In a move that underscores his enduring impact on the Memphis Grizzlies, Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey will be raised to the rafters at FedExForum next March. Allen, a pivotal member of the Grizzlies' "Core Four," will join Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as players whose jerseys have earned this prestigious honor. The jersey retirement ceremony is scheduled to take place following the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat on March 15.
Allen played a crucial role during his seven seasons with Memphis, starting from his acquisition from the Boston Celtics in 2010. Arriving on a three-year contract, he quickly cemented his place in the starting lineup, replacing O.J. Mayo in his inaugural season. Notably, Allen immediately distinguished himself as a defensive powerhouse, earning All-Defensive honors for the first time ever during that initial season with the Grizzlies.
Throughout his 14-season NBA career, Allen's defensive prowess was consistently acknowledged. He earned All-Defensive team selections six times, including three First Team honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders. During his tenure with Memphis, Allen became second in franchise history in steals, with only Mike Conley surpassing him. Additionally, he ranked sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds for the Grizzlies, further highlighting his all-around contributions to the team's success.
Longtime fans will remember Allen not just for his defensive skills but for his role in some of the franchise’s most memorable moments. His intensity and dedication on the court made him a fan favorite and a defining figure in the Grizzlies' “Grit and Grind” era. The emotional resonance of his jersey retirement is amplified by his significant contributions to both the team and the community.
However, Allen's journey has not been without its difficulties. In October 2021, he was charged in connection with a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. This marred his otherwise illustrious career, casting a shadow over his achievements. By April 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. He agreed to repay most of the money involved, and by August 2023, he was sentenced to community service and supervision, avoiding jail time.
Notably, Allen had previously indicated that the retirement of his jersey would occur during the 2024-25 season. "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," Allen had stated, but celebrations have been expedited, perhaps to provide a moment of redemption and closure for the former Grizzly great.
Allen’s career in the NBA began with the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2008, adding another significant achievement to his résumé. His transition to Memphis significantly altered the course of his professional journey, turning him into a cornerstone of the franchise. The journey from Boston to Memphis encapsulates a story of growth, relentless work ethic, and, ultimately, legacy.
The anticipation for the jersey retirement ceremony brings together fans, former teammates, and the broader basketball community in celebrating a player whose influence extended far beyond the stat sheet. The symbolic lifting of his jersey serves not just as a nod to his defensive tenacity but as a testament to the enduring spirit of the “Core Four” era in Memphis Grizzlies history.
The event on March 15 will undoubtedly be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many, marking a fitting tribute to a player who gave his heart and soul to the franchise. As the Grizzlies prepare for this significant celebration, Tony Allen’s legacy as a defensive stalwart and a beloved figure in Memphis will be indelibly inscribed in the annals of the team’s history.