Grizzlies release statements on Tony Allen from Controlling Owner Robert J. Pera & General Manager Chris Wallace Posted: Oct 12, 2017 FACEBOOK GOOGLE PLUS TWITTER The Memphis Grizzlies released the following statements from Grizzlies Controlling Owner Robert J. Pera and Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace regarding Tony Allen, prior to Allen’s return to FedExForum, when the Grizzlies host the New Orleans Pelicans, Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m.:
Robert J. Pera: Controlling Owner, Memphis Grizzlies “Tony was a driving force behind the Grizzlies’ seven straight playoff appearances and he remains a beloved member of the Memphis community. Tony played with a level of passion that is unrivaled. He helped establish a Grizzlies culture focused on toughness and effort, and he challenged every player that put on Beale Street Blue to match his fiery intensity. On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank him for his incredible contributions to the Grizzlies and the unique way that he inspired the city of Memphis. We are proud that the Grindfather’s #9 jersey will hang in the rafters of FedExForum alongside Zach’s one day.”
Chris Wallace: General Manager, Memphis Grizzlies “Tony will forever be one of the Core Four responsible for the turnaround in the Memphis Grizzlies’ fortunes and our surge in popularity. There would never have been seven straight years of playoff appearances, the incredible electricity in FedExForum for home games, ‘Grit and Grind’ and ‘Believe Memphis’ without Tony Allen’s contributions to the team. In the process Tony became more than just one of the toughest defenders in the league – he became a true cult hero who was intertwined with the soul of Memphis like few athletes ever have in any city. Tony and his family will be missed but his impact on the Grizzlies and Memphis will never be forgotten.”
1. "I don't really mind this" In response to Reply # 0
I don't think the Grizz have any numbers retired and those teams did make a WCF and were among the better teams in the league for 4 or 5 years.
Maybe it's my Lakers' elitism here but it's difficult to think of someone who never made an all-star team as being worthy of a number retirement. It would make more sense to me to raise a banner including the numbers of Allen, Z-Bo, Gasol and Conley to simply celebrate the team as a whole. But given that they're retiring Tony Allen's number that those other players will have their numbers retired as well.
Is he the worst player to have his number retired anywhere?
I know this is a dick thing to ask and he meant a lot to the franchise. It's just my opinion these things are reserved for the upper echelon players of the teams...IMO this team probably has 3-4 retireable numbers, and he's not one of them (Gasols, ZBo, Conley maybe).
4. "RE: He's a better basketball player than Dan Marino" In response to Reply # 3
>Here's a list of everyone who has had their number retired. > >https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_retired_jersey_numbers > >The only retired number at Target Center right now is a career >10/3/2 guy, but he also died as an active member of the team. > >Any old heads know about Dave Twardzik? I honestly don't. > >Jesus, the Heat retired Jordan's number, too? LMAO that's so >corny.
Lol, what??? Jordan’s Bulls knocked the Heat out of the playoffs in 92, 96, and 97. And you retire his jersey? Ridiculous.
10. "Hmmmm, interesting question." In response to Reply # 2
The Celtics are very liberal about retiring numbers. Cedric Maxwell springs to mind but he was a better player than Allen. KC Jones was somewhat similar to Allen in terms of role but a much better and more accomplished player. As I said in the other thread, why are they going so ham on this era? How playoff series did they win? A few but not that many, no finals appearances, etc. Weird that a guy with this role would get his number retired without rings (though I know he got one in Boston).
I think the guy I'd nominate would be Brad Davis. Why did the Mavs retire his number? Any special significance? Looking at stats, I am baffled. The Cavs retired Nate Thurmond's number for sure and I think Walt Frazier's number. This would be akin to the Chargers retiring Johnny Unitas's number or the Niners doing it with OJ or Rams with Joe Namath. I guess the Thurmond makes more sense because he is an Akronite, but overall these showed how desperate they were to hang a banner of some sort in Cleveland.
Vinnie Johnson's number was retired by Detroit (arguably better than Allen but similar, a super-sub with a specific role). He had two rings though. Here is a moe similar case to Allen's. The Sonics retired Nate McMillan's number. I loved McMillan and knew he'd be a coach, but frankly he doesn't deserve it. The Sixers can go ahead and retire Eric Snow's number if so. I would say McMillan is very similar to Allen, a defense/leadership guy with kind of shitty numbers.
There are some suspect "ring of honor" choices in the NHL/NFL but that is not the same as a retired number.
Here is an odd one for you guys, the #2 was retired by the Hartford Whalers for Rick Ley and then un-retired when they moved to Raleigh and re-retired for Glen Wesley. Both guys were good defensemen and served in leadership roles but I doubt many franchises would have retired either of their numbers. So they retired the same number twice for somewhat suspect choices.
In hockey Yvon Labre seems to me to be the most Tony Allen-like. He was a gritty player and a heart-and-soul guy. He was not a star.
Why did the Angels retire Jimmy Reese's number? I should know this but I don't.
There are probably more candidates but Allen is definitely in their midst. Anyway, I always liked him a lot and he symbolized what the Grizzlies identity became. So I am cool with it, though I acknowledge it's suspect.
And you will know MY JACKET IS GOLD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.
16. "the defense is why is jersey is up there" In response to Reply # 15 Tue Oct-24-17 09:50 AM by hardware
idk how else to explain it to you. that and just being super down to represent the franchise. I mean thats basically our basketball mt rushmore now as far as the fanbase is concerned.
20. "Are they hanging fizdales "50" too?" In response to Reply # 0
-The Knicks’ coaching search still includes a lone frontrunner, Kurt Rambis, whose qualifications for the position include a strong relationship with Jackson and a willingness to take the job.
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