Le Basketbawl

The “Associated Press” is reporting that Memphis Grizzlies veteran guard Allen Iverson will most likely not be in uniform on Opening Night of the NBA season as the Grizzlies take on Iverson’s former team the Detroit Pistons. Iverson who signed a Free Agent contract with Memphis last month suffered a partially torn left hamstring back on October 4. He missed the entire preseason schedule; however he had told reporters when he got hurt he expected to be back in time for the regular season opener.

Iverson spoke to the media on Thursday and let it be known that he will most likely not be in uniform for Opening Night. The veteran said “I guess for one time in my life when it comes to my body, I’ll listen to somebody else. Usually I go off of my instincts. This time, I’ll make sure I listen to the professionals. I feel 100 percent, but they’ve been telling me with this injury, that’s the way it is. You feel well and then you go out there and try to take it fifth gear and it can tear again. That’s my whole dilemma right now, but I feel good.”

A.I. did say that there was still a chance he could be on the court for the Grizzlies season opener. Iverson said “They’re saying it’s a possibility, but it’s also a long shot. You know that’s one of the ones I definitely want to play. I honestly told my wife that my hamstring has never been this tight before. I was going through practices and it would never loosen up. … I was saying that it feels like it would pop any minute. And sure enough, I was driving and I tried to change direction. As soon as I planted down to cut the other way I couldn’t hear it, but I could feel it, pop. And I knew something was wrong.”

The ten time NBA All-Star says he has been rehabbing this month but does not feel his missed time on the court will slow him down once he starts playing with his teammates. Iverson told reporters “I’m usually getting treatment during practice time and they’re out there running plays. But once I get back into practice and just watching the plays for a couple days, I’ll pick it up like that. But as far as styles and everything, I just know how to adjust. I think my job with this team is making guys better, putting pressure on defenses. Causing a lot of ruckus as far as guys having to pay a lot of attention to me and getting other guys easy looks.”

You never quite know what to expect with Iverson. This whole Frickin thing could be a ruse and he could be doing this just to build up the Frickin drama for Wednesday night’s game. One thing for sure is we will not have to wait much longer to find out.