Iverson leaves reeling Grizzlies

By Bud L. Ellis

The Allen Iverson experience in Memphis looks like it’s over before it really began.

The controversial guard has left the Grizzlies, asking for and receiving permission to depart this weekend. It’s unclear whether the former All-Star guard will return to the team, who signed Iverson in the offseason and has been bringing him off the bench.

The 14-year veteran has averaged 22 minutes per game, a big change for a player accustomed to playing 35-40 minutes a night for more than a decade. He missed time early in the season with a hamstring injury.

Iverson, who is averaging 12.3 points per game, has said publicly how difficult it’s been to make the transition from starter to role player.

It’s another thing gone awry for a Memphis team that’s dropped five games in a row. The Grizzles already find themselves 3 1/2 games behind Houston and Dallas in the Southwest Division and riding a five-game losing streak.

Iverson or not, the Grizzlies look to get back on the winning track when they play host to Portland on Tuesday.

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Monday, November 9, 2009 at 2:40 pm by bud

Tags: Allen Iverson, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, National Basketball Association, Portland Trail Blazers