Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen's style makes him fan favorite

Grizzlies guard Tony Allen brings not just energy but an eccentric vibe, an animated style -- and an outside-the-box-score impact like nothing this franchise has seen.

"I've never played with anyone quite like him," Griz forward Shane Battier said, "and I mean that in a good way. He's 100 percent energy and you have to respect his passion and emotions."

To Battier, he's "our emotional beacon."

Allen is fifth in the NBA in steals per game despite averaging just 19.7 minutes off the bench. But he may lead the league in style points -- if manic energy, unbridled emotion and head-scratching quirks are your style.

"Some people are like, 'Man, he needs to calm down sometimes.' But that's how he is," forward Leon Powe said. "He's hyped during the game, before the game, at practice, and he's just getting himself going. He plays with a lot of energy. That's his game.

"You need a guy like that on your team -- someone willing to do any and everything for your team. He's getting himself hyped. He's getting the guys hyped. He's getting the fans hyped."