Memphis Grizzlies to Honor Tony Allen with Jersey Retirement
The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that they will honor Tony Allen by raising his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum next March. This momentous ceremony is scheduled to take place following the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat on March 15. Allen becomes the third member of the franchise's revered "Core Four" to receive this distinction, joining Zach Randolph (No. 50) and Marc Gasol (No. 33).
Allen's tenure in Memphis spanned seven seasons, marking an era where his defensive prowess and tenacity became the cornerstone of the team's identity. Acquired from the Boston Celtics in 2010 on a three-year contract, Allen quickly made his mark by securing a place in the starting lineup over O.J. Mayo. His impact was immediate and transformative, earning All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career during that inaugural season with the Grizzlies.
Throughout his time with the Grizzlies, Allen's defensive excellence was consistently acknowledged. He earned a spot on the All-Defensive team six times, with three of those selections being to the prestigious First Team. This relentless defense made him a fan favorite and a pivotal player in the team's playoff runs. In Grizzlies' history, Allen ranks second in steals, only behind Mike Conley, and also sits sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds.
Allen's NBA career spanned 14 seasons, beginning with the Boston Celtics, where he was part of the championship-winning squad in 2008. His transition from Boston to Memphis was seamless, as he brought the same grit and grind mentality that defined his playing style. The jersey retirement ceremony next March will be a significant recognition of Allen's contributions to the Grizzlies and the broader basketball community.
While Allen's on-court achievements are well celebrated, his post-retirement life has faced challenges. In October 2021, Allen was charged in connection with a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud in April 2023, agreeing to repay most of the money involved. By August 2023, Allen had been sentenced to community service and supervision, managing to avoid jail time.
Despite these legal troubles, the Grizzlies and their fans continue to hold Allen's contributions to the team in high regard. The decision to retire his jersey reflects an acknowledgment of the pivotal role he played during his tenure. Notably, Allen had previously mentioned that the jersey retirement would occur during the 2024-25 season, marking a slight change in the plans.
The legacy of the "Core Four" in Memphis is defined not just by the number of wins or playoff appearances, but by the cultural shift they spurred within the franchise. Together with Randolph and Gasol, Allen's relentless energy and defensive mindset helped instill a gritty, resilient identity that resonates with the Memphis community to this day. This jersey retirement solidifies Allen's place in the pantheon of Grizzlies legends and ensures that his efforts on the court will be remembered for generations to come.
As the ceremony approaches, it will undoubtedly be a time for reflection and celebration for both the team and its supporters. Allen's journey, from winning an NBA championship with the Celtics to becoming a linchpin of the Grizzlies' defense, encapsulates a career marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the game of basketball. The raising of the No. 9 jersey will serve as a fitting tribute to a player who gave his all every time he stepped on the court.