Offensive Game
Streaky but capable scorer who could catch fire; better than his reputation offensively in the right system
Career Journey
Anthony Allen is an American former professional basketball player who played for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), primarily for the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. Nicknamed "the Grindfather", he is a six-time member on the NBA All-Defensive Team, including three first-team selections. Allen won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Known for his suffocating on-ball pressure, he is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in NBA history.
Offensive Game
Streaky but capable scorer who could catch fire; better than his reputation offensively in the right system
Defensive Game
One of the greatest perimeter defenders in NBA history; pressured ball-handlers, denied wings, and made All-Defensive First Team four times
Intangibles
Defensive genius who studied opponents obsessively; understood offensive tendencies and exploited them at the highest level
All articles
Tony Allen earned six All-Defensive First Team selections in Memphis and became the Grindfather — the defensive identity of a Grizzlies team that made the Western Conference Finals and never stopped competing.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
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Boston Celtics
2004-2010
Memphis Grizzlies
2010-2017
New Orleans Pelicans
2017-2018
6x NBA All-Defensive Team
Four First Team (2012-2015), two Second Team selections
NBA Champion
Won 2008 NBA title with Boston Celtics
Jersey Retired
#11 retired by Memphis Grizzlies in 2018
The Grindfather
Namesake and embodiment of the Grit and Grind era in Memphis basketball
Career Earnings
~$60M+
Estimated total NBA career salary
Personal Life & Family
Partner
Desiree Allen
Did You Know?
His nickname the Grindfather perfectly captured the Memphis team identity and became a rallying cry for the entire city
Won an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 alongside Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen
Made the All-Defensive First Team four consecutive seasons (2011-12 through 2014-15)
His jersey #11 was retired by the Grizzlies in 2018, cementing his place as one of the all-time Grizzlies greats
Official Jerseys
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75.00
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