Tony Allen (basketball)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tony Allen (basketball). Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Offensive Rebounds Record

In a game during the 2014 playoffs, Tony Allen recorded 10 offensive rebounds, becoming the sixth reserve to record 10+ offensive rebounds in a postseason game since the 1986 Playoffs.

1993: Comparison to Nate McMillan

In 2010-11 Tony Allen averaged 4.14 steals per 48 minutes, the highest rate by an NBA player since Nate McMillan in 1993-94.

2003: Oklahoma State University

In 2003, Tony Allen played for Oklahoma State and earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors.

April 29, 2006: Lorenzen Wright double-double

Tony Allen became the second Grizzlies reserve to register a double‐double in a playoff game, joining Lorenzen Wright (10 points, 10 rebounds on April 29, 2006).

April 2007: Found not guilty at trial

In April 2007, Tony Allen was found not guilty at trial regarding the aggravated battery charges from November 2005.

2007: Recovered from Injury

In 2007, Tony Allen recovered in time for the start of the 2007-08 season after suffering an ACL and MCL tear in his left knee.

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.

2011: 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive First Team

In the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, Allen was named to the 2011–12 NBA All-Defensive First Team.

January 2012: Best Perimeter Defender

In January 2012, Tony Allen was voted the best perimeter defender in the NBA by the league's general managers.

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.

2012: NBA All-Defensive First Team

In 2012, Tony Allen led all players receiving votes for the NBA All-Defensive teams, marking his second-straight First Team All-Defense honor.

2014: Led League in Steal Percentage

In 2014-15 Tony Allen led the league in steal percentage.

2014: NBA All-Defensive First Team

In 2014-15, Tony Allen made his third NBA All-Defensive First Team.

February 26, 2016: Kobe Bryant presents Allen with 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!" during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, where both players were inactive.