Grizzlies vow to retire Tony Allen's jersey

Grit and Grind forever.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost two of their core pieces in Zach Randolph and Tony Allen this offseason in an effort to inject more youth into their aging roster. But those two local legends will never be forgotten.

The team released statements from owner Robert Pera and general manager Chris Wallace vowing to eventually retire the No. 9 worn by Allen, just as they promised with Randolph when he signed in Sacramento.

"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," Pera said.

"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 No. 9 jersey will hang in the rafters of FedExForum alongside Zach’s one day," Pera added.

The Grizzlies' GM echoed Pera's praise of Allen.

"Tony will forever be one of the Core Four responsible for the turnaround in the Memphis Grizzlies' fortunes and our surge in popularity," Wallace said.

The Grizzlies signed Allen following his six-year run in Boston that resulted in two Finals appearances and one championship. Allen took that winning mentality over to Memphis where he helped revive a middling franchise.

Allen returns as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday in preseason action.