Why isn't Iverson starting?

Question

Last year, AI was in a terrible situation, but the year before he played all 82 games, averaged over 26 points and 7 assists, averaged 2 steals and he shot 46%.

Do you honestly think he's declined THAT much between now and 2008? He still has incredible handles, he can still pass the ball and he can still get hot shooting the ball, he's still quick.

What else do they want from him in his ridiculously limited minutes? He's averaged 12.3 ppg and 3.7 apg on 58% shooting in just over 22 minutes per game. It'd be one thing if they had 2 guards who were better than him and they were winning, but that's not the case. Memphis is 1-5 on the season and 0-3 with Iverson. They haven't had a tough schedule either. In fact they've lost to 2 of the worst teams in the league, the Kings and the Warriors.

There's no reason why Iverson shouldn't be starting. If Memphis starts him, I guarantee they'll get 110% out of him.

Answer 1

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i agree with you 100% its not like their winning games anyway so whats the worst that could happen? why not give it a try.. its not like it would affect the whole team's(especially conley) development/chemistry if he started for atleast one game, benching him would make sense if their winning, but theyre not....
as fan of a.i, i really feel bad for him. i understand his frustration, getting benched on a not so good team and losing games on top of that.. people are forgetting hes ALLEN IVERSON one of the best if not the best scoring point guard of all time! if given the chance he can still give you 20-30 any given night....im starting to think they just signed him to boost ticket sales, which is very sad..

@erik c, what chemistry?! demanding the ball? hes taken less than 12 shots per game during his last 3 games so what are you talking about? he CANNOT be fully affective with limited minutes and playing off the bench period.

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Asker's Comment:

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Answer 2

Hello There.
That's a very interesting question. Undoubtedly, Allen Iverson is one of the best scorers in NBA history, and the greatest six footer of all time (In my opinion). However, the Grizzlies think that they must continue their rebuilding phase by giving chances for Mayo and Conley to start and star. Iverson was just a veteran addition for some experience and support. However, I agree with you, AI can easily average over 25 points a game if he plays the amount of time suitable for a player of his caliber.
Hope I helped.

Answer 3

really, i think he's there for development purposes (for Conley and Mayo), but Mayo's good and will only get better and Conley.. i'm not so sure about. if i were the head coach, i would find a way to rotate between those three in the starting lineup. or at least try an Iverson/Mayo backcourt

Answer 4

he ruins the team chemistry when he's a starter because he demands most of the shots.

he's better off as a 6th man because he brings instant offense when he does come in.

remember basketball is a team game. there's a reason why not many teams want him on their team.

Answer 5

Dont know whats with the grizzlies,he should start but i think they are trying to develop their young backcourt, so why sign AI? is it for the tickets/merchandise he could sell? only time will tell if this gamble will work or not.

Answer 6

i'm even sure why he wanted to sign with memphis.memphis have some young talents that will make a run for the playoffs in a couple years.oj mayo,gay,gasol, etc.

Answer 7

the coach said so
but i think they want iverson to get in shape first then start him give him a couple more games then he would be started

Source(s):

zzz

Answer 8

Because they are rebuilding and want to develop chemistry between conley, mayo, and gay.

Answer 9

because the memphis needs a young and explosive guard like michael conley that can give them a run and gun offens

Answer 10

he doesn't have what it takes anymore to be a starter

Answer 11

I agree 100 percent with you.

If they signed him they should have known he needs to start.

Hes a quality point guard, I bet if he starts he could still be a top 10 PG.

The skills all there but they are wasting both money and Iversons last years by just benching him. This guy needs to get somewhere like Charlotte where they will respect his skills and not bench him behind few rookies . Conley, are you kidding me? A slightly above average PG at best. Iverson? Hes a future hall of famer who has a few years left in him.

Source(s):

My thoughts