Excitement is building in Memphis as the Grizzlies prepare to honor one of their pivotal figures, Tony Allen, by raising his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. Scheduled for March 15, the ceremony will follow the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat.
A Core Four Legacy
Allen’s jersey retirement marks him as the third member of the legendary 'Core Four' to receive such an honor, following Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33. This celebration will symbolize the end of an era that transformed Memphis into a formidable force in the NBA.
Impact on the Court
Allen's career with the Memphis Grizzlies was nothing short of spectacular. Joining the team in 2010 from the Boston Celtics, where he won a championship in 2008, Allen quickly established himself as an indispensable asset. Although initially acquired on a three-year contract, his impact was instantaneous. By his first year, he had usurped O.J. Mayo to become a starting player.
During his seven seasons with Memphis, Allen earned All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career and went on to receive them six times, including three First Team selections. His defensive prowess made him a cornerstone of the team's identity, earning him the nickname "The Grindfather." Allen ranks second in Grizzlies history in steals, trailing only behind Mike Conley, and also holds the sixth position in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds.
Off-Court Challenges
Despite his illustrious career, Allen has faced legal issues. In October 2021, he was charged for his part in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. By April 2023, Allen had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, agreeing to pay back most of the defrauded money. In August 2023, he was sentenced to community service and supervision, avoiding jail time.
A Delayed Honor
Interestingly, Allen had initially indicated that his jersey retirement would occur during the 2024-25 season. "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," Allen had stated previously. However, the decision to move the ceremony to March 2024 highlights the Grizzlies' eagerness to celebrate Allen’s immense contributions to the team sooner rather than later.
Allen's legacy in Memphis is not just defined by statistics but by the heart and soul he brought to the court. His relentless energy and defensive tenacity made the Grizzlies a team no one wanted to face, especially in their home arena. As fans and former teammates gather to honor him, the echoes of "Grit and Grind" will reverberate through FedExForum, reminding everyone why Tony Allen’s name belongs in the rafters alongside Randolph and Gasol.