Veteran Superstar Guard Allen Iverson Takes a Leave from the Grizzlies

Allen Iverson has been described by some as one of the most talented and spirited players in the NBA league.  As long-time franchise player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Iverson spent a good decade with the team.  In 2006, however, Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he stayed for two years, making a good run to get into the 2007 and 2008 Playoffs with the Nuggets.  After getting eliminated in the First Round during both trips to the Playoffs, the Nuggets decided to make some moves, trading Iverson to the Detroit Pistons.  Misfortune would strike the veteran superstar when his ongoing back injury forced Pistons President Joe Dumars to deactivate Iverson from April 3, 2009, onwards.  The latest career move for Allen Iverson took place on September 10, 2009, when the Memphis Grizzlies picked him up to help them become a contending team.  Now, however, things have gone rocky between Allen Iverson and the Grizzlies coaching staff. What’s the beef between Iverson and the Grizzlies Iverson has long been known for his passion for the game of basketball and the heart that he puts into the game.  Although he has been criticized before for various reasons, he is still one of the premier guards in the league and the numbers just don’t lie.  In his latest move to the Memphis Grizzlies, Iverson agreed to a one-year, $3-million contract.  During the pre-season and up to the first three games of the season, Iverson had to sit out with a hamstring injury.  He then played his first season game in a Grizzlies jersey against the Sacramento Kings. Things didn’t go too well in his Grizzlies debut as Iverson only scored 11 points and made one assist in only 18 minutes of play, making the Kings win the game.  Iverson criticized his coach about his limited minutes and he also doubted his teammates, who didn’t find the wide-open Iverson during the final possession.  In his second game, Iverson and the Grizzlies went up against the Golden State Warriors.  Although Iverson got 28 minutes of play, scored 18 points, made 7 assists, and pulled down three rebounds, it wasn’t enough.  The Grizzlies suffered another loss.  In his third game with the Grizzlies, Iverson faced a long-time rival in Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers.  The Grizzlies lost, and Iverson only got 21 minutes of play, scoring only 8 points and making 3 assists.  Again, Iverson questioned the Grizzlies coaching staff about his role on the team, the amount of minutes he is getting, and what their plans are for him in the future. Iverson and the Grizzlies agree to a leave Iverson talked to the Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley about taking a leave from the team and the league.  The reason for the leave is noted as a “personal matter,” which Heisley confirmed, stating that Iverson was facing a “real family issue.”  Although this personal matter is definitely true and plays the biggest role in his taking of a leave, it is also obvious that Iverson’s discontent  with the Grizzlies plays its own part in the matter.  For now, Iverson is on an indefinite leave, so there’s no word on when he will return.