Offensive Game
Streaky but capable scorer who could catch fire; better than his reputation offensively in the right system
Career Journey
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
Allen made a career out of the half of the game that does not show up in a box score, and the league acknowledged it six times: All-Defensive First Team in 2012, 2013 and 2015, Second Team in 2011, 2016 and 2017. He averaged 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds across fourteen seasons and collected 1,158 steals, but the number that matters is how often he drew the opponent's best perimeter scorer. He won a title with Boston in 2008, then spent seven years in Memphis as the defensive identity of the Grit and Grind teams. The Grizzlies retired his No. 9 — rare recognition for a player who was never an All-Star.
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
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
37.49
Check Price on NBA StoreMemphis Grizzlies · Official
59.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
78.75
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
73.99
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
152.00
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
Shop · Worldwide
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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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