Hollins Gets It – Even If Wallace And Heisley Don’t

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under SDC COMMENTARY

Funny how a player’s travels come full circle, especially in the case of unemployed guard Allen Iverson. Interestingly enough, if Iverson was still with the Memphis Grizzlies right now, he would’ve had the chance to show one of his former employers, the Philadelphia 76ers, that they made a mistake by letting him go as the Grizzlies played them last Friday. As it turned out, the New York Knicks would pass on him.

But more importantly, there were apparently good reasons why the Grizzlies let him go. At the risk of stating the obvious, Iverson came with a track record and lots of baggage. I will assume that general manager Chris Wallace and team owner Michael Heisley were well aware of the risks of signing him; of course, look where that got them. Three games – boom, gone. You see here is the thing.

One thing is certain about Iverson – he was, is and always will be a “me-first” player, much along the lines of Stephon Marbury and countless others. And it is abundantly clear that Iverson just doesn’t get it. But guess who does? Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins.

Hollins said this in an interview with Martin Frank of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal:

“There was no misunderstanding. He knew coming in what his role was when we met with him in Atlanta [over the summer]. I stated to him that he would have a chance to compete for a starting job. But also, even if he was better than the guys for the position, I was going to look at what was best for the team.”

And:

“He scored like he always scored. But there is a bigger grasp of this game. If you’re going to play point guard, you have to direct the team, pass the ball to people. You have to play defense, rebound. There’s a lot more to this game than just scoring. The guys who are talented score in this league. But there are a lot of guys who scored who have never won.”

As you can tell from those statements, it is obvious that Hollins gets it. He had no input as to whether Iverson signed with the team or not. He dealt with the hand dealt to him. He also made it clear what the goal of the team was, instead of acquiescing to Iverson’s wishes. And for that, I commend Hollins. He has a core of players which has possibilities,; although to be fair, he has a malcontent in the making in Rudy Gay. Hopefully, Hollins will not have to deal with Gay in a manner similar to Iverson’s.

So kudos to Lionel. Now if he can just win some games and make the Memphis Grizzlies relevant within the NBA again.

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2 Responses to “Hollins Gets It – Even If Wallace And Heisley Don’t”

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Greg on November 21st, 2009 9:55 pm

I can tell you never lived in Philly. If you did you would have a different view of AI. He left it all on the floor and was 3 games away from bringing us an NBA championship. AI can still play and it’s bull that he is being blackballed by the NBA

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