Iverson Likely To Generate Interest In Struggling Grizzlies

Iverson's Arrival In Memphis Expected To  Boost Local Interest In Grizzlies

Free agent G Allen Iverson yesterday agreed to a one-year deal with the Grizzlies, and there is "little doubt that his presence will generate interest in a struggling franchise among its long-suffering fans," according to Scott Cacciola of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Grizzlies season-ticket holder Steve McCleskey said of the signing, "I think it's a good, calculated risk and creates some buzz for a team that needs it." The Grizzlies "ranked next-to-last in home attendance last season, drawing about 12,700 per game to FedExForum, which seats 18,000," and even if Iverson is "not nearly as marketable as he once was, the Grizzlies should be able to capitalize on his star power." Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley indicated that the deal "had everything to do with basketball and nothing to do with marketing," and Iverson "even addressed that issue during their meeting in Atlanta on Monday." Iverson reportedly asked Heisley "if he wanted him merely to sell tickets." But Cacciola writes Iverson "will help sell tickets, and it would be disingenuous to argue that the box office was not a factor" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 9/10).

MAIN ATTRACTION: FANHOUSE.com's Chris Tomasson wrote of the Grizzlies, "It sure smells as if they're looking more for Iverson to sell tickets than to secure wins" (FANHOUSE.com, 9/9). In N.Y., Howard Beck writes the Grizzlies "need some star power to sell tickets" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/10). FanHouse.com's Jay Mariotti said Iverson is "an attraction," and he "can sell tickets." FanHouse.com's Kevin Blackistone said the Grizzlies "need people to come into that new arena they put downtown and this is the biggest thing to hit Memphis since the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson fight" in '02 ("Around The Horn," ESPN, 9/9).