Although I loathe Allen Iverson due to what he caused in Detroit with the Pistons, corrupting what was an incredibly tightly knit squad that happened to be one of the finest organizations in the Eastern Conference, I have to lay my disdain for the man aside.
Not because I would like to, but since the major acquisition in the existence of the Memphis Grizzlies’ franchise took place on Wednesday. AI finally answered the question that a variety of residents of Memphis have been asking.
Will he go there or not?
Through Twitter, Iverson, who will now be getting $3.5 million this season for the Grizzlies, ended all of the rumors and agreed provisionally to join the Grizzlies, his 3rd franchise in the most recent four seasons.
The agreement furthermore includes incentives for reaching the post-season, one thing that hasn’t happened dating back to ’06 (when they lost to the Mavs in the 1st round), and if they make the league finals.
Over the seasons, Iverson has had challenges grasping leadership and taking any responsibility that comes to him (example: the Pistons) and clashing with coaches (i.e.: the Sixers), which is why hardly any franchises had been interested in Iverson following his failure in Detroit.
Now he has shot to accomplish something similar to what he did in Philadelphia (when he entered the league) and guide the fortunes of this franchise around and make it happen with a trio of young stars in O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, and Hasheem Thabeet.
While we should not pencil the Grizzlies in for the playoffs by any account, it’s not difficult to say that they will be improved from last season.
If Iverson stays more than one season, maybe there might be an opportunity, however I do not suppose people should get their hopes up on the fact that the Grizzlies will make the playoffs.
It is too early.
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