Iverson: I will play tonight

November 2, 10:59 AMMemphis Grizzlies ExaminerJohn Hoffman

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Allen Iverson may finally see action for the Grizzlies tonight.

AP Photo/Steve Helber

Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson is back on Twitter this morning, saying: “I will play tonight against the Sacramento Kings.”

There’s no official word from the team on Iverson’s status, but it has been said for about a week now that tonight’s game was the target for his Grizzlies debut.

Iverson suffered a partial hamstring tear near the end of training camp, and missed the entire preseason schedule, along with the first three games of the regular season. A. I. told the Commercial Appeal late last week he feels fine, and is waiting to play out of an abundance of caution. Hamstring injuries are notorious for feeling fully healed before the really are. Numerous players in all pro sports have re-aggravated hamstring injuries by trying to come back too quickly.

Iverson’s return will almost certainly begin off the bench, which is where many believe he would be most useful anyway. Expect him to be rusty, and to need a few games to get back into game shape.

Once that’s done, assuming he remains healthy, the issue of whether Iverson will start or continue to play off the bench is virtually certain to rear its potentially ugly head. Coach Lionel Hollins has been testy in response to questions about Iverson’s status, clearly annoyed that A. I. commands so much interest among reporters and fans.

It’s hard to know, at this point, how all this will play out. Allen Iverson is used to being a starter, playing a lot of minutes, and being a high volume scorer. The Grizzlies are showing some real promise as a team, apart from a weak performance in the regular season opener. There are fears that Iverson will disrupt the chemistry if he feels he’s not getting his due.

Because it’s on the west coast, tonight’s game in Sacramento doesn’t tip off until 9:00pm Memphis time. TV coverage in the Memphis area is on FoxSportsTennessee.