Iverson interested in Grizz

jefe · Post #1 » by **jefe** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:04 pm

http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/the_memphis_edge/2009/07/destination-memphis-iverson-interested-in-griz.html

According to Tillery, Iverson has let it be known to the Grizz that he's interested in playing for them. My question to you is, wtf?

All I can think is that his interest is purely a financial one - in that we're one of the few teams that can pay him what he thinks he's worth - and with the Zbo trade the point is now somewhat moot. However, the Zbo trade is non-binding (I believe), so there's still that possibility.

I Am Awesome-O · Post #2 » by **I Am Awesome-O** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:08 pm

I'm down. AI is one of the toughest players to ever play the game. He's old, but he would sell tickets, jerseys, etc. It's a good business move, and it's not like we are going to be any worse than before; we were never good.

Some people will try to bring up the arugument that AI will stunt the growth of our young players. Well, that ship sailed when we acquired Zach Randolph. Bring it on Iverson.

GrizzledGrizzFan · Post #3 » by **GrizzledGrizzFan** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:38 pm

Do it. We're tied to Z'Bo and Mr. Lima's contract until 2011. Give AI a 2 year $16 million deal if he'll take it. There's 32 minutes a night apiece for him, Conley and OJ in a 3 guard rotation. All can handle the ball and score. Rescind Hak. Release Buckner. Still under the salary cap and we'll have a dearth of cap space to reup our young guys and will be a major player in the year after 2010 sweepstakes...

The76thDegree · Post #4 » by **The76thDegree** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 6:00 pm

another word our insider that andre millers agent is saying that you guys are interested in him - likely a smokescreen but just a slight rumor for you guys to chew on

peace

grizzleGM · Post #5 » by **grizzleGM** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 6:08 pm

why would the ZBo trade make the point moot?

The Grizz will still have about $10mil left in capspace after the ZBo trade if they waive Buckner and renounce Warrick(no reason to keep an non-defensive PF).

Downtown · Post #6 » by **Downtown** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:08 pm

Allen Iverson has been one of my favorite players for a long time. Pound for pound I don't know if there's a tougher player in the NBA over an extended period of time. He goes straight at anyone regardless of size. He has never backed down from a challenge, ever.

The guy would draw fan interest and the money paid to him would be brought back in with increased attendance in my opinion. You guys need some exciting players to get fans back. I know you'll be hearing all the other teams fans come in here and talk about Randolph and Iverson and how they can't work together and how they would kill the development of the likes of Conley, Mayo, and Gay. But I think guys like Mayo would be thrilled to play with highend veterans.

We've talked all last season about the need for veterans, although we discussed high character types. But we also talked about leadership. Iverson certainly wants to be the man and wouldn't hesitate to take control of the team. He would be a big upgrade to Conley.

My opinion is if the story is indeed true and Iverson's agent has approached Memphis then go for it. They've jumped into the deep end with Randolph. Might as well make another big splash with Iverson.

Iverson/Mayo/Gay/Randolph/Gasol. Conley/Jaric/Caroll/Young/Arthur/Thabeet. I can see the arguement about having all alpha male players and not enough glue guys or complimentary players, but there's no denying that's a major upgrade talentwise.

Onez_Knicks · Post #7 » by **Onez_Knicks** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:23 pm

Downtown wrote:Allen Iverson has been one of my favorite players for a long time. Pound for pound I don't know if there's a tougher player in the NBA over an extended period of time. He goes straight at anyone regardless of size. He has never backed down from a challenge, ever.

The guy would draw fan interest and the money paid to him would be brought back in with increased attendance in my opinion. You guys need some exciting players to get fans back. I know you'll be hearing all the other teams fans come in here and talk about Randolph and Iverson and how they can't work together and how they would kill the development of the likes of Conley, Mayo, and Gay. But I think guys like Mayo would be thrilled to play with highend veterans.

We've talked all last season about the need for veterans, although we discussed high character types. But we also talked about leadership. Iverson certainly wants to be the man and wouldn't hesitate to take control of the team. He would be a big upgrade to Conley.

My opinion is if the story is indeed true and Iverson's agent has approached Memphis then go for it. They've jumped into the deep end with Randolph. Might as well make another big splash with Iverson.

Iverson/Mayo/Gay/Randolph/Gasol. Conley/Jaric/Caroll/Young/Arthur/Thabeet. I can see the arguement about having all alpha male players and not enough glue guys or complimentary players, but there's no denying that's a major upgrade talentwise.

On paper this team looks really good, depends if your coach can get through to your players. Maybe a new coach who can control veterans like Ai and Zach this wont be such a bad move.

Post #8 » by **The J Rocka** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:26 pm

Z-Bo, D-Miles, and The Answer??

You guys are stackin but id be aware of their off court issues, those three all 2gether, smoking that sticky green, hittin up the strip clubs, getting into arguments with teammates and the coaches, and not goin to practice unless they feel like it.

They talented players no doubt but not the best role models, esp with guys like Mayo and Gay.

Downtown · Post #9 » by **Downtown** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:28 pm

I'll point to the Nuggets roster. Billups/JR Smith/Anthony/Martin/Nene all are alpha types yet George Karl has them working together just fine. I know Iverson didn't work out with Denver and I don't expect the Grizzlies with a lineup of Iverson/Mayo/Gay/Randolph/Gasol(Thabeet) to be as good but if Lionel Hollins can design a system like Denver that allows them to play their game then I don't see Iverson as a negative one single bit. The fact that OJ Mayo also plays pointguard and can control things better than JR Smith might make it work better than when it was Iverson and Smith together.

IversonMVP · Post #10 » by **IversonMVP** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:06 pm

As a fan of Iverson since he was in College, please don't sign AI if the goal is to have him play SG. He needs to play with people who do not need the ball in hand.

He needs to play with shooters who could spread the defense and drive and kick to open shooters. Even he becomes old now and he is not he used to be, Iverson is still good enough to lead a team into elite group by having suitable pieces.

GrizzledGrizzFan · Post #11 » by **GrizzledGrizzFan** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:07 pm

J_Era_3 wrote:Z-Bo, D-Miles, and The Answer??

Darius left Memphis in a puff of smoke...

Post #12 » by **The J Rocka** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:23 pm

GrizzledGrizzFan wrote:
J_Era_3 wrote:Z-Bo, D-Miles, and The Answer??

Darius left Memphis in a puff of smoke...

He didn't get released tho did he? From the looks of it he's still on the team

GrizzledGrizzFan · Post #13 » by **GrizzledGrizzFan** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:26 pm

J_Era_3 wrote:
GrizzledGrizzFan wrote:He didn't get released tho did he? From the looks of it he's still on the team

He doesn't have a contract. I mean, he may be living out on the street next to the FedEx Forum, but he's not currently on the Grizz's roster. He became an UFA with Quinton Ross, Mike Wilks and Chris Mihm. There have been no indications whatsoever that he will be resigned either.

Post #14 » by **The J Rocka** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:29 pm

GrizzledGrizzFan wrote:
J_Era_3 wrote:
GrizzledGrizzFan wrote:He didn't get released tho did he? From the looks of it he's still on the team

He doesn't have a contract. I mean, he may be living out on the street next to the FedEx Forum, but he's not currently on the Grizz's roster. He became an UFA with Quinton Ross, Mike Wilks and Chris Mihm. There have been no indications whatsoever that he will be resigned either.

o ok, well at least they took one bag of trash out 8-)

PattyMillsSMC · Post #15 » by **PattyMillsSMC** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:20 pm

AI and Randolph, two completely selfish players together. I dislike it.

Bartender · Post #16 » by **Bartender** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:28 pm

take it from a piston fan, you do NOT want this.

jefe · Post #17 » by **jefe** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:34 pm

grizzleGM wrote:why would the ZBo trade make the point moot?

The Grizz will still have about $10mil left in capspace after the ZBo trade if they waive Buckner and renounce Warrick(no reason to keep an non-defensive PF).

Does that take into account Thabeet, Carroll and Young?

Edit: Regardless, I don't think it matters. To me his interest is/was in 12-15+ mill (as only the Grizz and OKC could offer that much - well the Pistons, too, but that bridge has been burned) which the Grizz no longer have.

grizzleGM · Post #18 » by **grizzleGM** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 3:02 am

Yes... that includes Thabeet, Carroll and Young. I wouldn't be willing to pay Iverson more than $14mil/2yrs

Post #19 » by **SD2042** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 6:33 am

AI would put some butts back at FEF for sure and would draw sellouts every home game. I wonder how did he come to the decision that he's interested in Memphis or all teams with the other playoff teams still around. Also, how will he be around a young team and what influence he will pose on them. And the chemistry will need to be on point if he's willing to accept his role as a non dominating force life his younger days.

bobobolas1 · Post #20 » by **bobobolas1** » Fri Jul 3, 2009 1:42 pm

i like the idea of getting iverson. Wouldnt it be the first time we acquire an allstar? I mean, we have signed some other players but they werent allstar during the last seasons...

Maybe it is a first step to become a contender. we have 4 players that can score +20, not to mention thabeet and gasol will improve so fast. i think they could also can make a lot of games of scoring +20.

Look it that way: we cant go worst.