Add Allen Iverson signing with the Memphis Grizzlies to that esteemed list.
Just last week, I told ya'll AI was already complaining to coaches about coming off the bench after his first freakin' game of the season. I predicted that this unholy alliance wouldn't make it to the All-Star break.
Uhhh, scratch that.
Is Allen Iverson's career in Memphis over after just three games?So, to repeat, AI didn't even cut it one week in Graceland. His career as a Grizz lasted all of 3 games.
On Saturday, Iverson was granted permission to leave the the Grizzlies to deal with a personal matter a Grizzlies spokesperson confirmed.
The question is, will he be back?
Head coach Lionel Hollins said Saturday night that Iverson's departure was "indefinite." Owner Michael Heisley said Iverson's absence has nothing to do with his displeasure about his role on the team.
“I’m not going to get into the personal reason but it has nothing to do with the other stuff,” Heisley told the Commercial Appeal, referring to Iverson’s unhappiness over his sixth man role. “I’m the guy who said he could go. It’s a real family issue that I don’t think should be reported.”
However, Heisley also said that there are still big issues to address when and if Iverson returns.
“There’s no question that when he comes back we have to work some things out,” Heisley said. “He’s got a lot of work to do, but we’ve all got to get on the same page. He understands what the conditions are. And we need to be less hyper about this along with Allen.”
Despite Heisley's remarks to the media, the rumor making its way through the NBA grapevine, according to a number of league sources unconnected to the Grizzlies, is that Iverson's gone for good from the Grizzlies.
RiPPa, I sure hope you didn't buy those season tickets.
Does this really surprise anyone? Did everyone forget that Iverson was essentially told to kick rocks by a struggling Pistons team just 6 months ago? Or that he was unceremoniously dumped from the Nuggets? And the Sixers? And that he only signed with the Grizz because no other NBA team wanted him contaminating their youngsters with his legendary practice habits?
It's really, really, really sad watching a once proud athlete write his career eulogy in such a shameful manner.[1] Once considered a surefire Hall Of Famer, AI is probably pissing his way out of Springfield. While his heart was once unquestionable (the guy was a miraculously quick healer when injured), it's now the biggest question mark surrounding him.
What a way to go out. Out like a sucka.
Today's papers are indicating that Iverson is contemplating retirement, but you and I know better. What's he going to do for money, work at Sizzler? Here's to hoping AI's "soul searching sabbatical" shows him that the NBA doesn't need him, he needs the NBA.
Get it together, Allen.
Question: Is Allen Iverson tarnishing his HoF chances with this sort of nonsense? Where's his next stop, the Sizzler in Newport News?
Answers few and far between on Allen Iverson's future in Memphis [ESPN]
[1] I still say Starbury went out worse. At least AI hasn't eaten any Vaseline or gotten a tearful, shirtless backrub from some dude on camera. Yet.
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um, he needs to get it together. talented dude, but pissing off coaches and everything is the type of arrogance that's followed him his whole career and its starting to catch up.
"i'm not a reserve player"
ok...we'll see what's next. he's tryna do the one man team, and even Memphis was like no. Frankly, it's kinda sad. On the other hand, doesn't seem like he's been given a fair shake since he left Philly--but I'm just sayin.
It was pretty telling when no top level teams wanted to deal with Iverson. He could really be an asset to a contender coming off the bench. But he doesn't want to do that. And if he leaves Memphis under these circumstances he can forget it.
As far as HOF chances, I don't know. I may start some controversy with this one, but I am not sure Iverson is really HOF worthy. Sure he has scored a lot of points. But other than that I don't see why he should be in the HOF. Maybe the regular season MVP from 2001 will slide him in.
He had a fair shake in Detroit and he ****** us.
He's not as good as he used to be.
He was never as good as he thought he was.
He still wants to dominate the ball.
At his age and current skill level that's not a good idea. People have to adapt to changing times and circumstances and he refuses to do that.
AI needs to understand the concept of bowing out gracefully! Personally I always looked at him as a "hotdog" .
Ha ha!
Nope I didn't buy those season tickets. Nor am I going to purchase those tickets from work with the great discount either. The only game I actually wanted to see was when they played Detroit last week or week before last.
Yeah, we knew this was a dumb move.
YOU DID MENTION IT A TIME OR TWO.
LOL
The minute I heard he was on the bench in preseason supposedly injured I knew it was a wrap.
Oh well, so much for basketball here in Memphis. The University of Memphis is on suspension, Allen Iverson gone....
GO TENNESSEE TITANS!
*hangs head in shame*
Wow, this guy really does not have a clue. I expect him to pack his bag and play overseas.
Some one really needs to sit him down and have a long talk. Or is it already too late.
dude should just retire. first off all he grew back his braids. that should have been the first sign not to sign him. lol
memphis already had rudy gay and oj mayo who both average 20 attempts a game. both are younger and more athletic. i hope iverson really didn't think he was gonna take shots from them. lol
Allen Iverson’s choise is right.
A.I. is not a Hall of Famer. Is he one of the twenty best guards ever, not even close. He's a very good player in an era of inflated stats and excessive hype. I see him at the Dennis Johnson level.
The NBA, NFL, and MLB need to get stricter with their standards when guys like Dumars and Jim Kelly get in.
So.......are we talking about practice?
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