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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
