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0 The Memphis Grizzlies have announced they will retire Tony Allen’s No. 9 jersey on Saturday, March 15, during a ceremony at FedExForum following the game against the Miami Heat. Allen will become the third player in franchise history to receive this honor, joining Zach Randolph (No. 50) and Marc Gasol (No. 33). Tickets for the event are available on the Grizzlies’ website, and the first 5,000 fans will receive a special Commemorative Vinyl Record featuring highlights of Allen’s career, produced in partnership with Memphis Record Pressing.
Tony Allen played a key role in the Grizzlies’ rise to prominence after signing as a free agent in 2010. He helped lead Memphis to the NBA Playoffs in all seven of his seasons (2010-2017) and was instrumental in the team’s first-ever playoff series victory in 2011, as well as their journey to the 2013 Western Conference Finals. Known for his tenacious defense, Allen ranks second in Grizzlies history with 762 steals and is among the franchise’s top 10 in games played (6th), offensive rebounds (9th), blocks (10th), and minutes played (10th).
During Tony Allen’s time with the Grizzlies, Allen earned six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, with three First Team nods (2012, 2013, 2015) and three Second Team honors (2011, 2016, 2017). Under his leadership on the defensive end, the Grizzlies consistently ranked among the top defensive teams in the league, including allowing an NBA-low 89.3 points per game in the 2012-13 season, when they set a franchise record with 56 wins.
Full details for the jersey retirement ceremony, including musical performances, guest appearances from former Grizzlies players and coaches, and other festivities, will be revealed closer to the event. The night is expected to be a celebration of Tony Allen’s lasting impact on the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis, where his defensive prowess earned him the nickname “The Grindfather” and helped define the team’s “Grit and Grind” era.
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