Source: http://tinyurl.com/nhrs5q Grizzlies interest high-scoring veteran guard Allen Iverson Former All-Star an uncertain fit in salary, philosophy By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal Friday, July 3, 2009 All-Star guard Allen Iverson has through representatives told the Grizzlies he would like to play in Memphis, an NBA source said Thursday. The high-scoring veteran is a free agent for the first time in his professional career. Iverson, 34, reportedly has only had mild discussions with the Miami Heat since the free agency period began Wednesday. The Grizzlies had no comment about Iverson's inquiry. While no deal is imminent and conversations have been only exploratory, Griz brass are said to be weighing the pros and cons of adding Iverson to the team's youth movement. Iverson would certainly have to take a major pay cut from the $21 million he earned last season with Detroit. It is believed that the Griz would only entertain Iverson at what they'd deem a reasonable price, and if the 13-year veteran agreed to play off the bench. Those criteria would seem to make Iverson and the Grizzlies a bad fit. Iverson had a problem being a reserve with the playoff-bound Pistons and even said he'd prefer to retire before becoming a bench player. A somewhat mysterious back injury ended Iverson's season April 3. Iverson wrote about his free-agent status Thursday on Twitter.com. "I'm a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team," Iverson said. "My only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be." It is unknown what amount of money Iverson is seeking or what the Grizzlies would be willing to pay. Iverson's scoring ability and mass appeal are indisputable -- he has always been a sellout draw in Memphis. He played in 57 games for the Pistons last season and averaged 17.4 points and 4.9 assists. The Griz still need backcourt scoring punch and a reliable ballhandler in reserve. Iverson, a former league MVP, has averaged 27.1 points in his career. If talks progress, the Griz could have an offseason in which they make significant upgrades in the backcourt and on the front line. --

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