It's just about football season, which means it is officially not too early to talk basketball.  The biggest buzz around the Grizzlies this offseason that has effectively forced the national media to talk about them is their flirtation with Allen Iverson.  I know I may be crazy, but I say if he wants to play here, let him play here.  It's not everyday the Grizzlies have a player on any talent level who comes knocking at the door.  Sure, he has character issues, but what pro athlete doesn't to an extent?  He is reaching the end of his career and he knows it.  I think that has tamed him somewhat.  He knows he is not going to be the focal point, and for a guy who refused to come off the bench in Denver, that shows some class and maturity.  The Grizz need established starpower.  Iverson may have lost a step but he can still be at least as consistent as the young guys who are still on a learning curve.  Plus, he has a lot he can teach them.  It's not a huge risk for the Grizzlies because Iverson isn't going to be around much longer.  They can sign him to a one-year deal and cut him loose if things don't work out.  We all know Michael Heisley hates spending his money, but what top-notch free agents are going to be looking at Memphis next summer?  Spend a little now and just see if we can't add a few wins to last season's total.  Sure, it is Allen Iverson and he could always blow up in your face, but he'll put fans in the seats.  That is what this team needs more than anything else.

Continue reading "Iverson worth a shot"

Allen Iverson is expected to make his decision on the Memphis Grizzlies today.  Management says it is anyone's guess what that decision will be, saying there is a "50-50" chance he will choose the Grizzlies.  His other likely destination is the Charlotte Bobcats.  He famously feuded with their new coach Larry Brown when the pair was in Philadelphia.  However, both he and Brown are open to a reunion.  The fact that he has experience with that system and that team has a better chance of making the playoffs in the East than the Grizzlies do in the West makes me believe he may be leaning more in that direction, but he has had nothing but good things to say about Memphis.  All the Grizzlies can do is wait and see what happens.

Continue reading ""The Answer" will come soon (or not)"

It is on Twitter, so it must be official.  Allen Iverson has chosen to sign a one-year deal with the Grizzlies.  The 13-year veteran averaged 17.4 ppg last season between Detroit and Denver, but still has a career average of 27.1 ppg.  He will provide a much-needed scoring boost off the bench.  Without Hakim Warrick, Quentin Ross and Kyle Lowry, the Grizzlies have few reliable offensive sources in reserve.  Iverson will probably only start when it is necessary due to injury or fatigue unless Lionel Hollins wants to try him at the point.  That, however, would make Hollins eligible for a mental institution.  As long as AI gets his scoring opportunities, this experiment will be fine.  I'm sure he will complain about the team not winning f

Continue reading "A.I. is a Grizzly"