I just want to say , I Love AI as a player but I really don't think he fits with this squad. Chemistry won't be there. I was 100% rooting for AI to be in green when the rumor first surfaced before the Big three era began but now I don't see it working out. AI is still a superstar in this league and I'm practically still in awe about the amount of disrespect he's been given as a player of his caliber. Especially in MEMPHIS, THE Grizzlies absolutely suck, I don't care how you try to slice it, Having Conley start over AI and get majority of minutes was a crime. I Still can't believe Majority of "experts" and haters were on the grizzlies side on this one. Still in utter amazement of the amount of ignorance. Anyhow back to the point. He wouldn't fit here. GREAT PLAYER and can realistically still put up 25ppg. Personally I think his best bet (maybe not to get a ring, but to restore his personal career) would be to sign with Charlotte or the Warriors. I truly Feel Larry brown or Nelson will let AI shine and bring excitement to an otherwise Boring franchise such as those. So my vote. NO for AI in Green but YES AI still an excellent player who'll be a plus for whatever non-contending team willing to sign him.
It's AI's fault for not listening when offered the contract to come off the bench. The starting backcourt of the future was going to get the major minutes.
I don't believe that at all. Don't ask me why ,well I mostly base this belief from the interviews AI did once he decided to sign with Memphis. I personally believe he was lead to believe by the Owners that #1 he'd be given major minutes and will be given a platform to shine. On numerous occasions he stated how he was going to prove doubters wrong (that he still had what it takes to carry a nba team) and do his thing. #2 That memphis was serious about doing what it took to become winners. Not "rebuilding". Initially signs such as signing a vet (randolph) that maybe they finally see the light (as did the celtics) that you sign proven vets and match them with great young players and that's how you build a winner. I don't believe for ONE SECOND he was told or lead to believe that he was there to "babysit" or serve as a mentor for the young puppies. That's where the problem emerged, I think the Grizzlies ownership used AI just to sell tickets and tricked him to signing with the bait that he'd be given an opportunity as was in philly , for him to carry a team on his back. but on the flip side....let me ask you this , Lets say you were Kevin Garnett, Lets say KG's contract was up and he decided to go Sacremento. You honestly think there's justice in asking or assuming that KG should be on the bench playing sparringly behind Jason Thompson? So Thompson can "develop"? .... Please that's a downright insult. That's what the NBDL is for. to Develop players. Besides Conley has been starting for the Grizz for the last 2 seasons. I'm sorry , again not to seem like i'm on AI's jock but I still stand by my thoughts or beliefs that having AI play sparringly behind Freakin Mike Conley of all people was a flat out insult. No justification in that. it's not someone like rondo or some other young player where you can honestly say "this youngin will be a star one day" Conley is a servicable backup at best.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4457772At Heisley's behest, Memphis has been pursuing Iverson since July, ignoring concerns about his willingness to accept a reserve role
Asked specifically about Iverson's well-known aversion to coming off the bench, Wallace said: "He indicated to us that he just wants to come in and help a team out, to get better, to win, and he'll shine during that process. I think Allen Iverson is going to be very fine with whatever role he would end up fulfilling here in Memphis. … He knows where we're coming from, we know where he's coming from and I think if he comes here it's going to be a very productive marriage."
Funniest quote
"I would lead by example," Iverson wrote.
And lets compare AI to play more easily to compare with, Wallace.
Wallace went to a good team and readly accepted a backup role for the chance to win again.
AI found the worst team he could in hopes of hanging another year of stats.
Wallace has embraced the ways of the team he joined.
AI quit after three games.
Now, having watch him, seems closer to how KG would act if faced with this type of situation? (you know, after he and the other two star sacrificed personal stats for the chance to be a champ)
Topic: "We DO/DON'T Want Allen Iverson" Thread (merged) (Read 103792 times)