By Simon Liang
Daily Titan Asst. Sports Editor

Allen Iverson has not been talking about practice lately. This could be a good thing, depending on who you ask.

Just about everyone can remember his famous rant about practice as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Iverson was quoted as saying, “We’re sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we’re talking about practice.”

He goes on to mention the word ‘practice’ about 15 more times.

We get the point, he wants to talk about the actual game. And he did when he was complaining about his role as a bench player on the Memphis Grizzlies.

He has left the Grizzlies for personal reasons.

This move is all but foreshadowing a possible retirement from the National Basketball Association or a move to another team.

During the off season, there were no takers in the bid for his services until Memphis called with a one-year offer.

The $3.1 million he is supposed to earn this season is chump change considering the money he has garnered throughout his career.

At this point it isn’t about the money anymore – there are no more lucrative offers. The man is 34 and his baggage is too much for some teams to handle.

Teams these days are looking for the safe pickup, not the controversial player who might ruin the chemistry of a young squad.

I mean, the marketability is still there.

Iverson had the fifth best-selling jersey in the entire NBA last season.

He can still put up 20 points a game and his personality still draws a crowd.

That is probably what Memphis was looking for when they signed him; someone who can mentor the young guards, someone who can improve their basketball team.

They must have forgotten about his ego. The same one that demanded a trade from the Sixers.

As a Philadelphia 76er, Allen Iverson was the 2000-01 NBA Most Valuable Player. Photo Courtesy MCT.

They must have forgotten that last season when Iverson said that he would rather retire than be a reserve on the Detroit Pistons.

The same theme is going on right now.

The Grizzlies are committed to their youth movement and developing their players by giving them playing time.

By inserting Iverson into the starting lineup, it takes away shots for O.J. Mayo and derails the maturity of Mike Conley, Jr.

According to the Associated Press, Head Coach Lionel Hollins said, “I’m trying to get [the Grizzlies] to a certain place. If we get to that place, and it’s good, then if Allen does come back, then obviously, he has to fit into that place.”

There is no doubt that Iverson can still be productive in the league.

However, he may have just lost his last, and only, chance to play in this league.

Selfish, prideful – many words describe Iverson, these are just two.

The sad thing is that his legacy might be tarnished by being one of the most controversial personalities on and off the court.

Unfortunately, it may overshadow his place in history as arguably the best player six feet and under.

Nevertheless, I am sick of hearing Iverson’s issues with every team he has been on. His talent is undeniable but his behavior has been his downfall.

He says he wants to win but he cannot do that with a rebuilding team like Memphis.

If he wants to win, he has to accept a reserve role on a contending team.

I just don’t see any of the top tier teams taking that risk.

At this point, Iverson cannot do his reputation any more damage.

It’s time to hang it up Allen; it’s been a good run.

No more interviews about practice, no more questions about his desire to be a starter.

All I know is, he won’t go out quietly – that’s just not A.I.