In 2009, Allen Iverson was at a crossroads in his career. After he started experiencing a decline in production, health, and athleticism, it seemed only a few teams viewed him as a starting-caliber player anymore. He was fortunate to have found a suitor in the Memphis Grizzlies, who signed him to a one-year contract.
The announcement of the free agency move was highlighted by expressions of excitement from both parties. For his part, Iverson went on social media to exclaim that God chose the Grizzlies as his next destination after a tumultuous Detroit Pistons tenure. He also shared his belief that the organization was committed to winning.
"I feel that they are committed to developing a winner, and I know that I can help them to accomplish that," A.I. said after talking with the Grizz' top brass . "I feel that I can trust them."
The trust quickly eroded
It eventually proved true that Memphis was on its way to becoming a contender back then. The former Philadelphia 76ers superstar also asked the squad to trust him, as he planned on making it more than just a playoff team .
Unfortunately, the partnership ended as quickly as it started. Apparently, Iverson was adamant about not coming off the bench, which the Grizzlies had wanted him to do. That was one of the reasons he had a falling out with the Pistons during the previous season.
The former MVP ended up playing just three games for Memphis before leaving the team for "personal reasons." It was also that year when his infamous response to a question about his hamstring made rounds. His quote, "It's fine, but my (butt) hurts from sitting on the bench," was even made into a song, "Ode to A.I."
With no more mutual trust between Iverson and the organization, his contract was terminated, and he found himself unemployed for about a few weeks before the Sixers signed him for the rest of the 2009-10 campaign.
Related: "Besides, he wasn't on the team" - Scottie Pippen was upset with Michael Jordan for including his infamous playoff drama in 'The Last Dance'
The Grizzlies' wise move
Letting go of a future Hall of Famer nearly a week into the regular season probably was the last thing on the minds of Memphis' front office. However, the distraction caused by A.I.'s displeasure didn't appear to be worth it.
The good news for the franchise is that waiving Iverson turned out to be a case of addition by subtraction. They had a 2-8 record and were in 14th place in the West when it officially let him go. But since then, the team gradually improved and finished 40-42.
The 2010 offseason saw the birth of the "Grit and Grind" era in Memphis, headlined by Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and new acquisition Tony Allen.
Imagine if it was Iverson in Conley's or Allen's place. The Grizzlies probably wouldn't have become a perennial contender.
Related: Allen Iverson played three games with the Memphis Grizzlies and made history
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