Now that Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies have cut ties, could New York be “The Answer’s” next stop?
Knicks president Donnie Walsh told Frank Isola of the Daily News that the struggling franchise might have interest in Iverson.
“We’ll look into it,” Walsh said. “Right now, I’d say probably not but we’ll see.”
Isola quotes a source close to Iverson saying the guard would be eager to play in head coach Mike D’Antoni’s “seven-seconds-or-less offense.”
At 1-9, the Knicks are off to the worst start in franchise history. The Knicks’ franchise began in 1946. They play four of their next five games on the road, beginning with Wednesday’s tilt in Indiana that could see the season debut of center Eddy Curry.
Iverson, 34, becomes an unrestricted free agent Wednesday and the Knicks have an open roster spot. In order to open up playing time, the Knicks would likely have to sever ties with veteran Larry Hughes, one of six key Knicks with expiring contracts.
The Knicks could get Iverson for the veteran minimum, but he could present chemistry issues. Walsh also told reporters recently that he won’t do anything to jeopardize the team’s future.
“I’m not going to throw away our ability to get better in the future,” he said.
Iverson signed a one-year, incentive laden deal with Memphis before averaging 12.3 points and 3.7 assists in 22 minutes a game there. He has been away from the team for 10 days for personal reasons and may still opt to retire.
The Grizzlies can’t trade Iverson until Dec. 15.
“The Grizzlies and Allen Iverson have come to a mutual agreement that because of personal matters that forced him to leave the team on Nov. 7, Allen will step away from the game at this time,” Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said in a statement. “As a result, we will be ending our contractual agreement with Allen, which will allow both parties to move forward. We wish Allen the best.”
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