The third of the ‘Core 4‘ is finally having his number 9 retired! For Tony Allen, it wasn’t just about the banner going up — it was also about the people who showed up. The Memphis Grizzlies honored their defensive star with a night full of emotions, memories, and loud cheers. As the tribute video wrapped up, the crowd stood in applause. Allen, overcome with emotion, wiped his tears, grabbed the mic, and did what he does best — he talked. And his feelings were reciprocated!

Who showed up to celebrate him? The guest list was stacked. Paul Pierce, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were there, along with former Grizzlies teammates like Zach Randolph, Vince Carter and Marc Gasol. Even Mike Conley, who couldn’t make it, sent a heartfelt video message ending with, “G-N-G forever.” But one person refused to miss this night no matter what—Paul Pierce.

So why was Pierce so determined to be there? Their story goes way back. “Let me tell you something. It all started back in summer league because I never went to summer league games,” Pierce said during his speech. He wasn’t the type to watch rookies play, but something about Allen caught his attention. That’s when the now-famous bet happened. “So I bet him a thousand dollars if he got a dunk. For every dunk he got—man, he wound up with like nine dunks in the game. I was like, ‘Damn.’ So I gave him like $9,000 that night.” 

That was the time when Pierce not only lost $9k but also gained a “younger brother”. They spent six seasons together in Boston, winning a championship in 2008. Even after Allen left for Memphis, their friendship never faded. As Pierce put it, “I know I got something right here.” And on that special night in Memphis, he made sure to be there to remind everyone just how much Allen meant to him.

The friendship that goes above and beyond expectations

How far would you go for a friend? For Paul Pierce, the answer was clear — whatever it takes. When it came to Tony Allen’s jersey retirement, nothing was going to stop him from being there. Flight delays? No problem. Cancellations? He had a backup plan. If all else failed, he was ready to take a private jet.

“Because that’s my brother,” Pierce said, reflecting on their bond. He had been there from Allen’s first Summer League game, watching him grow from a hungry rookie to a defensive icon. So when Allen left Boston for Memphis, Pierce understood. “I was sad he left… but it was time for him to spread his wings.”

But why did this night matter so much? Because Allen didn’t just play in Memphis—he built something. And all the people out there supporting him are proof of that. Pierce wasn’t just attending a ceremony; he was honoring a brother who had carved out his own legacy.

Even with travel troubles, Pierce had a backup plan. “I had another flight planned. I would have taken a private jet just to be here tonight.” That’s how much this night mattered.

And what a night it was. Allen, emotional and full of gratitude, gave a speech straight from the heart. As his No. 9 jersey rose to the rafters, the crowd roared, celebrating not just a player but a Memphis legend. And right there, front and center, was Pierce—because some bonds are too strong to break.