Lavoy Allen’s time in Indy is complete.
As we reported on Friday (June 23), the Pacers declined to pick up the team option on the third and final year of Allen’s contract that he signed back in 2015. It would have paid out a reasonable $4 million.
It was no secret that Allen was expecting the Pacers to move on. He changed his Twitter bio several weeks ago suggesting that he was unsure who he plays for…
On Monday evening, Allen took to social media to thank Indianapolis for three and a half years “in one of the best basketball cities in the world.” It was a classy gesture by good guy.
Allen shared the following message in an Instagram post (and then posted a screenshot of it on Twitter since his Instagram has been private for some time):
“Thank you Indy! For the past 3 1/2 years have been a blessing playing in one of the best basketball cities in the world. Thank you for being so welcoming to me and my family and making the city feel like I never left home. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some great players/men/fathers, and working with a community that shows love and support for their sports teams like no other. So once again on behalf of the Allen family, THANK YOU!”
https://twitter.com/chefVOYardee/status/879525131680440320
Well stated, Lavoy.
[Lavoy Allen writes ‘Go Pacers!!!’ on Cavs’ court]
Allen was acquired by the Pacers, along with Evan Turner, in a trade-deadline deal that sent Danny Granger to Philadelphia. It was the first time that sent Allen out of his comfort zone.
He went to high school in Pennsylvania, played at Temple University in Philadelphia for four years (2007-2011), and then he played two and half seasons for the 76ers, who drafted him with the 50th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
During the 2016-17 season, Allen’s numbers were down. In part due to inconsistent playing time. In just over 14 minutes per game, Allen averaged 2.9 points and 3.6 rebounds.
More Pacers free agency coverage:
C.J. Miles elects to enter free agency
Paul George remains a Pacer (for now), but message sent to team officials stings
Good n who cares