In an announcement that will excite Memphis Grizzlies fans, Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey is set to be raised to the rafters at FedExForum next March, joining those of his fellow "Core Four" members. This ceremonious honor will be conducted after the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat on March 15, celebrating Allen’s impactful tenure with the team.
Allen’s jersey retirement will make him the third Grizzlies player to receive this distinction. His former teammates Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33 jerseys were previously retired, cementing the legacy of a group that transformed the team’s identity.
A Storied Career
Allen spent seven of his 14 NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, following a start to his professional career with the Boston Celtics. It was with the Celtics that Allen won an NBA Championship in 2008, an achievement that set the stage for his later contributions to the Grizzlies. Memphis acquired Allen from Boston in 2010 on a three-year contract, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
During his first year in Memphis, Allen quickly proved his worth by becoming a starting player in place of O.J. Mayo. His defensive prowess earned him All-Defensive honors, a distinction he would receive six times over the course of his career, including three First Team selections. Indeed, Tony Allen became synonymous with defensive excellence, earning a lasting nickname from fans and commentators alike: "The Grindfather."
An Indelible Impact on Memphis
Allen’s influence on the Grizzlies is still felt today. He ranks second in the franchise’s history for steals, following only Mike Conley. Additionally, his tenure with the team saw him placing sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds—testaments to his relentless hustle and dedication on the court.
Allen himself always held high regard for the possibility of his jersey retirement, previously noting that the event would occur during the 2024-25 season. However, the Grizzlies saw it fit to expedite the ceremony, perhaps recognizing the significance of Allen's contributions to the team's culture and success more urgently.
Honors Amid Controversies
While Allen’s outstanding achievements on the court are undisputed, his post-playing career faced turbulence. 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 the majority of the defrauded money. Despite these legal issues, Allen's contributions to his teams haven't been overshadowed.
In August 2023, Allen was sentenced to community service and supervision, thereby avoiding jail time. This outcome allowed for a sense of closure to a difficult chapter and provided an opportunity for Allen to reestablish his positive ties with the basketball community and the Memphis Grizzlies organization.
A Celebrated Legacy
The jersey retirement will serve as a crowning moment in Tony Allen’s career—one marked by extraordinary defensive play, a strong impact on team culture, and resilience in the face of personal adversity. Fans of the Grizzlies and NBA followers will no doubt look forward to March 15, when No. 9 will rise to its rightful place in the rafters of FedExForum.
For Grizzlies fans, the sight of Allen’s jersey will always evoke memories of the grit and grind era, a time when the team’s heart and defense earned them a unique identity in the league. And for Tony Allen, it is a well-deserved hallmark of a career defined by hard work, determination, and an unyielding defensive spirit.