Memphis Grizzlies Announce Tony Allen's No. 9 Jersey Will Be Retired

Allen is joining a list of jersey retirements next season, with the 2024-25 NBA season seeing two teams honor Vince Carter by retiring his jersey five years on from his retirement. The New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors will be immortalizing Carter for his contribution to their franchise, while the Grizzlies will do the same for Allen.

Allen was never expected to be a major offensive contributor but ensured that the team would be performing at the highest level defensively. He averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 462 games over his time with the Grizzlies. He ranks second in franchise history in steals (762), sixth in games (462), and 10th in blocked shots (217).

The team made the Playoff every single season Allen was on the franchise, with their deepest run coming in 2013 when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Allen made the NBA All-Defensive team six times in that span and helped Memphis reach the playoffs all seven seasons, including a trip to the 2013 Western Conference Finals. 

Allen joins fellow Grit-n-Grind teammates Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in the rafters of the FedEx Forum in Memphis, the only three retired numbers in franchise history. 

Kobe Bryant Called Tony Allen The Toughest Defender He Ever Faced

Allen's defensive prowess was respected around the NBA, with many calling him one of the toughest defenders they had ever faced. We have heard legends such as Kevin Durant share the same, but few players gave Allen his flowers like Kobe Bryant did.

One of the moments that certified Allen's impact on the NBA came in 2016 when Kobe signed his shoes during his retirement tour and wrote a message calling Allen the best defender he's ever had to face. 

He always praised Allen when he got the chance, highlighting his defensive efforts in 2014 by commending him for taking on one-on-one defensive challenges rather than relying on teammates playing help defense.

"He’s fundamentally sound defensively and he plays harder than everybody else defensively. He has a competitive desire to compete individually. That’s very uncommon. Most defensive players I face want help all the time. I’ve never heard him ask for help. He likes taking the challenge."

Even though the legends end up being players with some of the greatest statistical feats in league history, the greatness of hustle defenders such as Allen goes underrated. His jersey retirement in Memphis is deserved for what he means to the city and franchise.