Memphis Grizzlies to Retire Tony Allen's Number

The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Wednesday they will be retiring the No. 9 of former Oklahoma State great, Tony Allen.

The ceremony will take place on Jan. 28 when the Grizzlies host the Utah Jazz.

“It’s a dream come true,” Allen said on the Chris Vernon Show. “Just looking back growing up when I was a kid, watching the Bulls retire Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen. The whole build up and bringing my swag here, the demeanor, the poise, just working every day, grit-and-grind culture here, it’s a complete honor. I’m thankful, really thankful.”

The Grindfather spent 14 seasons in the NBA, the first six years with Boston, the next seven with Memphis and one season with New Orleans. He was a member of the Celtics’ 2008 championship squad, a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, as well as a three-time second team selection. He was also called the toughest player Kobe Bryant ever played against, which is some rather high praise.

He finished his career with 6,654 points, 2,884 rebounds and 1,158 steals, an average of 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

During his two seasons in Stillwater, Allen averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and two steals per game, and was a critical piece of OSU’s 2004 Final Four team. He was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year in 2003 and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year the next season.