The Pros and Cons Of The Memphis Grizzlies Signing Allen Iverson

In a relatively bigger off-season than usual, the Grizzlies did their share of strange moves.

It started in drafting Hasheem Thabeet, a player many experts see as a high-risk, high-reward draft pick and one that was extremely disappointing in the Summer League.

Next came acquiring Zach Randolph, a talented big man with great stats, but a lengthy track record. Randolph has been heavily criticized for his lackluster defense and cancerous attitude.

The Grizzlies looked like they were set for this season, at least in the starting lineup. That is when a new name started buzzing around, NBA All-Star, Allen Iverson.

Iverson is arguably the best scoring combo guard in NBA history, but he has lost part of his step that made him such a dominating scorer in the past. As a 13-year veteran, Iverson does not have the same speed and athleticism that he had in his prime.

Finally, Iverson settled with the Grizzlies signing a one-year deal worth around $3.5 million to $4.5 million a year. Other teams such as Charlotte, Miami, and New York were also interested in Iverson.

As every player in the NBA, there are pros and cons of their particular services. Iverson brings plenty of both to the table.

Pros

Improves the offense: The Grizzlies had the fifth worst offense in the NBA last season averaging a little over 93 points per game. Iverson had a down year last year, but Detroit was a nightmare. He still has it in him to average over 20 points per game.

The Grizzlies starting lineup will be loaded with scorers with Mayo, Randolph, Gay, and now Iverson. Randolph and Iverson could help the Grizzlies become one of the best offenses in the league. Defense is a different story.

Brings Experience: Iverson is playing for his fourth team in the league, has been in the playoffs numerous times in his career, and has even been part of an NBA Finals team.

Iverson has never been known to be a leader in the locker room, but being a 13-year veteran and a typical playoff performer, Iverson brings some much needed experience for one of the youngest teams in the league.

Serves as a Mentor: Love him or hate him, Iverson is one of the all time greats. He is a lock for the Hall of Fame and one of the 50 greatest players in the history of the league. Iverson is a type of player young high school kids model their game after.

There is plenty to learn from in the way Iverson plays. Conley showed a lot of potential last season when Lionel Hollins took over the head coaching job. This season looked like Conley’s year to breakout and take over as Grizzlies full time point guard.

Whether Iverson starts point guard or shooting does not matter, Conley will no longer be the starter. There is one positive situation out of this move, Conley may learn from Iverson.

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