The main reason why Iverson didn’t like Memphis was that the team planned to use him off the bench. He came off the bench in each of the three games and averaged 12.3 points and 3.7 assists in 22.3 minutes per game.

With Memphis building around the backcourt of OJ Mayo and Mike Conley, a starting spot wasn’t going to open up for Iverson. Now Iverson will either have to find another team willing to give him a chance or call it a career.

While the 34-year-old is obviously very talented, his dedication to team play is extremely questionable. At this point of his career, he’d best be used off the bench. That said, Iverson has always said he doesn’t like coming off the bench.

What will happen next?

Stay tuned.

Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies have divorced (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Allen Iverson Leaves the Memphis Grizzlies

Tim Floyd resigned on Tuesday, perhaps due to speculation about NCAA recruiting violations concerning former player, OJ Mayo.

I know that you are innocent until proven guilty, but when you bow out like this it only makes everyone think that you are guilty. According to Rivals.com, “Floyd didn’t address the allegation in his letter to USC athletic director Mike Garrett, which was obtained by the Clarion-Ledger and also released by USC in a statement.”

In the letter, Floyd said he was resigning due to lack of enthusiasm. I find that hard to believe. He has only been USC’s head coach for four seasons. Maybe he was forced to resign, or maybe he felt that the Yahoo! Sports report about the alleged allegations had tainted his career at USC. Whatever the real reason is doesn’t matter. Floyd’s coaching career will be tainted no matter where he goes.

USC, meanwhile, is now dealing with two separate investigations into the school’s football and basketball programs.

“The University is cooperating fully in the continuing investigation with the NCAA and Pac-10 into all allegations of NCAA and Pac-10 rules violations at USC,” USC vice president Todd Dickey said in a statement Tuesday. “The university, the NCAA and Pac-10 have jointly conducted interviews of approximately 50 witnesses. No conclusions have yet been reached. … At this point, it would be both inappropriate and premature to comment further.”

Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Dickey. Conclusions by the media and the general public have already been reached. And they aren’t good.

Photo: Zuma

Post from: EveryJoe

Tim Floyd Resigns From USC

According to Yahoo! Sports, Tim Floyd paid a man named Rodney Guillory,who helped deliver O.J. Mayo to the Trojans program.

Tim Floyd is under investigation for reportedly paying someone to bring O.J. Mayo to USC.

This information was given by a former friend of Mayo’s, Louis Johnson, who told NCAA officials (as well as the FBI, IRS and U.S. Attorney’s Office) that Floyd gave at least $1,000 in cash to Guillory so that he could continue to ply Mayo with star treatment and numerous gifts.

Didn’t USC learn anything from the Reggie Bush scandal? The college is already under a three-year investigation for violating NCAA regulations in both the football and men’s basketball programs.

But beyond all of that, I have one important question.  Was O.J. Mayo even worth it?

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

USC’s Tim Floyd Bought Mayo

In the season, Rose averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 assists in 37 minutes per game. He shot 47.5% from the field and 78.8% at the free throw line. He, also was able to stay healthy, playing in 81 of the team’s 82 games.

In the playoffs, Rose has been even better. In his first postseason game of his career, Rose scored 36 points and dished off 11 assists against the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Bulls were able to win that game by a final score of 105-103.

Currently, Rose is preparing for Game 3 of the first round series against the Celtics with the series tied 1-1.

OJ Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies finished second in the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year voting, followed by Brook Lopez, Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon.

Derrick Rose, 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year (Image: Newscom)

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Derrick Rose Wins NBA Rookie of the Year

5. Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers
Once given a starting spot, Gordon took off. Although he doesn’t have great height for the shooting guard position, he’s built like a tank and his strength makes him dangerous anywhere on the court.

4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Early on, it appeared as if Westbrook could be a bust. But he gradually got better and right now he might be playing better than any rookie in the NBA. Next to Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Westbrook could become a star.

3. Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets
The best bigman in the 2008-09 rookie class appears to be Lopez of the Nets. He has very good nice and understands the game extremely well. Going forward, he’ll be a double-double machine.

2. OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
Scouts weren’t convinced Mayo could make a successful jump to the NBA. But after his rookie year, most scouts agree that he has star potential. Mayo can score and his defense is underrated.

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
The number one overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft has a great chance of winning the Rookie of the Year. Despite inconsistency and struggles here and there, Rose has likely done enough to win the award.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls - NBA Rookie of the Year (Image: Newscom)

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NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates 2009

OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
In college, everyone thought OJ Mayo was a ballhogging moron. But on the NBA level, he has proven that sentiment to be wrong. He’s been a very smart scorer who doesn’t overly force the action. Playing in Memphis hurts his chances.

Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers
Greg Oden was one of the most hyped rookies of the past 20 years coming into this season. But after getting hurt early on and not doing much since getting healthy, Oden still has a lot to prove before he could win the Rookie of the Year award. That said, if he gets on a dominant streak, he still has a chance.

Michael Beasley, Miami Heat
The Heat have made sure that Michael Beasley only gets to play when he’s defending. For that reason, his minutes have been somewhat sporadic. When he plays, Beasley has been pretty darn good. He can score from many spots on the court and can also rebound better than his size would indicate.

Photo credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates and Odds