Iverson Will Try to Lead in Memphis

Iverson will try to lead in Memphis
By Teresa M. Walker
The Associated Press
September 30, 2009



MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Grizzlies' chemistry experiment with Allen Iverson is under way.

The biggest star ever to put on a Grizzlies or Bethel High uniform joined his new teammates for a media session in Memphis. Then they bused to Birmingham, Ala., where coach Lionel Hollins has a week's worth of two-a-day practices, meals and quality time together planned for the first week of training camp.

A franchise that had been building through the draft since trading for Rudy Gay in 2006 jump-started the process this off-season by signing Iverson, a 10-time All-Star and former league MVP, to sell tickets. The Grizzlies also traded for Zach Randolph and drafted three players in June.

"If we win ... and I've scored a lot, they're going to say I've scored too much," Iverson said. "If we don't win and I don't score that much, they're going to say I don't score enough. It's a lose-lose situation. The only thing I can do to shut everybody up is to win."

Of the eight newcomers, it's Iverson, 34, who is being watched to see how he fits in at his fourth NBA stop. He finds himself on a team that went 24-58 last season.

Iverson knows it's a change for someone who still remembers being the young guy.

"The fun part about being a veteran is that you get a chance to lead guys to places they've never been before and give them some things they've never had in the league," Iverson said.

Sharing the ball will be the first challenge.

There's Iverson, Randolph, Gay and O.J. Mayo, who finished second in rookie-of-the-year voting last season. Iverson is coming off the lowest-scoring season of his career, averaging 17.5 points per game. Gay led Memphis with 18.9 ppg, while Mayo ranked second with 18.5.

"We've got a lot of scorers," Randolph said. "If we can just get that chemistry right, we can surprise a lot of people."

Tired of losing in the NBA, Gay and Mayo have welcomed Iverson and Randolph.

"I thought that we were missing maybe a little more attitude," Mayo said.

Gay has watched the 6-foot Iverson's physical approach to basketball.

"Just being around him and learning things from him can really help my game, I believe, and O.J.'s as well," Gay said.

This is the first camp for Hollins, who replaced Marc Iavaroni last January. Hollins went 13-26, and he is only under contract for this season. His Grizzlies expect lots of running at Birmingham Southern College, and that's because Hollins plans to focus on basics like passing, defense and shooting, along with being in good shape.

Hollins recalls having to learn to play with Julius Erving when he was traded to Philadelphia. He has talked with Iverson but wants the veteran to lead by example. The coach insists he has not drawn up tentative lineups.

Iverson can provide points, but will he start and push aside point guard Mike Conley or Mayo? Or will he be their sixth man?

Iverson said he never thought of being a reserve after being a starter for 13 NBA seasons. But he sounds as if he might be open to the idea, playing with a contract filled with team-based incentives.

"On a basketball court, I can basically accomplish anything," he said.

Grizzlies' opener
WHO: Detroit Pistons at Memphis Grizzlies.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 28.