Memphis Grizzlies to retire Tony Allen's '9': The keys why it will be on par with Marc Gasol

The Memphis Grizzlies announced today that they will retire the number 9 of Tony Allen on Saturday, March 15th at the FedExForum, following the game against the Miami Heat, sponsored by Robinhood. Allen will become the third player in franchise history to have his number retired, joining Zach Randolph, whose number 50 was retired on December 11, 2021, and Marc Gasol, whose number 33 was retired on April 6, 2024.

Tickets for the game are now available and can be purchased online at grizzlies.com/tickets. The first 5,000 fans to arrive will receive a commemorative vinyl produced locally in collaboration with Memphis Record Pressing, highlighting memorable plays, moments, and significant interactions from Allen's career with the Grizzlies. Full details about the jersey retirement ceremony, which will feature musical artists, entertainment, former Grizzlies players, NBA players and coaches, as well as other special guests and festivities, will be announced at a later date.

Allen, who signed as a free agent in 2010, helped guide the Grizzlies to the NBA Playoffs in each of his seven seasons in Memphis (2010-2017) and was instrumental in the franchise's first postseason win in 2011, as well as the team's advancement to the Western Conference Finals in 2013. A Chicago native, Allen ranks second in franchise history in steals (762) and is among the top 10 in games played (462; 6th), offensive rebounds (741; 9th), blocks (217; 10th), and minutes played (11,588; 10th).

Defensive Team

During his time with the Grizzlies, Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team six times, earning three First Team selections (2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15) and three Second Team selections (2010-11, 2015-16, 2016-17). With Allen guarding the perimeter, the Grizzlies ranked among the top 10 teams in the NBA in points allowed in six of his seven seasons, with a standout performance in the 2012-13 season when they held opponents to an average of 89.3 points per game, the league's best record, during a franchise-best 56-26 season.

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