Iverson takes Indefinite Leave due to Personal Issues

Allen Iverson left the Grizzlies team Saturday (11/07/09) following a meeting with the team's owner and Coach Lionel Hollins after getting frustrated of his back-up role in the team.

Michael Heisley, owner of the Memphis Grizzlies team gave Allen Iverson the permission to skip the Grizzlies' game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Iverson had played off the bench in the previous two games after not playing for the first three because of hamstring injury.

Iverson once said, "I just want to win, I hate losing more than I like winning," Iverson said prior to Friday's game. "Its just a frustrating feeling losing. I've never been a loser in my career and I dont want to start now. I'm not trying to be selfish or anything like that, I just want to win."

"I understand star power, and that's to be expected," "I wouldn't mind even talking about Allen's star power if it was about the game and his performance during the game, versus what Allen has said and what he will or won't do," coach Hollins said regarding the issue.

source: NBA.com

Allen Iverson obviously is frustrated because of what is happening in his career. AI who was a former MVP, turned out to be a reserve player in his team. It only shows and proves that AI's glory days have already passed, as I've said in my previous blog (http://g4j7.blogspot.com/2009/11/ais-debut-making-lousy-statement.html). Hollins is aware of that, that's why he makes such actions, to blend AI in the line up according and not beyond to his role.

Seen in AI's latter years in his career, he may have played in his team well, but not efficiently. AI can't carry his team to victory anymore. Even if he has good company (as seen during his career at the Nuggets), it won't work. AI's position as a point guard (known as a first-pass type of player, sees opportunities for his teammates) does not fit to him. He plays more of driving into the hole. I appreciate that Hollins made Him to play off the bench. Not because he wants to degrade and not to maximize AI's ability, but he wants AI's skills to blend in the team.