Former Memphis Grizzlies participant Tony Allen raises his arms whereas standing with household throughout his jersey retirement ceremony Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Picture/Brandon Dill)
MEMPHIS, Tennessee— Tony Allen, whose defensive prowess and distinctive verbiage created the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit ‘n Grind period, was honored Saturday night time with the retirement of his No. 9 jersey.
He’s simply the third Memphis participant to obtain the consideration, becoming a member of Core 4 brethren Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, each of whom have been in attendance on Saturday. Mike Conley, the fourth member of the quartet to carry the franchise its highest success, remains to be lively with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I’m very grateful for this second,” Allen mentioned. “I’m going within the rafters. Lots of people don’t get this second.”
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#9 within the rafters endlessly 🐻💙 pic.twitter.com/xhQDr4xwMC
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 16, 2025
Throughout a first-quarter timeout, the staff confirmed a smiling Allen, bringing the Memphis devoted to their ft.
Allen, drafted by the Boston Celtics out of Oklahoma State, got here to the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2010. The begin to his Memphis profession was lower than stellar. It wasn’t till a sport towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder when Allen was thrust into the function of masking Kevin Durant that he solidified his repute.
And, after the sport — a win — Allen uttered the phrase: “All coronary heart. Grit. Grind.” A staff slogan and an angle was born, alongside along with his nickname, “the Grindfather.”
Allen mentioned the mantra simply got here from his ardour in a postgame interview, but it surely grew to become a trademark for the town and a franchise.
“Tony Allen’s toughness, aggressive spirit and defensive depth energized his teammates and our followers and helped set a regular of defensive excellence that outlined an period of Grizzlies basketball,” Grizzlies proprietor Robert Pera mentioned in an announcement.
Whereas his taking pictures was erratic, main groups to again away from him on offense, his protection was his calling card. He earned All-Defensive honors six instances, and lots of a star participant, such because the late Kobe Bryant, mentioned Allen was among the many hardest defenders they confronted.
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His frenetic tempo, generally loopy antics and a preparation to particulars have been a change from the offensive-minded method that will get most gamers observed. He hung his hat on the defensive finish, altering his sport to suit what was wanted.
“They like slightly little bit of loopy,” Allen mentioned of the followers.
On the highway, he was prone to wander into the house staff’s dance troupe throughout a timeout, or toss his towel onto the courtroom throughout play. He would sprawl out on the courtroom after interrupting an offensive set.
“It felt good to get the game-winning cease, even when I didn’t get the game-winning shot,” Allen mentioned. “That was simply as useful. A whole lot of instances individuals don’t spotlight these issues, but it surely was enjoyable for me. …That was my worth on the courtroom.”
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Allen performed half of his 14-year profession in Memphis, and stayed within the metropolis after he retired following a season in New Orleans. He continues to dwell in Memphis.
“I wish to share this with everyone,” Allen mentioned. “I would like this to not simply be about me, however I would like all of us to embrace this as a result of I simply assume it is a dream come true.”
