Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Allen, Grit ‘n’ Grind Forever
Memphis Grizzlies announced that former shooting guard Tony “Grindfather” Allen will join Zach Randolph and have his jersey in the rafters at FedEx Fourm.
On Thursday morning the Memphis Grizzlies announced that former shooting guard Tony Allen will have his number retired and in the rafters next to Zach Randolph. A lot of people will question this gesture, but I’m sure that “those people” live outside of the 901.
Through his seven seasons in Memphis, Allen played in 462 regular season games, averaging 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals.
Allen had the chance to stay in Boston and finish his career there, but wanted to come somewhere that would pay him and use him in a bigger role. The Grizzlies called in, now Memphis Hustle head coach, Glenn Cyprien — the guy who scouted Allen out of high school. Cyprien then pulled him out of a deal with the Boston Celtics, and Allen signed a contract with the Grizzlies.
The rest is history. It wouldn’t be right of me not to thank Allen for everything he has done throughout his time in Memphis.
Tony, thank you for picking a rebuild over a championship contender. Thank you for coming in and giving a team an identity. Thank you for giving your entire heart to the 901. We felt your love with every turnover you forced, every fan you ran into after a loose ball. Thank you for giving a kid like me at the time hope. I still remember the game against the Sacramento Kings in 2011 that gave the Grizzlies a playoff spot. Mike Conley was at the line shooting two for the win and a playoff spot while you were on your hands and knees at half court. In that moment you were every fan.
Or that moment you had to let the Golden State Warriors know who “First Team All-Defense” was. You guarded the top player on every single team and took each match-up to heart. You always had a reaction to every turn in the game that either had the fan base feeling your pain, but majority of the time had them believing.
Thank you for making a moment a legacy, because you truly are the definition of “All-Heart, Grit ‘n’ Grind.”
Next: Examining Tony Allen's Legacy
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans
WHERE: FedEx Forum — Memphis, TN
WHEN: 7:00 PM – CT
HOW TO WATCH: FoxSports Southeast
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 – ESPN