Former Memphis Grizzlies player Tony Allen raises his arms while standing with family during his jersey retirement ceremony Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
MEMPHIS, Tennessee— Tony Allen, whose defensive prowess and unique verbiage created the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit ‘n Grind era, was honored Saturday night with the retirement of his No. 9 jersey.
He is just the third Memphis player to receive the honor, joining Core Four brethren Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, both of whom were in attendance on Saturday. Mike Conley, the fourth member of the quartet to bring the franchise its highest success, is still active with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I’m very thankful for this moment,” Allen said. “I’m going in the rafters. A lot of people don’t get this moment.”
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#9 in the rafters forever 🐻💙 pic.twitter.com/xhQDr4xwMC
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 16, 2025
During a first-quarter timeout, the team showed a smiling Allen, bringing the Memphis faithful to their feet.
Allen, drafted by the Boston Celtics out of Oklahoma State, came to the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2010. The start to his Memphis career was less than stellar. It wasn’t until a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder when Allen was thrust into the role of covering Kevin Durant that he solidified his reputation.
And, after the game — a win — Allen uttered the phrase: “All heart. Grit. Grind.” A team slogan and an attitude was born, along with his nickname, “the Grindfather.”
Allen said the mantra just came from his passion in a postgame interview, but it became a trademark for the city and a franchise.
“Tony Allen’s toughness, competitive spirit and defensive intensity energized his teammates and our fans and helped set a standard of defensive excellence that defined an era of Grizzlies basketball,” Grizzlies owner Robert Pera said in a statement.
While his shooting was erratic, leading teams to back away from him on offense, his defense was his calling card. He earned All-Defensive honors six times, and many a star player, such as the late Kobe Bryant, said Allen was among the toughest defenders they faced.
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His frenetic pace, sometimes crazy antics and a preparation to details were a change from the offensive-minded approach that gets most players noticed. He hung his hat on the defensive end, changing his game to fit what was needed.
“They like a little bit of crazy,” Allen said of the fans.
On the road, he was likely to wander into the home team’s dance troupe during a timeout, or toss his towel onto the court during play. He would sprawl out on the court after interrupting an offensive set.
“It felt good to get the game-winning stop, even if I didn’t get the game-winning shot,” Allen said. “That was just as valuable. A lot of times people don’t highlight those things, but it was fun for me. …That was my value on the court.”
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Allen played half of his 14-year career in Memphis, and stayed in the city after he retired following a season in New Orleans. He continues to live in Memphis.
“I want to share this with everybody,” Allen said. “I want this to not just be about me, but I want all of us to embrace this because I just think this is a dream come true.”
