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

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 8, 2025

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

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Playoff Records

In the 1986 Playoffs, John Salley, Roy Tarpley, Jayson Williams, Greg Ostertag, and Jeff Foster all recorded 10+ offensive rebounds in a postseason game.

1993: Highest Steals Rate Since Nate McMillan

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

April 29, 2006: Double-Double in Playoff Game

On April 29, 2006, Lorenzen Wright registered a double‐double in a playoff game, marking one of the few times a Grizzlies reserve had achieved this feat.

April 2007: Found not guilty at trial

In April 2007, Tony Allen was found not guilty at trial for the aggravated battery charges he was indicted on in November 2005.

2007: Returned from Injury

In 2007, Tony Allen recovered from his knee injury in time for the start of the season.

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.

2011: All-Defensive Team Recognition

From 2011 to 2017, Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team six out of seven times.

January 2012: Voted 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 8 Steals

On April 23, 2012, Tony Allen set a franchise record with 8 steals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2012: All-Defensive First Team Honor

In the 2012-13 season, Tony Allen led all players receiving votes for the NBA All-Defensive teams, marking his second-straight First Team All-Defense honor.

2014: Led the league in steal percentage

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

2015: Defensive Stats

In the 2015-16 season, Tony Allen was tied for the NBA lead in steals per 48 minutes and led the Grizzlies with 1.7 steals per game.

May 2016: Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team

In May 2016, Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the 2015–16 season.

2016: All-Defensive Selection

In the 2016-17 season, Tony Allen led the league in steal percentage.

June 26, 2017: Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team

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.

October 12, 2017: Jersey Retirement Announcement

On October 12, 2017, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that they would retire Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey when he retires.

2017: All-Defensive Team Recognition

From 2011 to 2017, Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team six out of seven times.

January 2022: Domestic assault charges dismissed

In January 2022, the charges against Tony Allen for domestic assault, domestic vandalism, and interference with emergency calls were dismissed.

March 15, 2025: Jersey retirement ceremony

On March 15, 2025, Tony Allen's #9 jersey will be retired alongside teammate Zach Randolph against the Miami Heat, delayed from 2021-22 due to his arrest.