By now everyone in Memphis has heard about the NBA star, Allen Iverson, coming to play for the Memphis Grizzlies. There has been plenty of debate on the possibility that his addition is just a stunt to increase ticket sales. Iverson, however, is not concerned with such banter. He came to Memphis to win.
“I didn’t come here to cause any problems. I didn’t come here for any selfish reasons. I came here to win basketball games. I didn’t come here for money. I’ve made enough of that in my lifetime. I came here because it was a good situation for me.” – Allen Iverson on coming to Memphis at his introductory press conference.
This attitude, which Memphis seems to lose down the stretch of the season, is precisely what the team and the city needs. Imagine the Memphis Grizzlies, playoff bound. Memphis needs this kind of hype, enthusiasm and leadership. David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, said himself that Iverson offers “veteran leadership,” to a young team. Often, a professional team can be a rallying point for a city. Imagine all of Memphis supporting the Grizzlies to the NBA playoffs.
What I want to know is what you think. Do you think Iverson brings the opportunity of a playoff race to the Grizzlies? Do you think the Grizzlies can provide a leadership to the city that has not yet been filled by any professional sports team?
Photo courtesy of OktayOe’s flickr
