Next March, the Memphis Grizzlies will honor Tony Allen by raising his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. The ceremony is slated to follow the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat on March 15, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise's history.
Allen, often regarded as the heart and soul of Memphis during his tenure, will become the third member of the team's storied "Core Four" to receive this distinction. His jersey will join those of Zach Randolph (No. 50) and Marc Gasol (No. 33), both of whom were integral to the Grizzlies' rise in the NBA.
A Storied Career
Throughout his seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Allen established himself as a standout defender and relentless competitor. His NBA journey began with the Boston Celtics, where he clinched an NBA Championship in 2008. It was in 2010 that Memphis acquired Allen from Boston, signing him to a three-year contract that would change the team's defensive dynamics.
Under the Memphis banner, Allen quickly secured a starting position, overtaking O.J. Mayo. His defensive prowess was recognized as he earned All-Defensive honors in his first season with the team. Over his career with the Grizzlies, he was named to the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections.
On the Court Achievements
Allen's tenure in Memphis was marked by several significant achievements. He ranks second in Grizzlies history for steals, trailing only Mike Conley. Additionally, during his time with the team, he placed sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds—a testament to his skill and determination on the court.
Such accomplishments not only etched his name into the Grizzlies’ record books but also cemented his legacy as one of the team's all-time great defenders. His relentless energy and work ethic became emblematic of the "Grit and Grind" era—a period that redefined Memphis basketball.
Legal Troubles
While Allen's on-court accolades are being celebrated, his off-court life has not been without controversy. In October 2021, Allen was charged for participating in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. The charges prompted Allen to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud in April 2023. As part of his plea, he agreed to repay most of the money involved.
Despite the severity of the charges, Allen avoided jail time. By August 2023, he was sentenced to community service and supervised release. This chapter, although a blemish on his record, hasn’t overshadowed the significant positive impact he made on the court and within the Memphis community.
Looking Forward
Allen had previously hinted that the jersey retirement ceremony would be a part of the 2024-25 season. His words, "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," reflect his anticipation and excitement for this honor. For the fans and the city of Memphis, the ceremony will be a moment of celebration and reflection on Allen’s profound influence on the team.
The raising of his jersey will not just be a recognition of his individual contributions but a reminder of the collective success and character of the "Core Four." As the Grizzlies prepare for the upcoming ceremony, the legacy of Tony Allen continues to be felt, as it will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players and fans.
In the storied history of the Memphis Grizzlies, few players have had the impact and left a legacy as enduring as Tony Allen. His number joining those of Randolph and Gasol will forever immortalize him in the annals of Memphis basketball, a fitting tribute to a player who gave his all for the team and the city.