Memphis Grizzlies' Retired Numbers: Honoring Memphis' Best
The Memphis Grizzlies might not have the decades of history that older NBA teams do, but what they've built is something special. Hanging high in the FedExForum are three jersey numbers that stand for the team's proudest moments: No. 50 for Zach Randolph, No. 33 for Marc Gasol, and No. 9 for Tony Allen. These jerseys don't just represent players—they represent the spirit of Memphis.
To truly appreciate these numbers, you've got to look back at the era when the Grizzlies became more than just a team. They became a way of life for the city.
Zach Randolph: No. 50
Zach Randolph's arrival in 2009 was a game-changer for the Grizzlies. Known as "Z-Bo," Randolph brought toughness and grit that fit Memphis perfectly. He wasn't the flashiest player, but he dominated in the paint and came through when it mattered most.
In his eight seasons with the team, Randolph averaged 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He ranks second in franchise history in total rebounds (5,612) and is one of only two Grizzlies players to record over 200 double-doubles. His consistent performances earned him two All-Star selections, in 2010 and 2013, making him a standout even among the NBA's elite.
His defining moment came during the 2011 playoffs when the Grizzlies pulled off a stunning upset against the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. Randolph led the way, averaging 21.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in the series, including a 31-point, 11-rebound performance in the decisive Game 6. That series cemented his place as a Memphis icon.
Off the court, Randolph became part of the Memphis community in a way few athletes do. He helped families pay their bills, supported local charities, and always made time for fans. By the time his jersey was retired in 2021, it was clear that Z-Bo wasn't just a player—he was Memphis through and through.
Marc Gasol: No. 33
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When Marc Gasol joined the Grizzlies in 2008, he wasn't seen as a franchise cornerstone. That perception didn't last long. Over 11 seasons, Gasol became the anchor of the team on both ends of the floor. His basketball IQ, passing ability, and leadership made him one of the most complete centers in the game.
Gasol is the Grizzlies' all-time leader in games played (769), points (11,684), rebounds (5,942), and blocks (1,135). His versatility allowed him to be effective on both offense and defense. During the 2012-13 season, Gasol averaged 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, leading the Grizzlies to a league-best defense. His performance that year earned him the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award—the first in franchise history.
His defining postseason came in 2013, when the Grizzlies made it to the Western Conference Finals. Gasol's ability to control the pace of the game and his defensive dominance were instrumental in the team's deep playoff run. He averaged 17.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game during that postseason stretch.
Off the court, Gasol was just as influential. He supported community initiatives, built strong relationships with fans, and became a true representative of Memphis values. When his jersey was retired in 2024, it was a celebration of not just a career, but a deep connection to the city and its people.
Tony Allen: No. 9
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Tony Allen didn't need flashy stats to make an impact. What he brought to the court was pure hustle and defense. Allen's nickname, "The Grindfather," came to define the Grizzlies' style of play. In his seven seasons with Memphis, he turned defense into a game-changing weapon.
Allen's defensive prowess earned him six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, including three First Team honors. From 2010 to 2017, he was the team's perimeter defensive anchor, often tasked with guarding the league's top scorers. During the 2012-13 season, Allen's contributions helped Memphis lead the league in points allowed per game (89.3), a testament to the team's commitment to defense.
Allen's impact went beyond the numbers. His energy, grit, and intensity were contagious, lifting the entire team's performance. Fans will always remember his famous declaration, "First Team All-Defense," a phrase that became a rallying cry for the Grizzlies.
When his jersey was retired in 2023, it was about more than his on-court accomplishments. Allen's passion and connection to Memphis made him one of the city's most beloved figures. His ability to energize both his team and the fans made him a key figure in the Grit and Grind era.
The Grit and Grind Era Lives Through 50, 33, and 9
From 2010 to 2017, the Grizzlies played with a level of toughness that earned them respect across the league. They weren't a team built around superstars or flashy highlights. Instead, they focused on defense, teamwork, and outworking their opponents.
The Core Four of Randolph, Gasol, Allen, and Conley led the team to seven playoff appearances in eight seasons. Their crowning moment came in 2013, when they made it to the Western Conference Finals. That run was a testament to everything the Grizzlies stood for: grit, grind, and never giving up.
But this era was about more than just wins. It was about creating an identity that the city of Memphis could rally around. The team's blue-collar style reflected the hardworking nature of the city and brought fans closer to the franchise than ever before.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
Today's Grizzlies are carving out a new chapter with stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way. The team has embraced a faster, more modern style of play, but the foundation laid by Randolph, Gasol, and Allen is still there. The Grit and Grind mentality—hard work, toughness, and loyalty—continues to define what it means to play for Memphis.
As the team evolves, those retired jerseys in the rafters remain a reminder of what made the Grizzlies special. They're a tribute to a team that didn't just win games, but won the hearts of a city.
50, 33, and 9 Will Always Represent Memphis
Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Tony Allen didn't just play for the Grizzlies—they helped define what the team stands for. Their numbers, 50, 33, and 9, now hang in the FedExForum as permanent reminders of an era when the Grizzlies showed the world what grit and grind really means.
For fans, those jerseys are more than memories. They're symbols of a team that fought for every win and represented the spirit of Memphis in everything they did. As the Grizzlies look to the future, the legacy of Randolph, Gasol, and Allen will always be a part of the team's identity. In Memphis, basketball is more than a game—it's a reflection of the city itself.
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