Next March, the Memphis Grizzlies will etch another chapter into their storied history by raising Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. Allen joins the exclusive club of the team's "Core Four" members whose jerseys have been immortalized. Following in the footsteps of Zach Randolph's No. 50 and Marc Gasol's No. 33, Allen's jersey retirement cements his legacy in the city that reveres him as "The Grindfather."
The retirement ceremony is set to take place on March 15 after the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat. This event is a fitting tribute to Allen, whose tenure with Memphis spanned seven momentous seasons, beginning in 2010 when the Grizzlies acquired him from the Boston Celtics on a three-year contract. His arrival in Memphis marked the beginning of an era that saw the team evolve into a formidable defensive force. Allen quickly made his mark, usurping O.J. Mayo to become a starter in his first year and earning All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career.
Allen's prowess on the defensive end became a hallmark of the Grizzlies' identity. During his time with the team, he made the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections. His relentless effort and tenacity on the court earned him a revered spot among Grizzlies fans and respect throughout the NBA. Allen's defensive tenacity led him to rank second in Grizzlies history in steals, only behind Mike Conley. He also left his mark in other statistical categories, ranking sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds during his time with the Grizzlies.
Allen’s career in the NBA spanned 14 seasons, beginning with the Boston Celtics, with whom he won a championship in 2008. While his time in Boston was significant, it was in Memphis where Allen truly found his home and his legacy. His contributions on the court helped to cement the Grizzlies as a perennial playoff contender and gave rise to the "Grit and Grind" era, a period characterized by intense, defense-oriented basketball.
While Allen's on-court achievements are undeniably laudable, his post-basketball life has not been without controversy. In October 2021, Allen was charged for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud in April 2023, agreeing to repay most of the defrauded money. By August 2023, Allen had been sentenced to community service and supervision, managing to avoid jail time. These legal troubles, however, have not overshadowed the contributions he made to the Grizzlies and the NBA at large.
This honor of retiring his jersey marks an important milestone, not just for Tony Allen but for the Grizzlies organization and their loyal fan base. Allen had previously noted that the retirement would occur during the 2024-25 season. However, the decision to expedite the ceremony signifies a collective desire to recognize his impact sooner rather than later.
As the Grizzlies faithful gather next March to witness the raising of Allen’s jersey, it will be a moment not just of celebration but of reflection on a player whose heart and hustle epitomized the spirit of Memphis basketball. It will be a time to remember the countless steals, the lockdown defense, and the indomitable will that made Tony Allen a beloved figure in Memphis and a respected opponent throughout the league.