Career Timeline of Tony Allen (basketball): Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tony Allen (basketball) made an impact.
Tony Allen, "the Grindfather," is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his defensive prowess. He spent 14 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. A six-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, including three first-team honors, Allen was a key part of the Celtics' 2008 NBA Championship team. He is widely considered one of the best perimeter defenders in NBA history, famous for his tenacious on-ball pressure and intensity.
2003: Junior season at Oklahoma State
In 2003, as a junior at Oklahoma State University, Allen averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 32 games, earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors.
June 24, 2004: Drafted by the Boston Celtics
On June 24, 2004, Tony Allen was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round (25th overall) of the 2004 NBA draft.
July 3, 2004: Signed with the Celtics
On July 3, 2004, Tony Allen signed a multi-year contract with the Boston Celtics, marking the start of his NBA career.
January 22, 2005: First Career Start and 20-Point Game
On January 22, 2005, Tony Allen made his first career start against the Atlanta Hawks and scored 20 points, marking a significant milestone in his rookie season.
March 20, 2006: Season-High 18 Points and 4 Steals
On March 20, 2006, Tony Allen recorded a season-high 18 points and 4 steals in a home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
December 4, 2006: Season-High 20 Points Against Chicago Bulls
On December 4, 2006, Tony Allen scored a season-high 20 points during a loss to the Chicago Bulls.
December 15, 2006: Career-High 30 Points Against Denver Nuggets
On December 15, 2006, Tony Allen scored a career-high 30 points along with 8 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets.
January 7, 2007: 21 Points, 9 Rebounds, and 7 Steals Against Orlando Magic
On January 7, 2007, Tony Allen recorded 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals in a road loss to the Orlando Magic.
July 2008: Re-signed with the Celtics
In July 2008, Tony Allen re-signed with the Celtics after agreeing to a two-year guaranteed deal, continuing his tenure with the team.
2008: NBA Championship with Celtics
In 2008, Tony Allen and the Boston Celtics claimed the NBA Championship after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
December 27, 2009: First Career Double-Double
On December 27, 2009, Tony Allen recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers.
July 13, 2010: Signed with the Memphis Grizzlies
On July 13, 2010, Tony Allen signed a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
2010: NBA Finals Appearance with Celtics
In 2010, Tony Allen and the Celtics reached the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Lakers.
2010: Emergence as Premier Perimeter Defender with Grizzlies
In 2010, Tony Allen emerged as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders in his first season with Memphis, helping the Grizzlies lead the NBA in steals and forced turnovers.
April 23, 2012: Career-High 8 Steals Against Cavaliers
On April 23, 2012, Tony Allen recorded a franchise record and set a career-high with 8 steals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
July 15, 2013: Re-signed with the Grizzlies
On July 15, 2013, Tony Allen re-signed with the Grizzlies on a four-year contract, continuing his tenure with the team.
2013: Western Conference Finals Appearance
In 2013, Tony Allen helped Memphis advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, marking a significant playoff achievement.
2014: Led the league in steal percentage
In 2014, Tony Allen had a steal percentage of 4.1 leading the league in the category.
2015: Continued Defensive Prowess for the Grizzlies
In 2015, Tony Allen played for the Grizzlies averaging 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.72 steals.
2016: Played for the Memphis Grizzlies
In 2016, Tony Allen played for the Memphis Grizzlies averaging 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.62 steals.
September 15, 2017: Signed with the New Orleans Pelicans
On September 15, 2017, Tony Allen signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, joining a new team for the upcoming season.
November 1, 2017: Season-High 10 Points
On November 1, 2017, Tony Allen had a season-high 10 points in 19 minutes off the bench in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
February 1, 2018: Traded to the Chicago Bulls
On February 1, 2018, Tony Allen was traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Omer Asik, Jameer Nelson, and a protected first-round pick.
2021: Future Pick Swap
In February 2018, as part of a trade, Chicago gained the right to swap its 2021 second-round pick with New Orleans' own 2021 second-round pick.
