Allen Iverson: Is He a Suitable Signing for the Memphis Grizzlies?
Allen Iverson is looking to play in the NBA again, according to Yahoo Sports.
In 2009-10, his last NBA season, Iverson played three unspectacular games for the Memphis Grizzlies before returning to his first team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson played 32 games with the 76ers before dropping out of the league. The Grizzlies served as a vehicle in a short whirlwind tour of action for Iverson.
One could wonder what Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace should do if Iverson comes knocking on the door again.
If Iverson asks to make his comeback with the Grizzlies, Wallace has three options. The first option is to find a spot on the bench for the 36-year-old guard. Second, Wallace could tell Iverson he will evaluate talent and call him in the next two weeks. The third—and perhaps the best option—is that Wallace could run for the hills.
Considering the trouble Iverson might cause, running for the hills would be very sensible if this Iverson contacts the team.
Iverson did nothing to thrill Grizzlies fans in 2009. In his three games, Iverson shot 55.7 percent and averaged 12.3 points per game in 22 minutes off the bench. Iverson showed little energy despite impressive shooting in those three games in a Grizzlies uniform. He was a shell of the player who had carried the 76ers to the NBA finals nine seasons before that stint.
That should be enough of a sign, without considering the way he drifted while playing for the 76ers.
Also, Wallace should consider the health of Iverson's calf. In January, Iverson left Besiktas—the team for which he had played in Turkey—to have calf surgery in the United States. Wallace should wonder how well Iverson has healed since his surgery. Also, Wallace should want to know if Iverson would be ready to play at NBA speed whenever the season begins.
Whether the season begins in November, January or November 2012, Iverson may not be healthy and strong enough to play with a team that is much younger than he is.
That illuminates another important point. The Grizzlies are a young team led mostly by a corps of young players. The average age of the Grizzlies starters is 27.4. For the Grizzlies as a team, the average age is 25.2. They're a very young team that doesn't need the 36-year-old Iverson weighing them down.
Having veteran leadership is good. Grizzlies swing man Shane Battier served as a perfect model of veteran leadership for younger players in the latter part of last season by working hard and playing great defense.
Iverson doesn't fit that role.
The Grizzlies will need to make a couple moves to add players when the lockout ends. Signing a scoring guard would be especially helpful for the Grizzlies as they try to take the next step towards their first trip to the NBA finals.
Iverson would not be an appropriate signing for the Grizzlies.
