The Memphis Grizzlies will elevate one of their beloved figures to an esteemed position in franchise history next March, as Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey will be raised to the rafters at FedExForum. The Grizzlies announced that Allen, a cornerstone of their celebrated "Core Four," will join Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol with his jersey retired, solidifying their legacy in Memphis lore.
A Night to Remember
The jersey retirement ceremony is set to occur following the Grizzlies' matchup against the Miami Heat on March 15. This honor marks a significant recognition of Allen's contributions during his tenure with the team, where his defensive prowess and gritty play became synonymous with the Grizzlies' identity.
Allen will be the third member of the "Core Four" to receive this honor, following the retirements of Randolph’s No. 50 and Gasol’s No. 33 jerseys. These key figures in the franchise's history helped shape an era that saw the Grizzlies earn a reputation as one of the toughest teams in the NBA.
The Grindfather's Arrival and Impact
Allen's journey to Memphis began in 2010 when he was acquired from the Boston Celtics, where he had already made a name for himself. Notably, Allen was a part of the Celtics’ 2008 championship squad. Memphis secured his talent with a three-year contract, and he quickly established himself as a fundamental player for the Grizzlies.
In his first season, Allen supplanted O.J. Mayo as a starter, immediately making an impression with his defensive tenacity. That very year, he garnered the first of his six All-Defensive team selections, a testament to his impact on that end of the floor. This included three First Team honors, an accolade reserved for the league’s elite defenders.
Tenure with the Grizzlies
Over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Allen's legacy was built not just on accolades but on the heart and hustle he displayed nightly. He ranks second in Grizzlies history in steals, only behind Mike Conley, and also holds places in several other statistical categories, including sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds.
He became a fan favorite for his hard-nosed playing style, earning the moniker "The Grindfather." His influence went beyond the stats, embedding a culture of toughness and perseverance within the team's ethos.
A Controversial Chapter
However, Allen's story is not without its controversies. In October 2021, Allen faced charges related to 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 funds.
Fortunately, Allen avoided jail time, receiving a sentence of community service and supervision by August 2023. Despite this chapter, the Grizzlies and their fans have chosen to remember him for his on-court contributions and the formidable presence he brought to the team.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
The forthcoming jersey retirement is a poignant moment for Allen and the Grizzlies' faithful. Initially, Allen had indicated that the ceremony might take place during the 2024-25 season. However, the decision to honor him sooner reflects both the high regard in which he is held and the eager anticipation among fans to celebrate his contributions.
"It would happen during the 2024-25 season," Allen noted previously, signaling that the celebration was initially expected to be further down the line.
As the Grizzlies prepare to honor Tony Allen, it is a reminder of the lasting impact he had on the franchise. His jersey will hang as a permanent symbol of the "Grit and Grind" era, an homage to a player whose spirited play helped define a generation of Memphis basketball.