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Memphis Grizzlies to retire Tony Allen’s jersey

By Luke Goodman

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 9: Tony Allen #9 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the game on December 9, 2014 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 9: Tony Allen #9 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the game on December 9, 2014 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Following a seven-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, Tony Allen will have his jersey retired by the franchise.

“Grit and grind.” The Memphis Grizzlies adopted the slogan to describe their physical style of play and strong work ethic. The whole team came together to establish a culture and reputation for the grit and grind, but no man personified them more than Tony Allen.

Tony Allen spent the past seven years as a mainstay of the Grizzlies franchise, and as he moves on from Memphis, the fans are grateful for what he’s done for the franchise and the city. Allen was a fan favorite known for his lock-down defense on the perimeter. Now that he’s no longer with the franchise, Memphis is looking to give him the highest honor they can for his service: a jersey in the rafters.

The statement was made by Grizzlies owner Robert J. Pera at a press conference on Friday. He said

"“Tony played with a level of passion that is unrivaled. He helped establish a Grizzlies culture focused on toughness and effort, and he challenged every player that put on Beale Street Blue to match his fiery intensity. On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank him for his incredible contributions to the Grizzlies and the unique way that he inspired the city of Memphis.”"

Allen, now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, had an emotional reaction when he heard the news.

Allen 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in his tenure with Memphis, but more than anything he brought an ideology and culture that the entire city grasped on to. He was also named NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2012, 2013, and 2015, as well as NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2011, 2016, and 2017.

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Allen signed with the Pelicans this offseason and is expected to be a large part of their rotation. His career may continue on elsewhere, but he’ll always be in the hearts and minds of Memphis fans everywhere.

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