The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that they will honor Tony Allen by retiring his No. 9 jersey next March, adding him to the elite roster of players whose jerseys hang in the rafters at FedExForum. Allen will be the third member of the team’s “Core Four” to receive this prestigious honor, joining Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33.
Ceremony Details
The highly anticipated jersey retirement ceremony is slated to take place following the Grizzlies' matchup against the Miami Heat on March 15. Fans and players alike are looking forward to this momentous occasion, which celebrates Allen's indelible impact on the team and the city of Memphis.
Allen's Career with the Grizzlies
Allen’s tenure with the Grizzlies spanned seven seasons, starting from his acquisition from the Boston Celtics in 2010. During his first season with Memphis, Allen made an immediate impact by securing a spot as a starting player over O.J. Mayo. His exceptional defensive skills earned him All-Defensive honors in his debut season with the Grizzlies, setting the stage for an illustrious career in Memphis.
Over his time with the Grizzlies, Allen was named to the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections. He ranks second in the franchise's history in steals, trailing only Mike Conley, and holds positions in the top ten for both games played and offensive rebounds. These achievements underscore Allen’s importance not only to the team but also to the league-wide recognition of his defensive prowess.
Earlier NBA Career
Before joining the Grizzlies, Allen had a significant stint with the Boston Celtics. Starting his NBA career with Boston, he achieved the pinnacle of success by winning an NBA Championship with the Celtics in 2008. This championship experience and his defensive acumen made him a highly valuable acquisition for the Grizzlies in 2010, who secured his services on a three-year contract.
Recent Legal Issues
In recent years, Allen faced legal challenges related to his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. In October 2021, he was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. By April 2023, he had pleaded guilty and agreed to pay back most of the defrauded amount. Subsequently, in August 2023, Allen was sentenced to community service and supervision, avoiding jail time. Despite these issues, Allen’s contributions to the Grizzlies and his exceptional career remain the focal points of his legacy.
Future Outlook
Allen had previously indicated that his jersey retirement would occur during the 2024-25 season. However, the decision to honor him sooner reflects the deep respect and appreciation the franchise and its supporters have for his significant contributions. As fans prepare to celebrate this milestone, the forthcoming ceremony promises to be a memorable tribute to one of Memphis’s most beloved players.
With Tony Allen’s No. 9 set to join the retired jerseys of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, the ceremony will be a fitting salute to the "Grindfather," whose relentless defense and leadership helped define an era of Grizzlies basketball. Allen's legacy on and off the court remains influential, and this jersey retirement solidifies his place in Memphis sports history.