say so far.
What’s baby life like?
Do you have any kids? (No.) … Don’t have any. Not anytime soon at least.
What are the twins’ names?
I’m not releasing that yet. I have names, but right now I’m trying to sell it to the tabloids — like US Weekly, the big name tabloids. I think the biggest offer I got so far was about $35 bucks. I’m still waiting.
Were you certain that you’d be back here?
There were other options. There was Spain, Italy, France, Israel, I could go on… Australia. I was really unsure (if I’d be back).
Which Pacers free agent signing did you like the most?
I would say the Monta Ellis signing but that would mean less shots for me. No, I love Monta Ellis’ game. I was real excited about that signing.
How do you feel about the Hickory alternative uniforms?
Oh! I love em. I don’t know if I loved the uniforms or maybe George Hill just makes them look good because of the hair. Oh my god, I’m a big fan of the hair. I might go blonde during the season.
So to answer your question: Yes, Lavoy’s personality is the same on Twitter as he is in person…
Just text the wife "Blake and Miranda only lasted 4 years. There no hope, we have to enjoy the next 3 as much as we can."
— Lavoy Allen (@chefVOYardee) July 20, 2015
How do I get invited? https://t.co/ygJYT0YB7w
— Lavoy Allen (@chefVOYardee) July 7, 2015