--Several Grizzlies players were stunned by Allen Iverson's decision to retire Wednesday. Iverson played three games with the Grizzlies a couple of weeks ago before leaving the team for what he said were "personal reasons" "He still can play," forward Zach Randolph. "I feel like he's going out on top as far as playing. He loves to play. He probably got frustrated with the process." "He inspired a lot of young fellas like myself," second-year guard O.J. Mayo said. "I wish he would have gone out on a higher note. A lot of us grew up watching him. I'm glad we had the chance to play with him. He'll go out a Grizzly."
Iverson gave a nod to Memphis in his retirement statement.
"I'd like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis," Iverson said. "I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies organization all of the success that the game has to offer."
Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said Iverson's decision to retire wasn't strictly physical.
"It has a lot to do with the mental part of the game," Hollins said. "The mental part is what makes you do the physical part."
--Dec. 4 was supposed to Allen Iverson jersey giveaway night in Memphis with 3,000 jerseys ready to be handed out. Now that Iverson is gone, Marc Gasol jersey T-shirts will be distributed to the first 3,000 fans attending the Dec. 4 game against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Grizzlies plan to ship the Iverson jerseys to impoverished children in Tanzania, the birthplace of rookie center Hasheem Thabeet. The NBA's Basketball Without Borders program will facilitate the shipment to the African country.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I want them to understand that even with all of this horrendous stuff going on, we're still within the range of where we wanted to be to start the season." -- Coach Lionel Hollins, on his team staying positive
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