Tony Allen's Memphis Grizzlies jersey retirement was heartfelt and fun, befitting a Core Four member known as The Grindfather.

Tony Allen, whose defensive prowess and unique verbiage created the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit ’n Grind era, was honored with the retirement of his No. 9 jersey.

Basketball has changed a lot since Allen last suited up for the Grizzlies in 2017. In Allen's time, the Grizzlies' offense was slow, methodical and embraced midrange isolations. Today's Grizzlies play at a blistering pace and emphasize shooting 3-pointers and running in transition.

Tony Allen, a member of the Core Four who played for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2011 to 2016, was a 3-time NBA All-Defensive first-team selection.

This Saturday, March 15, the Memphis Grizzlies will retire Tony Allen’s #9 jersey. They will face off against the Miami Heat. Allen, known for his relentless defense, will have his jersey hanging in the rafters forever.

The list of attendees featured future hall of Famers and many of Allen’s former teammates. Paul Pierce, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were among the players who didn’t play with Allen in Memphis. Randolph, Ed Davis, Beno Udrih, Vince Carter, Quincy Pondexter and Marc Gasol all sat on stage with Allen.

On and off the court, Allen turned being an NBA player into a kind of lunatic performance art, and in Memphis, he found a deeply appreciative audience.”

Here’s the story of Tony Allen in Memphis, a special connection that came so close to never taking hold, and the crucial night where it finally did.