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.
On January 11, 1982, Anthony Allen was born. He is also known as "The Grindfather", played 14 seasons in the NBA, and is a six-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.
Tony Allen's 10 offensive rebounds in a playoff game were compared to the sixth reserve to record 10+ offensive rebounds in a postseason game since the 1986 Playoffs.
In 2010, Tony Allen averaged 4.14 steals per 48 minutes, the highest rate by an NBA player since Nate McMillan in 1993.
In 2000, as a college freshman, Tony Allen played for Butler County Community College, averaging 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 steals.
In 2002, Tony Allen transferred to Oklahoma State University for his junior season, where he averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds.
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.
On April 3, 2004, Tony Allen played in Oklahoma State's Final Four loss to Georgia Tech, recording 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
On June 24, 2004, Tony Allen was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round (25th overall) of the 2004 NBA draft.
On July 3, 2004, Tony Allen signed a multi-year contract with the Boston Celtics, marking the start of his NBA career.
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.
In August 2005, Tony Allen was involved in a fight in Chicago that led to a shooting, which later resulted in his indictment.
In November 2005, Tony Allen was indicted on three counts of aggravated battery following a fight that led to a shooting in August 2005 in Chicago.
On March 20, 2006, Tony Allen recorded a season-high 18 points and 4 steals in a home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Tony Allen is mentioned in comparison to Lorenzen Wright, who had a double-double on April 29, 2006.
On December 4, 2006, Tony Allen scored a season-high 20 points during a loss to the Chicago Bulls.
On December 15, 2006, Tony Allen scored a career-high 30 points along with 8 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets.
On January 7, 2007, Tony Allen recorded 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals in a road loss to the Orlando Magic.
On January 10, 2007, Tony Allen suffered a season-ending tear of the ACL and MCL in his left knee during a game against the Indiana Pacers.
In April 2007, Tony Allen was found not guilty at trial on the aggravated battery charges stemming from the August 2005 shooting incident.
In 2007, Tony Allen recovered in time for the start of the 2007-08 season, marking his return to the court after a significant knee injury.
In July 2008, Tony Allen re-signed with the Celtics after agreeing to a two-year guaranteed deal, continuing his tenure with the team.
In 2008, Tony Allen and the Boston Celtics claimed the NBA Championship after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
On December 27, 2009, Tony Allen recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers.
On July 13, 2010, Tony Allen signed a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
In 2010, Tony Allen and the Celtics reached the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Lakers.
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.
In 2011, Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, marking his first selection to an All-Defensive Team and a significant recognition of his defensive skills.
In January 2012, Tony Allen was voted the best perimeter defender in the NBA by the league's general managers.
On April 23, 2012, Tony Allen recorded a franchise record and set a career-high with 8 steals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 2012, Tony Allen earned his second consecutive First Team All-Defense honor, showcasing his continued defensive excellence.
On July 15, 2013, Tony Allen re-signed with the Grizzlies on a four-year contract, continuing his tenure with the team.
In 2013, Tony Allen helped Memphis advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, marking a significant playoff achievement.
In 2014, Tony Allen continued to be a defensive stalwart for the Grizzlies, guarding the opposing team's best offensive talent.
In 2014, Tony Allen had a steal percentage of 4.1 leading the league in the category.
In 2015, Tony Allen played for the Grizzlies averaging 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.72 steals.
On February 26, 2016, Kobe Bryant presented Tony Allen with an autographed pair of shoes that read, "To Tony, the best defender I ever faced!", recognizing Allen's defensive skills.
In May 2016, Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the 2015–16 season, marking his fifth career All-Defensive selection.
In 2016, Tony Allen played for the Memphis Grizzlies averaging 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.62 steals.
On June 26, 2017, Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the 2016–17 season, marking his sixth career All-Defensive selection.
On September 15, 2017, Tony Allen signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, joining a new team for the upcoming season.
On October 12, 2017, the Grizzlies announced they will retire Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey when he retires, honoring his contributions to the team.
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.
On December 10, 2017, Tony Allen suffered a fractured left fibula during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
On February 1, 2018, Tony Allen was traded to the Chicago Bulls along with Omer Asik, Jameer Nelson, and a protected first-round pick.
On October 7, 2021, Tony Allen was indicted for insurance fraud in the Southern District of New York for allegedly defrauding the NBA's health and welfare benefit plan.
On November 28, 2021, Tony Allen was charged with domestic assault, domestic vandalism, and interference with emergency calls related to an incident involving his wife.
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.
In January 2022, the domestic assault, domestic vandalism, and interference with emergency calls charges against Tony Allen were dismissed.
On August 8, 2023, Tony Allen was sentenced to three years of probation and community service, avoiding prison time due to repaying most of the illegally taken $420,000.
Tony Allen's #9 jersey retirement, delayed because of his 2021 arrest, is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2025, against the Miami Heat, alongside teammate Zach Randolph.