Heisley making offer to AI

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

First they make room for Mike, show their commitment to him by drafting a center in a PG-friendly draft and now they want Iverson? Bad news for Mike/OJ, as I'm sure that AI will find a way to become a 82-game 35+ min starter.

The word around Memphis is that AI would have to come to the Grizz on the Grizz's terms - which he may well not be willing to do. Those terms would be a one year deal, coming off the bench and the understanding that at the first sign of disturbance he'd be sent home. In the long run this would be (in theory) far more damaging to Iverson and his future than to the Grizz. Other than Kobe, AI has been the biggest opposing team fan draw in Memphis since the Grizzlies arrival in town - hands down. Early on AI was evan a bigger draw than Kobe.

Heisley figures that he'll make his money back on Iverson in fan interest/ticket sales/merchandise. Iverson has the opportunity to repair the damage done during the Denver/Detriot fiasco. There are 30+ minutes available to him. He/Conley/Mayo each playing ~32 minutes a night. The ball is figuratively in AI's court - if he wants the gig, it's his, if not he can move on. Win/Win for the Grizz.

[Paladin55]

First they make room for Mike, show their commitment to him by drafting a center in a PG-friendly draft and now they want Iverson? Bad news for Mike/OJ, as I'm sure that AI will find a way to become a 82-game 35+ min starter.

The word around Memphis is that AI would have to come to the Grizz on the Grizz's terms - which he may well not be willing to do. Those terms would be a one year deal, coming off the bench and the understanding that at the first sign of disturbance he'd be sent home. In the long run this would be (in theory) far more damaging to Iverson and his future than to the Grizz. Other than Kobe, AI has been the biggest opposing team fan draw in Memphis since the Grizzlies arrival in town - hands down. Early on AI was evan a bigger draw than Kobe.

Heisley figures that he'll make his money back on Iverson in fan interest/ticket sales/merchandise. Iverson has the opportunity to repair the damage done during the Denver/Detriot fiasco. There are 30+ minutes available to him. He/Conley/Mayo each playing ~32 minutes a night. The ball is figuratively in AI's court - if he wants the gig, it's his, if not he can move on. Win/Win for the Grizz.

He is not a veteran who you want on a young and developing team- period. If folks cannot see that then they have not been aware of his recent career. If your brass said they were looking at veterans like Kidd, Hill, or Andre Miller, at least you could believe that they were trying to improve the team with veterans who might impart some wisdom to your youngsters. Iverson is not one of those veterans who will improve your team in the long run, even if he puts some fannies in the seats and sells some T-shirts.

[bobobolas1]

OK, if it is just for a year to try him and it is just 5 mill. why not? itd be a good movi IMO

[jefe]

Maybe I'm reading to much into that article but how does Heisley plan to approach Iverson and almost threaten him as if he is a child? Hopefully for both parties' sake Iverson rejects the offer.

pretty much...

that is basically telling your employee that he is no chance to advance in the company and one mistake and your out of a job...

I'm sure AI will probably flip him the bird and tell him to GTFO.... Heisley really needs to learn how to deal with people... especially athletes with big ego's...

AI made 30 million last year alone... 5 million isn't enough money to be treated like that.

Please AI, retire. Nothing left to prove... especially on a Grizz team. Detriot was enough humiliation.

+1

$5 Million for 1 one year is fair considering the circumstances Iverson is under but for 1 year and $5 mill and to come off the bench, Iverson should just go to a contender. Why come off the bench for a lottery team when you can do it for a contender?

FWIW no one has been interested enough at any price to even contact his camp - other than the Grizz and the Heat.

[It_Was_Typed]

Why would the Grizzlies be dumb enough to only give Juice and Conley 30-32 minutes a night?

How (Please Use More Appropriate Word) can they be? Really? For Allen Iverson at that?

Ugh.

[The J Rocka]

Hopefully the youth on ur team won't develop bad habits or bad attitudes, Z-Bo and AI aren't the best role models in the world, at least Darius is walking away..

[Gus McCrae]

One thing is for sure though, Griz will win more games than last year with AI and Randolph. It will hurt your youth but at least Griz can compete more this year.

[Prospect Dong]

OK, if it is just for a year to try him and it is just 5 mill. why not? itd be a good movi IMO

It's just sad because it means we're not doing anything to add a piece who's going to be around long term. I think if we were a little further down the road to contention, or even playoffs, adding AI would be a great move, but as things stand we really need guys who are going to be around and contributing in three+ seasons when the team is actually ready to come together. We should be targeting guys like that, instead of making yet another bottom-line move.

[syxx87]

FWIW no one has been interested enough at any price to even contact his camp - other than the Grizz and the Heat.

We dont know that for sure. I'm definitely not saying that all 30 teams are blowing his phone up for his services but we dont know who his agent has talked to for sure and who he hasnt talked to. Cleveland, Boston, L.A., San Antonio all could use the luxury of having some instant scoring off the bench. If Iverson was really that desperate to get on a team because he had no other option besides playing off the bench for one year, he would have had his agent let it be known to all those teams that he would do that and they would likely be willing to sign him.

[jefe]

FWIW no one has been interested enough at any price to even contact his camp - other than the Grizz and the Heat.

We dont know that for sure. I'm definitely not saying that all 30 teams are blowing his phone up for his services but we dont know who his agent has talked to for sure and who he hasnt talked to. Cleveland, Boston, L.A., San Antonio all could use the luxury of having some instant scoring off the bench. If Iverson was really that desperate to get on a team because he had no other option besides playing off the bench for one year, he would have had his agent let it be known to all those teams that he would do that and they would likely be willing to sign him.

True, I don't that firsthand, but it has been reported that the only team to contact AI (remember, it was Iverson's camp who let Grizz management know that he was interested in playing for the Grizz) was Iverson - and they were only interested in him for the vet minimum or the biannual exception.

[cutthroat]

dont worry A.I wont play for memphis,he wont take crap from the owner,he has taken alot of crap from the media,im sure teams are going to misunderstand him and come at him wrong.I dont know where whes going to play? detroits playing style was not fitting for iverson.

[SD2042]

Joe D traded for AI for his expiring contract. Chemistry wise, Dumars took the Isiah Thomas route as we all saw that AI didn't fit the Pistons style of play at all during his time there.

[Downtown]

Heisley was quoted at summer league play saying he thinks Miami is Iverson's destination although he thinks Memphis is still in the mix because they've offered the most($5mil vs. $2mil). It will come down to money versus a chance at the playoffs. We'll see which is more important to Iverson.

[vanjulio]

Do you think it is ridiculous to hope that Grizz have a shot at low playoff seed with AI on team?

Or perhaps it's a better team than even Miami Heat next year???

I got totally flamed by a Suns fan on another board just now for making such a statement and just wondered what others' opinions are.

[It_Was_Typed]

Miami has a chance at the 4-5 seed in the East next year. At worst, maybe 8.

Memphis at best, maybe the 10 seed in the West.

[vanjulio]

we were 12th last season behind TWolves, Warriors, and Suns.
I was hoping to move up on those guys and maybe the Rockets for 8th seed. (lost Yao, Mutumbo, and Artest. Mcgrady / Scola aren't going to age well. Ariza is a good pickup though)