Tony Allen's No. 9 Jersey to be Retired by Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are set to honor one of their most beloved players, Tony Allen, by raising his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. This momentous ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, following the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat. Allen, a defensive stalwart during his time in Memphis, will be the third member of the iconic "Core Four" to receive this honor.
A Core Member of the Grizzlies' Grit-and-Grind Era
Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol's numbers, 50 and 33 respectively, have already been enshrined, celebrating their pivotal roles in the team’s successful "Grit and Grind" era. Now, Allen's No. 9 will join them, cementing his legacy within the franchise. Allen played seven seasons with Memphis, making an indelible impact as a fierce defender and a respected team leader.
The Journey to Memphis
Allen’s NBA career spanned 14 seasons, beginning with the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2008. In 2010, Memphis acquired Allen from Boston on a three-year contract. It didn’t take long for Allen to solidify his place within the Grizzlies' lineup. In his first year, he claimed the starting position from O.J. Mayo, thanks in large part to his relentless defensive play.
Defensive Excellence
During his inaugural season with Memphis, Allen earned All-Defensive honors for the first time—a testament to his exceptional skills on the defensive end of the court. Throughout his tenure with the Grizzlies, Allen was named to the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections. His defensive prowess was unrivaled, helping to forge the team's hard-nosed identity.
Allen’s contributions were not limited to defense alone. He ranks second in Grizzlies history in steals, trailing only Mike Conley, and also holds top ten positions in games played and offensive rebounds for the franchise. His all-around game made him an invaluable member of the team, earning him the moniker "The Grindfather."
Off-Court Struggles
Despite his on-court success, Allen faced legal issues after his playing career. 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 pay back most of the money. Fortunately, by August 2023, Allen was sentenced to community service and supervision, allowing him to avoid jail time.
Looking Toward the Ceremony
Allen had previously indicated that his jersey retirement would occur during the 2024-25 season, but the Grizzlies have opted to expedite the honor. "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," Allen had noted. Now, Memphis fans will have the opportunity to celebrate Allen’s legacy a bit sooner than expected.
The upcoming ceremony promises to be a memorable event, offering Grizzlies fans a chance to honor a player who gave the team his all, both on and off the court. As No. 9 ascends to the rafters, it will serve as a lasting tribute to Tony Allen’s contributions and a reminder of the grit, grind, and dedication that defined a golden era of Memphis basketball.