Next March, the Memphis Grizzlies will honor one of their most celebrated players by raising Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum. The ceremony is slated to take place after the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat on March 15. Allen thus joins an exclusive cadre of Grizzlies legends, becoming the third member of the team's "Core Four" to have his jersey retired, following the footsteps of Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33.
Allen’s journey with Memphis began in 2010 when he was acquired from the Boston Celtics on a three-year contract. His impact was immediate and profound; during his debut season with the Grizzlies, he was promoted to a starting role over O.J. Mayo. Known for his relentless defense, Allen earned All-Defensive honors in his first year with Memphis—a harbinger of the accolades to come. Over seven seasons, he cemented his legacy with six All-Defensive team selections, including three First Team honors.
During his time with the Grizzlies, Allen was renowned for his defensive prowess. He is second in the franchise’s history in steals, trailing only Mike Conley. Furthermore, he ranks sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds for the team. These statistics underscore his critical role in the Grizzlies’ golden era and his indelible impact on the court.
Allen's career in the NBA spanned 14 seasons, beginning with the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA Championship in 2008. His arrival in Memphis signified a new chapter, one that solidified his reputation as one of the league’s elite defenders. Allen's aggressive and gritty playing style epitomized the "Grit and Grind" mentality, endearing him to fans and making him an integral part of the franchise's identity.
Yet, Allen's post-retirement life has been marred by controversy. In October 2021, he was charged for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. This legal battle culminated in April 2023, when Allen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and agreed to pay back most of the illicit gains. By August 2023, he was sentenced to community service and supervision, thus avoiding jail time.
Despite these legal troubles, the forthcoming jersey retirement serves as a testament to Allen's substantial contributions to the Grizzlies and the memories he created for their fanbase. Allen had previously indicated that the jersey retirement ceremony would occur during the 2024-25 season, but the date has now been set for next March. Reflecting on this, Allen said, "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," suggesting an earlier anticipation of this honor.
As the Memphis community looks forward to this celebration, Allen’s legacy as a cornerstone of the franchise will surely be cemented, not just in the rafters but also in the hearts of Grizzlies fans. His journey from a championship winner with the Celtics to a defensive stalwart in Memphis encapsulates a career that was as much about grit and tenacity as it was about skill and impact.
The ceremony on March 15 will be a well-deserved recognition for a player who gave his all in every game, embodying the relentless spirit that defines Memphis basketball. Allen’s jersey will serve as a lasting reminder of an era marked by determination, resilience, and an unrelenting quest for excellence.