Memphis Grizzlies to Honor Tony Allen with Jersey Retirement
In a fitting tribute to one of their most tenacious defenders, the Memphis Grizzlies will raise Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum following their game against the Miami Heat on March 15. This honor places Allen among the elite company of the team's "Core Four," solidifying his legacy within the franchise.
Allen will join teammates Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, whose jerseys have already been retired, symbolizing the immense impact this trio had in shaping the Grizzlies' identity and success during their tenure. Randolph’s No. 50 and Gasol’s No. 33 hang prominently in the arena, and Allen’s jersey will fittingly join them.
Allen's journey with the Grizzlies began in 2010 when he was acquired from the Boston Celtics on a three-year contract. The move was a catalyst for his career, as he quickly became an integral part of the team. In his first year with Memphis, Allen usurped O.J. Mayo’s starting position, immediately establishing his defensive prowess. His debut season with the Grizzlies saw him earn All-Defensive honors for the first time, a recognition he would receive six times throughout his career, including three First Team selections.
During his seven seasons with Memphis, Allen left a lasting mark. He is second in the team's history in steals, only surpassed by Mike Conley. Beyond that, Allen ranks sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds. His relentless defense and infectious energy endeared him to fans and solidified his reputation as a cornerstone of the "Grit and Grind” era, a period synonymous with fierce competitiveness and resilience.
Reflecting on Allen's broader basketball career, it spanned 14 seasons and began with the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA Championship in 2008. Despite his later controversies, including his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan, Allen's on-court contributions remain undeniable. In October 2021, Allen faced charges related to this scheme and ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud in April 2023. By August 2023, he was sentenced to community service and supervision, avoiding jail time but committing to repaying the defrauded money.
Despite these off-court issues, the decision to honor Allen with a jersey retirement underscores the significant and positive impact he had during his playing years. Allen himself had previously mentioned that the retirement ceremony would take place during the 2024-25 season, but the Grizzlies have accelerated the timeline, affirming the importance of recognizing his contributions sooner.
"It would happen during the 2024-25 season," Allen had noted, but the franchise chose to immortalize his contributions earlier, allowing fans to celebrate the legacy of a player whose dedication and spirit defined a memorable era in Grizzlies' history.
As March 15 approaches, Grizzlies fans and the broader basketball community will undoubtedly reflect on Tony Allen’s indelible mark on the team. His No. 9 jersey, hanging alongside those of Randolph and Gasol, will serve as a permanent reminder of the grit, grind, and glory he brought to Memphis.