Alright, hoop heads, buckle up! Tony Allen’s jersey retirement is about to be lit. Let’s dive into the deets!
Grizzlies’ Grit and Grind Legend Gets His Due
So, the Memphis Grizzlies are finally giving Tony Allen his flowers by retiring his No. 9 jersey on March 15. This epic moment will go down right after their game against the Miami Heat at the FedExForum. And get thisโthe first 5,000 fans score a Commemorative Vinyl Record. Talk about a sweet keepsake!
All Heart, Grit, and Grind: Tony Allen’s Legacy
Tony Allen is the third Grizzlies player to have his jersey retired, joining the ranks of Zach Randolph (No. 50) and Marc Gasol (No. 33). Allen was the embodiment of the “Grit and Grind” era, playing seven seasons in Memphis from 2010-17. He was a defensive beast, making the NBA All-Defensive team six times and helping Memphis hit the playoffs every season he was there, including a trip to the 2013 Western Conference finals.
The @memgrizz today announced the organization will retire Tony Allen’s No. 9 on Saturday, March 15, at FedExForum.
โ Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR)
Defensive Dynamo: Stats That Speak Volumes
In his time with the Grizzlies, Allen played 462 regular-season games, starting 359 of them. He put up solid numbers: 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His shooting? A respectable 47.4% from the field, though his 3-point and free-throw percentages were, let’s say, less stellar.
But who cares when you’re locking down the perimeter like he did? In his first season with Memphis, he averaged 1.79 steals per game, helping the Grizz lead the NBA in steals and forced turnovers. I think it’s safe to say he was a defensive nightmare for opponents.
From Boston to Memphis: A Career Full of Highlights
Before Memphis, Allen was drafted by the Celtics in 2004 and even snagged a championship with them in 2008. He had some memorable moments there too, like dropping a career-high 30 points against the Nuggets in 2006. Across his career with the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Pelicans, Allen averaged 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 steals over 820 games.
All heart. Grit. Grind.
Tony Allen Jersey Retirement Night on March 15.@Robinhoodapp | Get tix:
โ Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz)
Full details for the jersey retirement ceremony are still under wraps, but you can snag your tickets for the Heat-Grizzlies game online. Speaking of trades, did you catch that wild Curry rumor? Anyway, get ready for an unforgettable night celebrating one of Memphis’ finest.
So, what do you think? Will Allen’s jersey retirement night be the biggest event in Grizzlies history? Let me know your thoughts!
