Same Old Answer

I am a Grizzlies season ticket holder. I have been for the last 3 years. People in Memphis go to the games to see other star's from the league and to be entertained. The die-hard fans of the Grizzlies long for the days of Shane Battier and Hubie Brown. This city just wants a pro-franchise to support that wins. One of the jokes around town is the University of Memphis is the only sports franchise in town. With that said, I knew the signing of Allen Iverson would be a disaster not only for him but for this team. The Answer has had problems every where he has been. Allen signing here only tarnishes his already soiled and star-crossed legacy.

When the Grizz were mentioned in the running for Iverson over the early fall, I was shocked. In watching this team over the last few years it is very apparent what they have and need. An aging, selfish, former all-star proved not to be the solution. The Grizz can score with anybody there biggest problem is lack of defense and lack of an experienced point guard play. Iverson could only take away from the young nucleus. Iverson needs,wants and demands the ball. His feeling was clear from day one. Why should he be sitting on the bench playing behind Conley, and Mayo? Those kids grew up watching him play and he can still light it up with the best of them. His selfishness was shining through.

Allen needs to come to grips that his skills have diminished, especially on the defensive end. What made Allen great was his explosiveness and quickness. At 34, he has lost a lot of his quickness especially at the defensive end. In Detroit, he was consider a liability on that end of the floor. He can no longer defend point guards and let alone the bigger two-guards. The speed in which he used to get speed is no longer there.

What we see here is a superstar having a tough time coming to grips that he is on the downside of his career. These guys have a tough time stepping away from the spotlight and realizing their mortality when their playing days are over. Jerry Rice, Bruce Smith, Emmit Smith and even the great Michael Jordan just couldn't exit gracefully. I'm not saying that the Answer should retire but what he should do is come to grips with where he is at in his career and be willing to accept that role.

Interesting enough the woeful Knicks are not going to sign him. When team as bad as the Knicks pass up on you, there as some serious problems. The Knicks could use someone to fill up the seats in the Garden but why mess up an already toxic losing situation by adding the headache that is Allen Iverson. Nuggets coach George Karl said he would consider bringing him back if one of his guards got hurt. That doesn't make any sense because Denver has serious championship aspirations and Allen has made it clear that winning is not important to him. Reuniting him with Carmelo would only hurt the Nuggets.

So if Allen wants to play, I have the Answer for him. he should go to and should have gone to Charlotte with Larry Brown. Why the Bobcats? Its another young team but they lack scoring. Brown is the one guy that got through to Iverson. Allen had his only MVP season with Larry Brown and the 76ers. Also, Michael Jordan is there and is probably the only one who can help Allen make the transition to aging superstar easier.

Allen if you are listening, for the first time in your life, do the classy thing and go out gracefully. You are one of the best little men ever to play the game. Be willing to come off the bench and help a young team make it to the playoffs or go to a contender and help win yourself. When a coach and management ask you if you are willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of the team, give wisdom to younger players, be selfless when it comes to sharing the basketball. Give a different answer, not the same one you have given your whole career.