Tony Allen's No. 9 to Be Retired by Memphis Grizzlies

[Doobie Doo]

Tony Allen's No. 9 to Be Retired by Memphis Grizzlies
TIMOTHY RAPPOCTOBER 12, 2017

Brandon Dill/Associated Press
The Memphis Grizzlies announced Thursday that Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey would be retired and hung from the rafters at the FedExForum on Friday, when Allen returns to Memphis with the New Orleans Pelicans in a preseason game.

General manager Chris Wallace said:

"Tony will forever be one of the Core Four responsible for the turnaround in the Memphis Grizzlies' fortunes and our surge in popularity. There would never have been seven straight years of playoff appearances, the incredible electricity in FedExForum for home games, 'Grit and Grind' and 'Believe Memphis' without Tony Allen’s contributions to the team.

"In the process Tony became more than just one of the toughest defenders in the league—he became a true cult hero who was intertwined with the soul of Memphis like few athletes ever have in any city. Tony and his family will be missed but his impact on the Grizzlies and Memphis will never be forgotten."


Allen responded emotionally to the announcement:



Tony Allen's No. 9 to Be Retired by Memphis Grizzlies

 

[Gil Scott-Heroin]

to one of the GOAT defenders. 1st team. 1st team.

 

[Deflatedhoopdreams]

I'm wit it

 

[Remote]

Nice gesture and video.

 

[iceberg_is_on_fire]

I can rock with this. Never questioned effort from him. Maximized his abilities on the court.

 

[ALonelyDad]

Him/ZBO/Conley/Gasol define Grizzlies organization.

 

[hayesc0]

 

[MikelArteta]

he deserves it, you dont haveto be a 20/10 guy playing for 15 years to have that honor
dude played his heart out and epitomized what memphis was

 

[who_better_than_me]

Does Pau Gasol have his jersey retired?

 

[lightskin jermaine]

respect

 

[dem bath salts]

Being a team HOF is dope.

 

[Doobie Doo]

Does Pau Gasol have his jersey retired?

I'm pretty sure he will when he retires. If Marc wins a ring there you HAVE to retire Pau just for the simple fact you wouldn't have gotten one without the other.

 

[SoulController]

thats dope, for a number of reasons. he really did rep the brand of ball they played, dude busts his ass on the court. happy for him

 

[Tim2520]

I know it might sound cliche but the man brought it every night, never once had to question his heart

 

[CrimsonTider]

lol