Allen Iverson Upset with Bench Role for Memphis After 1 Game

From MLive.com:

Former Pistons guard Allen Iverson upset with role after one game with Memphis
By Chris Iott
November 03, 2009, 7:10PM



It didn't take long for Allen Iverson to complain about his playing time with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Iverson made his Grizzlies debut Monday night after sitting out with an injured hamstring.

“No. I’m not a bench player. I’m not a sixth man,” Iverson said in a story in the Memphis Commmercial-Appeal. “Look at my resume and that’ll show I’m not a sixth man. I don’t think it has anything to do with me being selfish. It’s just who I am. I don’t want to change what gave me all the success that I’ve had since I’ve been in this league.

"I’m not a sixth man. And that’s that.”

Iverson had 11 points in 18 minutes in a 127-116 overtime loss to Sacramento.

I confess to having mixed feelings about this.

On the one hand, it's the same old story. Iverson still thinks he's the man and is concerned about his personal stats than the team's success.

On the other hand, Memphis isn't doing so great, so why bring Iverson on board without giving him the chance to succed or fail as a starter?

If this circus keeps up, I don't see Iverson getting another NBA contract after this season.

I have no issue with this to be honest with you. I just wonder how would Bryant, Anthony, Wade, Pierce or even ordinary stars like Odom, Hamilton, Stephen Jackson or just about any semi decent player react after being benched for no reason while watching his team losing a game against a bottom feeder like the Kings. They would probably be deeeelighted and wouldn't say a word :rolleyes: I mean, it's the team that matters! Even if you score 11 pts in 17 minutes and then you spend the rest of the night on a bench, watching your team getting their [Swearing is not permitted at Club Pistons. You must edit this post prior to submitting.] kicked by a probably worst team in the league. Come on now the guy as been a proven star in this league he as the right to start on a mediocre team like the Memphis Grizzlies.