A.I. Plays In First Game With Grizz, Already Not Happy About His Role

Iverson made his season debut with Memphis Monday night in a 127-116 OT loss to the Kings. He scored 11 points off 5-9 shooting in just 17 minutes on the court. That last bit has A.I. less-than-satisfied. His postgame comments:

"I had no problems (with the hamstring). I had a problem with my butt sitting on that bench for so long," Iverson said.

"No. I’m not a bench player. I’m not a sixth man," Iverson said. "Look at my resume and that’ll show I’m not a sixth man. I don’t think it has anything to do with me being selfish. It’s just who I am. I don’t want to change what gave me all the success that I’ve had since I’ve been in this league. I’m not a sixth man. And that’s that."

Head coach Lionel Hollins responded by reminding Iverson that he missed the entire preseason, the first three regular season games and to kindly be quiet and accept his role:

"As the season develops, roles develop," Hollins said. "Sometimes roles get defined that you have to be willing to accept. We didn’t expect A..I. to miss eight preseason games and three regular-season games, either. So we’ll play it by ear and see what happens. Allen can score and his instincts will take over. Right now, he’ll be great with the second unit."