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 NBA player known primarily for his defensive prowess. Playing 14 seasons, mainly with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies, he earned six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, including three First Team honors. Allen won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008. His tenacious on-ball defense has cemented his reputation as one of basketball's greatest defenders.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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 Boston Celtics

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

January 22, 2005: First Career Start

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

March 20, 2006: Season-High Points

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 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 Points

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

July 2008: Re-signed with the Celtics

In July 2008, Tony Allen re-signed with the Boston Celtics on a two-year deal.

2008: NBA Finals Berth and Championship

In 2008, Tony Allen played a role in the Celtics' playoff run that led to an NBA Finals berth, where they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to claim the 2008 NBA Championship.

2008: NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics

In 2008, Tony Allen won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.

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 Celtics reached the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Lakers.

2010: Premier Perimeter Defender

In 2010, Tony Allen became one of the league's premier perimeter defenders with the Memphis Grizzlies.

April 23, 2012: Franchise Record Steals

On April 23, 2012, Tony Allen recorded a franchise record and career high of 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: Playoff Career Highs

During the 2013 playoffs, Tony Allen averaged playoff career highs and helped Memphis advance to the Western Conference Finals.

2015: Continued Defensive Stalwart

In 2015, Allen continued to be a defensive stalwart for the Grizzlies.

2016: Grizzlies season

In 2016-17, Tony Allen played for the Grizzlies, averaging 9.1 points and a team-leading 1.62 steals.

September 15, 2017: Signed with the New Orleans Pelicans

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

February 1, 2018: Traded to the Chicago Bulls

On February 1, 2018, Tony Allen was traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Ömer Aşık and Jameer Nelson in exchange for Nikola Mirotić and a 2018 second-round pick.