Former Memphis Grizzlies swingman and defensive extraordinaire Tony Allen recently took the time to heap some serious praise on Ja Morant.

Morant, the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is yet to suit up as an NBA player for Memphis, but Allen already believes that the former Murray State point guard has the ability to keep the ā€œGrit and Grindā€ mantra alive and well in Memphis.

Allen notably spent seven seasons as a member of the Grizzlies. After beginning his NBA playing career with a lengthy stint as a member of the Boston Celtics, the seasoned shooting guard ultimately concluded his time in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans ā€” a campaign that came directly after his time in Memphis.

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While Allen's time with the Grizzlies was no doubt the most notably portion of his playing career, the versatile defender and role player helped the ā€œGrit and Grindā€ movement really take off. In addition to Allen, Memphis also sported the likes of big man Zach Randolph, point guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol during that movement.

It is worth noting that Gasol was traded away from Memphis earlier in the year in 2018-19, while Conley recently got traded to the Utah Jazz ā€” an event, which most people believe, marks the end of their ā€œGrit and Grindā€ era.