In a ceremony scheduled for March 15, the Memphis Grizzlies will honor one of their beloved "Core Four" members by raising Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. This will be a fitting tribute to the defensive stalwart who played seven impactful seasons with the franchise.
Allen joins Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in receiving this prestigious honor, solidifying the lasting legacy of a trio that guided the Grizzlies through one of the most successful periods in team history. Randolph's No. 50 and Gasol's No. 33 already adorn the rafters, establishing a tradition that Allen now becomes a part of.
A Career of Defining Moments
Allen's basketball journey began in Boston, where he spent the initial years of his 14-season NBA career and secured a championship with the Celtics in 2008. However, his most memorable contributions came after Memphis acquired him from Boston in 2010 on a three-year contract.
In that first year with the Grizzlies, Allen's defensive prowess quickly garnered attention. Displacing O.J. Mayo as the starting player, Allen earned All-Defensive honors, the first of many accolades he would receive during his Memphis tenure. Over the course of his time with the team, Allen was named to the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections—a testament to his relentless energy and defensive skill.
Statistical Achievements
Allen leaves an indelible mark on the Grizzlies' record books. He ranks second in team history for steals, trailing only Mike Conley. His contributions go beyond just defensive metrics; he ranks sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds for the franchise. These statistics underscore Allen's versatility and commitment to the game, attributes that endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Off-Court Challenges
The former Grizzlies standout has also faced significant challenges off the court. 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 illicitly obtained money. In a fortunate turn, Allen avoided jail time and was sentenced to community service and supervision by August 2023.
This jersey retirement ceremony, initially noted by Allen to happen during the 2024-25 season, represents a chance for the former player to refocus his narrative on his athletic accomplishments. "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," Allen had remarked, indicating his anticipation for this milestone.
A Time to Celebrate
The ceremony will follow the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat, providing a stage for fans and former teammates to celebrate Allen’s legacy. Known affectionately as “The Grindfather,” Allen personified the grit and grind ethos that became synonymous with Memphis basketball.
As the third member of the "Core Four" to have his jersey retired, Tony Allen’s journey from a Boston Celtics rookie to a Memphis Grizzlies legend is a story of resilience, defensive brilliance, and a commitment to excellence. His contributions to the team's identity and success are indelible, and come March 15, Memphis will give him the honor he so richly deserves.