Tony Allen’s No. 9 Jersey to Be Retired by Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that they will raise Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey to the rafters at FedExForum next March. The ceremony will make Allen the third member of the team's revered "Core Four" to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of Zach Randolph’s No. 50 and Marc Gasol’s No. 33.
The jersey retirement ceremony is scheduled to take place after the Grizzlies' game against the Miami Heat on March 15, a date that will be etched into the memory of Grizzlies fans and NBA enthusiasts alike. Allen's contribution to the team is impossible to overlook, especially during his seven-season tenure with Memphis, where he became an integral figure of the franchise’s identity.
Allen's NBA career, which spanned 14 seasons, began with the Boston Celtics where he won a championship as a reserve in 2008. Memphis acquired Allen from Boston in 2010 on a three-year contract, a move that would help transform the Grizzlies into a formidable team in the Western Conference.
In his first year with Memphis, Allen seized the starting spot from O.J. Mayo, marking the beginning of the Grit-'n'-Grind era—an era characterized by gritty defense and relentless effort. His defensive prowess did not go unnoticed; Allen earned All-Defensive honors for the first time in his career during that inaugural season with the Grizzlies.
Allen’s defensive accolades continued to pile up as he made the All-Defensive team six times, including three First Team selections. His defensive tenacity placed him second in Grizzlies history in steals, trailing only Mike Conley, a testament to his impact on the defensive end of the court.
Across his time with the Grizzlies, Allen also ranked sixth in games played and ninth in offensive rebounds, showcasing his all-around contributions to the team beyond just defense.
Although the Grizzlies initially planned to retire Allen’s jersey during the 2021-22 season, those plans were postponed. In October 2021, Allen was charged for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the NBA’s health and welfare benefits plan. In April 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, agreeing to pay back most of the money. By August 2023, Allen had been sentenced to community service and supervision, successfully avoiding jail time.
Despite this setback, the Grizzlies have shown that they still value Allen’s contributions on the court immensely, as evidenced by the rescheduled jersey retirement. Of the upcoming honor, Allen had previously noted, "It would happen during the 2024-25 season," which highlights a slight correction in the timeline for the celebration.
The decision to honor Allen, despite his legal issues, reinforces the deep-seated respect and appreciation the Grizzlies organization and its fans hold for a player who embodied the heart and soul of the franchise. As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an emotional and memorable occasion at FedExForum.
This jersey retirement will not only celebrate Allen’s individual achievements but also serve as a reminder of the transformative era in Grizzlies history that he helped to shape. The Grit-'n'-Grind era left an indelible mark on the team and its supporters, and Allen’s No. 9 will forever hang in the rafters as a symbol of grit, determination, and defensive excellence.
Allen’s story, filled with high points and personal challenges, serves as a narrative about resilience and redemption, making this upcoming ceremony not only a recognition of past achievements but also a hopeful testament to personal growth and perseverance.