Next March, the Memphis Grizzlies will honor one of their all-time greats, Tony Allen, by raising his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. Allen's jersey retirement ceremony will occur on March 15, immediately following the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat, joining the esteemed company of Zach Randolph's No. 50 and Marc Gasol's No. 33, making Allen the third member of the team's celebrated "Core Four" to receive this honor.
A Career Defined by Defense
Allen, who had a successful 14-season NBA career, spent seven impactful seasons with the Grizzlies from 2010 to 2017. His journey in the league began with the Boston Celtics, where he contributed to the team's 2008 championship run. Memphis acquired Allen in 2010 on a three-year contract, and he quickly made his presence felt. In his first season with the Grizzlies, Allen supplanted O.J. Mayo as the starting player, earning All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career.
Allen's defensive prowess became his hallmark, as he was named to the NBA All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections. He played a crucial role in the Grizzlies' identity, embodying the grit and grind ethos that the team became known for. During his tenure with Memphis, Allen ranked second in franchise history in steals, only behind Mike Conley. His contributions extended beyond defense, as he also stood sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds for the franchise.
An Off-Court Challenge
While Allen's on-court accomplishments are celebrated, his post-retirement years have seen their share of challenges. In October 2021, he was charged for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. This resulted in a guilty plea in April 2023, where Allen admitted to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. He agreed to pay back most of the defrauded money as part of his guilty plea. By August 2023, Allen was sentenced to community service and supervision, avoiding jail time.
A Celebrated Legacy
Despite these off-court issues, Allen's legacy in Memphis remains firmly intact, a testament to the impact he had on the franchise and its fans. The announcement of his jersey retirement had been anticipated for some time, with Allen himself previously noting, "It would happen during the 2024-25 season." The decision to honor him a year earlier recognizes his significant contributions to the team's history.
Allen's jersey will hang alongside those of Randolph and Gasol, two players who, like Allen, were integral to the team's most successful era. Their collective efforts led the Grizzlies to seven consecutive playoff appearances, including a memorable run to the Western Conference Finals in 2013.
The jersey retirement ceremony promises to be an emotional occasion for Grizzlies fans and the Memphis community. As the city prepares to celebrate one of its most beloved sports figures, it serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy that Tony Allen has left, both for his defensive tenacity on the court and the indelible mark he has made on Memphis basketball.