November 3
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Fourth-year forward Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the NBA deadline. Negotiations broke off Monday evening so Gay will become a restricted free agent next summer. The Griz still can match any offer sheet Gay signs. The parties had until 10:59 p.m. CST Monday to strike a deal. "We've agreed to not agree," said Jeff Austin, Gay's agent. "We looked at different ways we might try to get something done and we weren't able to agree." An NBA source said the Grizzlies' final offer was a five-year deal worth about $50 million. Gay was asking for a deal similar to Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge (five years, $65 million with incentives), ..."
November 1
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Time is expiring on Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies as it relates to working out a contract extension. But Gay isn't watching the clock. While Gay's agent, Jeff Austin, continues to discuss his client's long-term future with the franchise, the 6-8 forward remains indifferent. "I'm not concerned about that," Gay said. "If it happens it happens. If not I'm looking forward to being a (restricted) free agent. It's hasn't been my focus. My focus is playing games like (Friday night) and getting wins." The Griz, fresh off a 115-107 victory over Toronto, boarded a flight Saturday for Denver where they'll begin a five-game road trip tonight in the Pepsi Center. The NBA extended a deadline for contract ..."
October 30
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Allen Iverson says he's ready to run with the Grizzlies if the trainers give him permission. And MRI results put Iverson closer to his goal Thursday morning when he was cleared to participate in a full-contact practice. But while Griz coach Lionel Hollins said the workout was encouraging, his understanding is that Iverson's return is targeted for Monday when the team plays at Sacramento. So the Griz are expected to be without the 10-time all-star guard for tonight's game with the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum. "I felt good," Iverson said. "It was a regular day of practice for me. I didn't feel any pain. I didn't feel fatigued to not be able to get through it. I'm ready to play. It's up to ..."
October 27
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
The Grizzlies added star power to their roster in the offseason with Allen Iverson. Now, they might be on the verge of hiring a Hall of Famer for the coaching staff. Legendary NBA center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sat in on the Grizzlies' practice Monday morning. The NBA's all-time leading scorer will entertain joining the organization, several sources confirmed. Grizzlies management had no comment about Abdul-Jabbar's presence. Memphis, however, asked for and received permission from the Los Angeles Lakers to speak with Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar, 62, is under contract with the Lakers after having tutored Andrew Bynum over the past several seasons. But the Los Angeles Daily News reported earlier ..."
October 22
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
"
Apparently Dwyane Wade can turn it on when he wants. Wednesday night, in the Heat's home exhibition finale, Wade wanted. So he scored 14 of the Heat's first 20 points and had 19 by halftime of what turned into a 99-93 victory over the Grizzlies at AmericanAirlines Arena. "I wanted to be aggressive, get my rhythm," he said. Feisty to the point that he was arguing with replacement referees who likely will be replaced by the real thing in time for next week's season opener, Wade pushed and prodded his teammates all the way back from what was an 18-point first-quarter deficit. Wade entered with a 16.3 preseason scoring average on 38.6-percent shooting, coming off of a bruised left calf that ..."
October 18
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur sat out Saturday and will miss the rest of the preseason because of a right partial pectoral tear. Arthur originally suffered a pectoral strain a week before training camp began. He aggravated the injury last Monday during the Grizzlies' preseason loss against the Orlando Magic. A timetable has not been set for Arthur's return. "It sets him back from a conditioning and learning perspective," Griz coach Lionel Hollins said. "Those other guys will be moving into his spot as we go forward. When you get hurt during the season, it's always a problem trying to catch up when you come back." Arthur appeared in three preseason games after missing the first week of ..."
October 16
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Unless there is significant progress in negotiations, it appears the Grizzlies and forward Rudy Gay will not agree to a long-term contract extension before the Oct. 31 deadline. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Thursday that the discussions, while amicable, are about where they've been since the summer. Wallace has negotiated with Gay's agent, Jeff Austin, since July 1. They have met in Las Vegas, Memphis and briefly in Richmond, Va., where the Griz played a preseason game against the Washington Wizards. Wallace would not characterize their most recent talks, and it is not known where each side stands with regard to total compensation. "We've had our discussions. We'll have ..."
October 8
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Allen Iverson will miss three weeks with a partial tear in his left hamstring, the Grizzlies announced before Wednesday's preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That means Iverson will be sidelined for the rest of the preseason -- and his availability for the team's regular-season opener against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 28 is in jeopardy. "Very disappointing," said Iverson, a 10-time NBA All-Star and one of the team's key offseason acquisitions. "My whole thing is trying to make something positive out of a negative situation, and the way I see it is, I'm glad it's happening right now than during the season. So that's the only positive I can take out of the whole situation." ..."
October 7
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Allen Iverson will have an MRI today because of a strained left hamstring that forced him to sit out Tuesday when the Grizzlies began their exhibition schedule against the Washington Wizards. Iverson's preseason debut will be delayed again tonight as the veteran guard will miss the Grizzlies' preseason home opener against Oklahoma City in FedExForum. Iverson said this is the first time he has experienced a strained hamstring. His absence is not simply a precautionary measure. "I can't go," Iverson said. "If it was Game 7 of the (NBA) Finals, I wouldn't be able to go." Iverson tweaked the hamstring during Sunday's scrimmage at the Grizzlies' training camp in Birmingham. He didn't practice ..."
October 2
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Allen Iverson spent his third day of training camp with the Grizzlies being vocal on the court as the team held spirited scrimmages. Iverson, a 34-year-old veteran, delivered some choice words off the court, too. But Iverson's comments were directed at his former team. Iverson told ESPN columnist Scoop Jackson that former Detroit Pistons head coach Michael Curry "lied" to him about coming off the bench instead of starting. "They told me, straight up, 'Allen we would never disrespect you or your career like that' by making me come off the bench," Iverson said in an interview with ESPN.com. "That's what they told me to my face. And after that, I never thought about it again. I just went back ..."
September 9
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
The answer is yes. Free-agent guard Allen Iverson informed the Grizzlies this morning that he will accept a one-year offer to bring his explosive scoring to FedExForum this season, according to an NBA source. Iverson’s decision came following a Monday night meeting in Atlanta with Griz owner Michael Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins. Iverson, a 34-year-old, 13-year veteran, will play for a contract that pays $3.5 million (what the Griz have left under the salary cap) and the deal will be loaded with incentives. Iverson confirmed his decision on Twitter. "God Chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career," he wrote. "I met with Mr. Heinsley, ..."
September 8
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley met with Allen Iverson Monday night in Atlanta where the sides came away with a better understanding of what the other expects yet no deal was finalized. But the frank, comfortable and friendly meeting went so well that Iverson could agree to a deal as soon as Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins spent more than two hours with Iverson. Most of their conversations were about the Grizzlies' philosophy and how they intend to use Iverson. There were no specific contract talks although Memphis wants Iverson on a one-year deal that pays $3.5 million. Iverson's starting ..."
September 5
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
The Grizzlies remained Friday where they have been all summer with regard to Allen Iverson: In a holding pattern. Another day passed without receiving an answer on whether Iverson would accept a one-year offer to play in Memphis this season. The Griz expected Iverson, 34, to decide before the weekend. But the free-agent guard apparently needs more time even though the Grizzlies have expressed strong interest in him since July. Memphis offered Iverson at least $3.5 million or what it has remaining under the salary cap. The Griz could increase the offer to about $4.4 million should it renounce its rights to Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro. The deal still is less than the $5 million Memphis ..."
September 4
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Free agent guard Allen Iverson finally is about to live up to his moniker. Iverson -- known as The Answer -- is expected to give the Grizzlies an answer Friday on whether he'll accept their one-year offer, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, informed the Grizzlies earlier this week that a decision would come before the weekend. Iverson, 34, is a free agent for the first time in his 13-year career, and has expressed interest in playing for Charlotte and Memphis in recent weeks. More than a week has passed since the Grizzlies offered Iverson a contract using money the team has left under the salary cap. The Griz can pay Iverson at least $3.5 ..."
August 28
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Wondering whether Allen Iverson will actually join the Grizzlies? The free-agent guard sure talks a good game. Iverson, 34, indicated Thursday on his Twitter account that he is close to accepting the Grizzlies' latest offer. Iverson wrote that "Memphis is a place that I would love to play. The Grizzlies have good young players with a great upside. I love the city of Memphis too. "I would lead by example. I could show how important it is to work hard everyday, play the game the right way, & just like it's your last!" The Griz made their second offer of the summer to Iverson on Tuesday, trying to lure the dynamic scorer with a one-year deal that starts at $3.5 million and is loaded with ..."
August 26
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Free-agent guard Allen Iverson is back on Twitter, and his latest entry is all about Memphis. The veteran guard wrote: "Well I am about to begin another workout session. Agent informed me that Memphis made us an offer on yesterday. Stay tuned." Iverson has been a person of interest for the Griz most of the offseason. A team source indicated the Griz originally made Iverson a one-year, $5 million offer. But Iverson reportedly was weighing interest from Miami and Charlotte."
July 31
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"
Hakim Warrick, an athletic 6-foot-9 forward who played the past four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has reached agreement with the Bucks on a one-year deal, sources indicated Friday. Warrick averaged 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while appearing in all 82 games for the Grizzlies last season, primarily in a bench role. The Grizzlies withdrew their qualifying offer to Warrick last week, making him an unrestricted free agent. A number of teams showed interest in Warrick, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Bobcats. Warrick is able to play both the small forward and power forward positions and should have an opportunity to start for the Bucks, who have lost ..."
July 30
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Marcus Williams, who opened some eyes playing for the Grizzlies' summer league team in Las Vegas earlier this month, could be joining the team in a more official capacity within the next few days. Calvin Andrews, Williams' agent, said Wednesday that he feels confident that Williams will sign a one-year deal with the Griz. "We're very close," Andrews said. "They like some of the things he can do to help the team, to get the ball in the right places." The Grizzlies have been searching for another point guard because their current roster includes just one, starter Mike Conley. "I think it's a great fit," Andrews said. "The guys love playing with him. I just think it's the right situation for ..."
July 11
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
One day after the Grizzlies helped facilitate a four-team NBA trade, they bought out the contract of the player they received in the deal, former all-star Jerry Stackhouse. In a deal that also involved Dallas, Toronto and Orlando, the Griz received guard-forward Stackhouse, a 13-year veteran with a career scoring average of 18.4, and Toronto's second-round draft pick in 2016. They also received enough cash to buy out the remaining year on Stackhouse's contract. Stackhouse, 34, was due more than $7 million with the Mavericks next season. The Griz received enough money in the deal to buy out the $2 million Stackhouse is guaranteed in 2009-10. Grizzlies general manager and vice president of ..."
July 9
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
While one Grizzlies transaction is on hold, another potential deal -- once seemingly improbable -- could be nearing completion. Although neither team has reneged, an agreed-upon trade between Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers that would put power forward Zach Randolph in a Grizzlies uniform wasn't made official Wednesday for several reasons ranging from accounting to player physicals. Meanwhile, All-Star guard Allen Iverson could be donning a Grizzlies uniform any minute. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley wants to meet with Iverson and is seriously considering a one-year, $5 million offer, according to team insiders. Heisley's renewed interest presents a sudden turn of events, given that ..."
July 4
Memphis Commercial Appeal
columnist Geoff Calkins
"
Of course the Grizzlies should sign Allen Iverson. Then they should sign Dennis Rodman, too. Why not at this point? What do they have to lose? I see Iverson and Zach Randolph as the team co-captains. Running voluntary practices. Or not. I see Rodman springing out of retirement and off the bench. Same with J-Will. There's another good bench guy. Stephon Marbury could help out. And don't give me that nonsense about Iverson (or Rodman or J-Will or Marbury) not fitting into the community or the three-year plan. This team is bringing in Randolph, sports fans. Three-year, schmee year. It's not like the Grizzlies could care much about image, either. The team of Shane Battier has morphed into the ..."
June 30
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Their stated goals are to secure a player that puts big-time power in one of the forward positions, and to land a backup point guard. The Grizzlies enter free agency Wednesday with a short shopping list, but one that is geared toward filling gaping holes. While insiders contend the organization remains undeterred in its efforts to consummate a trade for Los Angeles Clippers forward Zach Randolph, there are several other options the Griz can now consider in hopes of bolstering their frontline. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley is determined to bring to Memphis a high-caliber power forward, making that his priority this offseason, less than two years after gift-wrapping Pau Gasol to the Los ..."
June 24
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Just because the Grizzlies are thinking big on the eve of this year's NBA draft doesn't mean they've settled on using the No. 2 overall pick to select 7-3 center Hasheem Thabeet. Or any player, for that matter. The Griz are just as likely to trade the pick -- and it appears that is their preference. Exercising the second pick -- almost certainly on Thabeet -- in Thursday's draft will be Plan B, given how much the team's decision-makers have focused on trade scenarios involving up to five teams. "The water still is a little muddy," general manager Chris Wallace said. "There are a lot of contingencies to go over before the draft." It is no secret that the Griz have held trade discussions, ..."
June 21
Memphis Commercial Appeal
columnist Geoff Calkins
"
If the Grizzlies don't pick Ricky Rubio in the NBA Draft on Thursday, they better hope he doesn't turn out to be a star. They better hope he doesn't turn into an international sensation. They better hope he doesn't develop into a combination of Jason Williams and Jason Kidd. They better hope that he doesn't become a television darling, his astonishing passes shown again and again on ESPN. If the Grizzlies don't use the second pick in the NBA Draft on the consensus second-best player in the draft, they had better hope he's a bust. Or they'll look ridiculous. It'll be like the Pau Gasol trade, only worse. With Gasol, the Grizzlies could at least say he no longer fit into their rebuilding ..."
June 21
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Hasheem Thabeet could be the No. 2 overall pick when the NBA draft unfolds Thursday in New York. That means he would go to the Grizzlies. That would also complete what seemed like an improbable journey a few years ago when Thabeet -- an unheralded and awkward kid from East Africa -- entered Division 1 basketball and began to occupy space in the minds of NBA scouts. A 7-foot-3 center from the University of Connecticut and originating from Tanzania, Thabeet is no longer an enigma. He's widely considered a top-three pick, meaning if the Grizzlies don't select Thabeet, then Oklahoma City will. No, Thabeet doesn't come packaged with the name recognition of a Blake Griffin or the hype Ricky ..."
June 20
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Several top NBA prospects are showing signs of fatigue as the workout season comes to an end and the draft proceeding draws near. Former Arizona State guard James Harden spent this week attempting to clear a different hurdle. He's tried to make up for lost time. Illness and an ankle injury prevented Harden from working out for about a week following the Chicago pre-draft combine this month. So it was understandable to see Harden searching for a higher gear Friday during his solo workout for the Grizzlies in FedExForum. While Harden didn't make the strongest impression with orange cones serving as defenders, the 6-5 offensive dynamo's confidence is hardly on the same level as his weakened ..."
June 18
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
The NBA Draft is a week away and Grizzlies brass remain in the same position they were thrust into after winning the No. 2 overall pick in last month's draft lottery. Memphis still is weighing several options. Owners of the No. 2 selection in a June 25 draft where only Blake Griffin is considered a consensus and immediate impact player, the Grizzlies are sifting through several scenarios that include exercising the pick with one of eight players or trading down to acquire multiple assets. There is even a proposed deal or two that would allow the Griz to acquire an established or emerging all-star caliber player for the No. 2 pick. Decisions. Decisions. Which direction will the Griz go when ..."
June 16
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Former highly touted NBA lottery pick Nikoloz Tskitishvili's response was concise when a Grizzlies free-agent camp came to his attention. "Why not?" said the 7-foot Georgian forward. The feeling was mutual. Tskitishvili, the fifth overall pick by Denver in the 2002 draft, ran the court Monday as one of the more intriguing athletes participating in the Grizzlies' second offseason workout with erstwhile NBA players and undrafted professional prospects. Why does taking a look at Tskitishvili make sense for the Grizzlies? The answer is simple. "We figured why not take a shot?" Griz general manager Chris Wallace said after watching the session in FedExForum. "Maybe there's something there." ..."
May 30
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Former Grizzlies basketball boss Jerry West delivered a line at this time of year ad nauseam. "You ought to see my phone bill," West said of his tireless deal-making efforts leading up to the NBA draft. Chris Wallace has steered clear of that mantra -- until now. With less than a month to go before the draft, the Grizzlies are in exploratory mode with the No. 2 overall pick -- from trading up in order to pry No. 1-in-waiting Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers to moving down and acquiring an established NBA player. "We've had a good amount of activity, and it will increase the closer we get to draft night," said Wallace, the Grizzlies' general manager. "There's a different level ..."
May 24
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Ricky Rubio went down hard at midcourt, his groin giving way as he tried to defend Real Madrid's Sergio Llull during the first game of their Spanish ACB league quarterfinal series. Rubio limped to the bench, and this was disastrous for his team, DKV Joventut, and for an interested observer. Tony Barone Sr., the Memphis Grizzlies' director of player personnel, had traveled to Spain last weekend to scout Rubio, the 18-year-old phenom. But with Rubio sidelined, DKV Joventut fell behind by 24 points at halftime and never bounced back. Barone wondered whether Rubio would be able to return to the lineup three days later for Game 2. The real possibility existed that Barone would head home without ..."
May 23
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Friday there was cordial talk -- and no threats -- when he met with the agent for Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio. "We had a productive and wide-ranging discussion. It was a good meeting," Wallace said from Los Angeles before he boarded a plane for Spain to watch the 18-year-old Rubio, who according to an Internet report might not want to play in Memphis. Despite the report by Draftexpress.com, the Griz, who have the No. 2 pick in the June 25 draft, have yet to receive a similar vibe directly from Rubio's camp. Wallace said he had a "cordial meeting" with Rubio agent Dan Fegan. "I also talked to him about some of his other clients," Wallace ..."
May 22
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
An Internet report that Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio may not want to play in Memphis remained just talk Thursday to the Grizzlies as team officials prepared to visit the potential No. 2 overall draft pick. Griz general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins will board a plane bound for Spain this afternoon so they can watch Rubio play Saturday in an ACB League playoff game. Wallace referred to the trip as a routine scouting mission in which they also plan to interview the 18-year-old Rubio. "We're going to scout him. Lionel hasn't seen him, and I haven't seen him this year," said Wallace, who is seriously considering selecting Rubio since the Griz won the No. 2 pick during ..."
May 11
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace's prediction is that there could be up to four new reserves on the roster next season. At least a couple of those different faces may be familiar. Veteran NBA guard Michael Dickerson, who retired from the Griz in 2003 due to injury, and former University of Memphis guard Darius Washington are expected to be among the more 20 participants in the Grizzlies' free-agent camp that starts today and runs through Wednesday. Iowa Energy guard Othyus Jeffers, the NBA Developmental League Rookie of the Year, is another intriguing prospect the Griz invited to the two-a-day sessions. Wallace said the camp is the first step in identifying talent to immediately ..."