Career Timeline of Tony Allen (basketball): Major Achievements and Milestones

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Tony Allen (basketball)

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tony Allen (basketball) made an impact.

Tony Allen, nicknamed "The Grindfather," is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his exceptional defensive skills. He played 14 seasons in the NBA, primarily for the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. Allen earned six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, including three first-team honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier defenders. He was a key member of the 2008 Boston Celtics team that won the NBA championship. His tenacious on-ball defense and relentless effort made him a fan favorite and earned him widespread respect throughout the league.

2003: Oklahoma State Season

In the 2003-04 season, Tony Allen led Oklahoma State in scoring and reached 1,000 career points in just two seasons.

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 NBA draft.

July 3, 2004: Signed with the Celtics

On July 3, 2004, Tony Allen signed a multi-year contract with the Boston Celtics.

January 22, 2005: First Career Start and 20 Points

On January 22, 2005, Tony Allen made his first career start for the Celtics against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 20 points.

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: Scored Season-High 20 Points

On December 4, 2006, Tony Allen scored a season-high of 20 points during a loss to the Chicago Bulls.

December 15, 2006: Career-High 30 Points

On December 15, 2006, Tony Allen scored a career-high 30 points to go with 8 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets.

January 7, 2007: 21 Points, 9 Rebounds, and 7 Steals

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 Boston Celtics on a two-year guaranteed deal.

2008: NBA Championship with Celtics

In 2008, Tony Allen and the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship, 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.

2010: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2010, Tony Allen and the Boston Celtics reached the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.

2010: Premier Perimeter Defender with Memphis

In 2010, Tony Allen began his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders.

April 23, 2012: Franchise Record 8 Steals

On April 23, 2012, Tony Allen set a franchise record 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 Memphis Grizzlies on a four-year contract.

2013: Western Conference Finals Appearance

During the 2013 playoffs, Tony Allen helped Memphis advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

2014: Continued Defensive Prowess

In the 2014-15 season, Tony Allen continued his defensive prowess while guarding the opposing team's best offensive talent.

September 15, 2017: Signed with the New Orleans Pelicans

On September 15, 2017, Tony Allen signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

November 1, 2017: Season-High 10 Points

On November 1, 2017, Tony Allen scored a season-high 10 points 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 other players and a draft pick, in exchange for Nikola Mirotić and a pick.

2021: Pick Swap Option

As part of the February 1, 2018 trade, Chicago had the right to swap its 2021 second-round pick with New Orleans' own 2021 second-round pick.