Memphis Grizzlies finalize date for Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony

Former Memphis Grizzlies guard and Core Four member Tony Allen is officially having his jersey retired.

The Grizzlies announced on Tuesday that Allen's jersey retirement ceremony is set for March 15 at FedExForum when Memphis faces the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen will join Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as Grizzlies who have been honored with jersey retirement ceremonies.

Allen told The Commercial Appeal in May the Grizzlies had notified him that his jersey would be retired during the 2024-25 season. He added the celebration will include a documentary that traces back to his roots growing up in Chicago.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Allen said. “Hopefully, I have a box of tissue with me.”

Allen played seven seasons with the Grizzlies. Each year resulted in a playoff appearance, including making the Western Conference Finals in 2013.

Allen, who became known as “the grindfather,” set the tone defensively for one of the NBA’s most tenacious groups. He was a six-time All-Defensive team selection during the Grizzlies’ “Grit and Grind” era.

Randolph's ceremony took place in 2021 while Gasol was inducted last April. Gasol's induction was the first time the Core Four, which also includes current Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, was back in the same building. Conley flew to Memphis in between road games to make Gasol's ceremony.

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Saturday's March 15 date comes between two Timberwolves home games, giving Conley the opportunity to return for Allen's ceremony if he chooses.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com . Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies finalize date for Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony