In a heartfelt nod to a key piece of their storied history, the Memphis Grizzlies will be raising Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum next March. This prestigious honor places Allen among the elite of the Grizzlies' celebrated "Core Four," following the footsteps of Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33, both previously retired by the team.
A Date to Remember
The jersey retirement ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, immediately following the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat. This evening will not just be a celebration of a basketball game but a commemoration of a player whose contributions to the team have left an indelible mark.
Memphis Tenure
Allen's tenure with Memphis began in 2010 when he was acquired from the Boston Celtics on a three-year contract. Known for his defensive prowess, Allen quickly became a fixture in the lineup, earning the starting spot over O.J. Mayo in his first year with the Grizzlies. That inaugural season was just the beginning, as Allen earned All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career. By the time his seven-season stint with Memphis ended, Allen had made the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections.
Statistical Legacy
Allen left an impressive statistical legacy. He is second in Grizzlies history in steals, trailing only Mike Conley. Additionally, he ranks sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds. These numbers underscore the relentless effort and commitment he brought to each game, earning him the nickname "The Grindfather" and making him a fan favorite.
Career Highlights
The 14-season NBA career of Tony Allen also includes a championship ring from his time with the Boston Celtics, where he started his professional journey and cemented his reputation as a formidable defender. His championship pedigree further elevated his status when he joined the Grizzlies, where his defensive skills played a critical role in the team's success.
Off-Court Issues
However, Allen's career hasn't been without its challenges. In October 2021, Allen was charged for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. By April 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, agreeing to repay most of the defrauded money. In August 2023, Allen avoided jail time but was sentenced to community service and supervision. While these events have clouded his legacy somewhat, the Grizzlies organization and its fans focus on the positive impact he had on and off the court.
Moving Forward
Allen had previously hinted that his jersey retirement might occur during the 2024-25 season, saying, "It would happen during the 2024-25 season." However, the organization decided to honor him a year earlier, ensuring that March 15, 2024, will be a date all Grizzlies fans will remember—a tribute to a player who embodied the heart and soul of "Grit and Grind."
As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to lift Tony Allen’s No. 9 into the rafters, the ceremony will serve as a reminder of the tenacity, determination, and spirit that Allen brought to the game, making him a legend in Memphis basketball history.