November 16
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley says Allen Iverson's time is up. Heisley told Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, that his client must decide soon whether he'll play or retire because the Grizzlies won't deal with the uncertainty beyond this week. Iverson, 34, has been away from the Grizzlies for the past 10 days on a personal leave of absence. "I've treated this like Allen told me it was – a personal leave," Heisley said. "But either he's retiring or coming back to play. I'm not upset with Allen. We'll be happy to accommodate Allen. If he retires, then he retires. If he wants to come back, we'll gladly accept him back. But I have personally made it clear that there's going to have to be a ..."
November 15
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace oversees a team that is shaky at the point and has little to no leadership in the locker room. The hope is that veteran floor general Jamaal Tinsley provides an upgrade in both of those areas. Wallace insisted Saturday that signing Tinsley to a one-year, veteran's minimum deal had nothing to do with Allen Iverson's weeklong leave of absence due to personal reasons. Either way, Iverson still isn't with the team and starting point guard Mike Conley entered Saturday's game against Minnesota as the weakest link to a 1-8 start to the season. "We just felt that (Tinsley's) experience and playmaking ability could be of benefit to us," Wallace said. "So we ..."
November 12
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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Grizzlies rookie Hasheem Thabeet did not make the trip to Toyota Center, but he could return from injury as soon as Saturday. The rookie center appeared to suffer a broken jaw Tuesday after a collision with teammate Zach Randolph during a loss to Portland. But Griz coach Lionel Hollins described Thabeet's injury as a "fractured bone on the lower jaw along the teeth line." Thabeet will miss only a matter of days. "It's a hairline fracture," Hollins said. "They've got it wired. Obviously, it'll be a pain issue, but we'll see what happens." Hollins said the timing of the injury was bad, too. He'd decided to give the 7-footer consistent playing time. "I was going to give him that time ..."
November 10
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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As much as the Grizzlies are sympathetic toward Allen Iverson and are rooting for his return from a personal leave of absence, their last workout wasn't the first without him. The Griz had plenty of practice with Iverson away because of a hamstring injury during the preseason. Still, the team's time spent on the FedExForum practice court Monday was anything but a routine day at the office. The Griz return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers tonight with a five-game losing streak and a bit of controversy in tow. Iverson won't make his scheduled home debut in a Grizzlies uniform. Their defense is ranked last in the league. The Grizzlies' 1-6 record is the worst in the Western Conference. ..."
November 3
Memphis Commercial Appeal
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 ..."