Honoring a Legend: Memphis Grizzlies to Retire Tony Allen’s No. 9 Jersey in 2024-2025 Season
Allen, who spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies, was a key defensive player during the ‘Grit and Grind’ Era, when the team was known for having one of the NBA’s best defensive units.
The team had initially planned to retire Allen’s No. 9 jersey during the 2021–2022 season, but the ceremony was postponed due to Allen dealing with legal issues.
Allen, a Chicago native, played for the Grizzlies from 2010 to 2017. During this time, he averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 assists per game. His contributions helped the team make seven consecutive playoff appearances, including a spot in the Western Conference Finals during the 2012–2013 campaign.
On an individual level, Allen was selected to the All-NBA Defensive teams six times, with three first-team selections, and finished in the top-10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting five times.
Allen will become the third player in the franchise’s history to have his jersey retired, joining fellow ‘Grit and Grind’ alumni Zach Randolph (No. 50) and Marc Gasol (No. 33).