OAKLAND, Calif. -- Four games into the Memphis Grizzlies' season, head coach Lionel Hollins says he's done talking about Allen Iverson.Well, not done all together. But apparently done talking about what Iverson says. Two days ago, Iverson complained about a lack of playing time after he made his Grizzlies' debut in Sacramento, and it was clear those statements didn't sit well with Hollins.
"I'm not commenting on Allen," Hollins said Wednesday when asked if he was surprised by Iverson's comments. "I'm done commenting on what Allen says. Allen has a right to say whatever he wants to say. ... Most of you are ready to leave now, huh?"
Iverson missed the first three regular-season games and all of training camp with a partial tear in his hamstring. He scored 11 points in 18 minutes in an overtime loss to the Kings on Monday.
"I want to talk about the Memphis Grizzlies, and even when Allen was out, I was having to talk about Allen. That's my frustration. I want to talk about the Memphis Grizzlies."
- Lionel Hollins After the game, Iverson was asked about his hamstring.
"I had no problems (with the hamstring)," Iverson responded. "I had a problem with my butt from sitting on that bench so long. That's the only thing I got a problem with."
When Hollins met the media 90 minutes before Tuesday's tip-off against the Warriors, the first topic that came up was Iverson. Hollins eventually expounded on why he was tired of the Iverson topic already.
"My frustration is I have to talk about Allen Iverson in every press setting," Hollins said. "I want to talk about the Memphis Grizzlies, and even when Allen was out, I was having to talk about Allen. That's my frustration. I want to talk about the Memphis Grizzlies.
"If Allen plays well and you want to ask me how he played, that's great. Or if he plays poorly and you want to ask me how he played poorly, that's great, too."
If there's one thing Hollins was emphatic about it's that things aren't likely to change anytime soon.
"Allen has played 20 minutes in two months," Hollins said. "There's no way we're making a change and going in a different direction right now. You want to talk to me about the Memphis Grizzlies as a team? I'm not standing here talking about Allen Iverson. I'm sorry."
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Coach Hollins,
Welcome to the Allen Iverson circus. It only gets worse.
From a 76'ers (and former AI fan)
P.S. Wonder which coach will be next??
Guess LIONEL HOLLINS is the 2009-2010 version of LARRY BROWN!! Enjoy!! Iverson can play but boy is he an A$$HOLE!!!
Will be great when this whining midget thug is gone. Isn't his little arm sleeve cute? Not sure who's more stupid, AI or Terrell Owens? Who do you think is the biggest loser of the two?
Randy you sound like a spoiled school child. Your comments lacked any factual information only your misguided opinion and a question that will call for someone else's opinion. Who are you to call someone a thug?
I will give the coach this,yes Allen as to work himself into the line up,he hasnt played in two months,and allen has to spend a few games working with the team ,But when Allen has some time in with the team and really looking good then you have to let him play his min,s cause he will only help the team develope there younger players become better and also be a powerful team,and real basketball fans no that,that is fine if you dont like allen as a person,But he is still a great great basketball player ,
the Grizz will be fine...AFTER AI leaves...after all, he truly is the answer.....to the question "Which NBA star makes a team better by leaving it?" Iverson...