Next March, the Memphis Grizzlies will celebrate the contributions of Tony Allen by retiring his No. 9 jersey, hanging it in the rafters of the FedExForum. The ceremony, scheduled to take place after the team's game against the Miami Heat on March 15, marks the recognition of Allen as the third member of the Grizzlies' "Core Four" to receive such an honor, following Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33 retirements.
Allen, who played seven seasons with Memphis, had an influential tenure that solidified his status as one of the franchise's most iconic players. His journey with the Grizzlies began in 2010 when Memphis acquired him from the Boston Celtics on a three-year contract. Initially joining as a backup, Allen quickly proved his mettle, becoming the starting player over O.J. Mayo by the end of his first season.
Highly regarded for his defensive prowess, Allen earned All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career during his inaugural season with the Grizzlies. Over the course of his time with Memphis, he would make the All-Defensive team six times, with three First Team selections. His defensive contributions significantly bolstered the Grizzlies' performance, making him a cornerstone of their strategy. Allen is second only to Mike Conley in franchise history for steals, underlining his defensive acumen.
Allen's NBA career spanned 14 seasons, starting with the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2008. His arrival in Memphis signaled a new chapter, one in which he would become an integral part of the team’s identity. Known for his relentless work ethic and tenacity, Allen's impact went beyond the stats sheet, epitomized by his famous "Grit and Grind" mantra that became synonymous with the team’s ethos.
Despite his on-court successes, Allen's post-retirement life has not been without controversy. In October 2021, he was charged for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. By April 2023, Allen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, agreeing to reimbursing the majority of the defrauded amount. In a turn of leniency, August 2023 saw him sentenced to community service and supervision, avoiding jail time. Addressing the situation did not overshadow Allen's forthcoming jersey retirement, initially expected during the 2024-25 season.
Allen remains an indelible figure in Grizzlies history, ranking sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds during his tenure. His contributions helped shape the franchise during an era defined by toughness and resilience, qualities that resonated with the Memphis fanbase. The jersey retirement ceremony will not only serve as a formal recognition of Allen’s achievements but also as a tribute to the culture and spirit he helped build during his time with the team.
This forthcoming event is anticipated with great excitement by the Grizzlies community. Tony Allen’s legacy as a defensive stalwart and a fan favorite guarantees that his No. 9 jersey will serve as a lasting symbol of his contributions both on and off the court. As the Grizzlies look back on Allen’s storied career, his journey from Boston to Memphis and his essential role in the "Core Four" will forever be etched in the team’s history.