Can Allen Iverson save the Knicks' season, rescue them at the box office or at least make them relevant again?Donnie Walsh will spend the next 48 hours debating what impact, both negative and positive, Iverson could have on the organization. Walsh, the Knicks' president, confirmed last night that the club will explore the possibility of signing Iverson, the former league MVP who was placed on waivers Tuesday by the Memphis Grizzlies.
"We'll look into it," Walsh told the Daily News. "Right now, I'd say probably not but we'll see."
A source close to Iverson says he'd be eager to play in Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system. Iverson had similar interest over the summer but the Knicks passed. But with the team off to its worst 10-game start in franchise history, Walsh may have a change of heart.
Iverson, 34, would generate much-needed buzz for the 1-9 Knicks, who are in desperate need of a proven scorer and marquee name.
But Walsh and D'Antoni will have to consider if adding another veteran is right for the Knicks, who are in a rebuilding mode. Iverson's presence could hinder, not help, the development of .Danilo Gallinari and rookie point guard Toney Douglas. Moreover, Iverson has made it known that he still considers himself a starter.
The Knicks have an available roster spot to sign Iverson when he becomes an unrestricted free agent tomorrow. Iverson, a 10-time All-Star, can play either guard position but the Knicks would likely make another move if Iverson signed since there wouldn't be enough playing time for Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes, Nate Robinson and Douglas. All with the exception of Douglas are in the last year of their contracts.
The most plausible scenario would be the Knicks negotiating a buyout with Hughes. The veteran guard told The News that he addressed his status with management before the season and whether he'd play much. Hughes admitted that if he weren't factoring into the team's plans, the two sides were prepared to discuss a buyout. But since being benched for the first two games, Hughes has become a regular in D'Antoni's rotation.
If Iverson can't land a deal with the Knicks, there is a chance he would consider waiting a few months, then try to sign with a contending team.
Iverson signed an incentive-filled one-year deal with the .Grizzlies in September but was unhappy with his limited role.
He missed the Grizzlies' first three games with a hamstring injury and played in just three others. Iverson averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 assists and played just 22 minutes per game. He then left the team, citing personal reasons, and hinted he might retire.
"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."
