Next March, the Memphis Grizzlies will honor a cornerstone of their franchise history by raising Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. This significant event is scheduled to take place following the Grizzlies' home game against the Miami Heat on March 15. Allen, often referred to as the "Grindfather" for his relentless defense and gritty playstyle, will become the third member of the team's revered "Core Four" to have his jersey retired, joining Zach Randolph (No. 50) and Marc Gasol (No. 33).
Allen's impact on the Grizzlies franchise is undeniable. During his seven seasons with Memphis, he became synonymous with the team's identity and philosophy of hard-nosed, blue-collar basketball. His tenure with the Grizzlies began under curious circumstances, as he was acquired via trade from the Boston Celtics in 2010 on a three-year deal. Allen quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the team, ousting O.J. Mayo from the starting lineup in his first year.
One of the highlights of Allen's career with the Grizzlies was earning his first All-Defensive honor in his debut season—a recognition that would become a recurring theme. Over his remarkable 14-season NBA career, Allen earned six All-Defensive team selections, including three First Team honors. His defensive prowess was a key factor in Memphis' frequent playoff appearances and deep runs during his stint with the team.
Beyond the accolades, Allen etched his name into the Grizzlies' record books in several categories. He ranks second in franchise history for steals, trailing only Mike Conley, and also places sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds, underscoring his contribution across various facets of the game.
While Allen's career in Memphis is celebrated for its on-court contributions, his post-playing life has had its challenges. In October 2021, Allen faced legal troubles when he was charged for his role in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. The legal proceedings concluded in April 2023 with Allen pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. He agreed to repay most of the defrauded money and, by August 2023, was sentenced to community service and supervised release, thus avoiding jail time.
Despite these off-court issues, Allen's impact on the Memphis Grizzlies remains profound. The jersey retirement ceremony serves as a testament to his significant contributions and the lasting legacy of the "Grit and Grind" era—a time characterized by the fierce competitiveness and defensive tenacity Allen epitomized.
Reflecting on the honor, Allen had previously mentioned that he expected the jersey retirement to occur during the 2024-25 season. Nonetheless, the ceremony has been scheduled sooner, adding to the buzz and anticipation among Grizzlies fans eager to celebrate the legacy of one of their all-time favorites.
The retirement of Tony Allen's jersey is more than just a ceremonial gesture; it is a celebration of the identity, spirit, and resilience that he brought to the team and the city of Memphis. As the Grizzlies prepare to immortalize his No. 9 jersey next March, they do so by acknowledging the indelible mark Allen has left on the franchise and the hearts of its fans.