History of Tony Allen (basketball) in Timeline
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.
January 11, 1982: Anthony Allen's Birth
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.
1986: Offensive Rebound Record Comparison
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.
1993: Comparison to Nate McMillan Steals Rate
In 2010, Tony Allen averaged 4.14 steals per 48 minutes, the highest rate by an NBA player since Nate McMillan in 1993.
2000: Attended Butler County Community College
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.
2002: Transferred to Oklahoma State University
In 2002, Tony Allen transferred to Oklahoma State University for his junior season, where he averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds.
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.
April 3, 2004: NCAA Final Four Loss to Georgia Tech
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.
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.
August 2005: Fight leading to shooting in Chicago
In August 2005, Tony Allen was involved in a fight in Chicago that led to a shooting, which later resulted in his indictment.
November 2005: Indictment on aggravated battery charges
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.
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.
April 29, 2006: Comparison to Lorenzen Wright's Double-Double
Tony Allen is mentioned in comparison to Lorenzen Wright, who had a double-double on April 29, 2006.
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.
January 10, 2007: Season-Ending Knee Injury
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.
April 2007: Acquittal at trial
In April 2007, Tony Allen was found not guilty at trial on the aggravated battery charges stemming from the August 2005 shooting incident.
2007: Return from Injury
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.
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.
2011: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Selection
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.
January 2012: Voted Best Perimeter Defender by NBA GMs
In January 2012, Tony Allen was voted the best perimeter defender in the NBA by the league's general managers.
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.
2012: NBA All-Defensive First Team
In 2012, Tony Allen earned his second consecutive First Team All-Defense honor, showcasing his continued defensive excellence.
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: Continued Defensive Prowess
In 2014, Tony Allen continued to be a defensive stalwart for the Grizzlies, guarding the opposing team's best offensive talent.
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.
February 26, 2016: Kobe Bryant's Autographed Shoes
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.
May 2016: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Selection
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.
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.
June 26, 2017: NBA All-Defensive Second Team Selection
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.
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.
October 12, 2017: Grizzlies Announce Jersey Retirement
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.
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.
December 10, 2017: Fractured Left Fibula
On December 10, 2017, Tony Allen suffered a fractured left fibula during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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.
October 7, 2021: Indictment for insurance fraud
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.
November 28, 2021: Charges of domestic assault and vandalism
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.
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.
January 2022: Dismissal of domestic violence charges
In January 2022, the domestic assault, domestic vandalism, and interference with emergency calls charges against Tony Allen were dismissed.
August 8, 2023: Sentenced to probation and community service
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.
March 15, 2025: Delayed jersey retirement
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.
