KATIE SMITH TO MYSTICS

Congratulations to all!

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The 2010 WNBA Draft is just 25 days away.  Many things can happen before then with trades, player movement and free agent signings, but we’ll look at this draft-eligible class and see which college and European stars will be taking their game to the WNBA this summer.

Our Mock draft looks into the current WNBA roster of each team, assess their needs and predicts what college or draft-eligible European pros might best suit those needs and why.

Spending eight years in the WNBA, sitting in on countless draft prep meetings and being involved in seven WNBA Drafts, as well as spending the last four years in the ACC, may not mean I’ll get it right but I’ll take a stab at it.

Let’s look at the First Round:

1           Connecticut Sun            Tina Charles            6-4            C            UConn

This is probably the worst kept secret and prediction in the basketball world right now.  Other than UConn finishing as undefeated National Champions, again.  A big reason for that… Tina Charles.  Charles is without a doubt the clear #1 pick and best overall player in the country.  Charles is tremendously gifted athletically and has a versatile skill set allowing her to play at both the high and low post.

ABR:

Add Tina Charles (6-4) to the Sun’s front line of: Chante Black (6-5), Sandrine Gruda (6-4), Asjha Jones (6-3), DeMya Walker (6-3) and Tamika Whitmore (6-2).  Whoa!… There’s not a better, more experienced core group of versatile posts in the East, perhaps the entire league.  Combine that with the chemistry of acquiring PTG Renee’ Montgomery (former Charles team mate at UConn) with the shooting of Jekabsone-Zogota (39.4% on 3’s) and Tan White (37.7% on 3’s) and Aisha Jones (31.3% on 3’s).  Defenses have a lot of issues to contend with in Connecticut.

2            Minnesota Lynx            Monica Wright            5-10            G            Virginia

ACC Player of the Year, ACC leading scorer, 6^th leading scorer nationally (3^rd All-Time Scorer in ACC History), ACC Defensive Player of the Year.  The accolades go on and on, but what impressed me the most is that she is a humble, wonderful, hard working and confident person.  A true joy to know and coach.  Wright is an explosive guard who gets her own shot, is tremendous in transition, has a killer pull-up and mid-range game and has improved her 3-point range every year.  She’ll fit in perfectly into the Lynx backcourt plans and will grow into a tremendous pro.

ABR:

The backcourt rotation of Lindsay Whalen, Candice Wiggans and Simone Augustus needs an explosive scorer.  I like Hamchétou Maïga-Ba and Kelly Miller, but neither has the explosiveness of Wright.  Look for Wright to be able to be the chameleon in that backcourt, helping at any of the three guard spots.

3            Minnesota Lynx            Alysha Clark            5-10                        F Middle TN State

Did Minnesota say scoring?… Look no further than Alysha Clark.  28.7 PPG, #1 in the Nation, 62.2% FG, 32.7% 3FG add in 11.5 RPG.  And how about this for the month of March… 40, 44, 48 in back-to-back-to-back games.  Are you kidding me?  DANG!  Clark has the ability to create her own shot, finish in transition as well as post up and score on the block against guards or forwards.

ABR:

My only question is if you Minnesota will burn back-to-back first round picks on two wings and pass up on a big or trade a pick for a young veteran player.  It’s not often you are blessed with two picks this high in the same draft.  The 2010 draft is only 4 or 5 impact players deep and Minnesota is potentially setting its’ roster for the next several years.  It may be hard to pass on Appel or Amber Harris with this pick.

4            Chicago Sky            Epiphanny Prince            5-9            G Botas Spor/Rutgers

Prince is tough, a proven leader and scorer and has the skills to be a point or an off guard in the WNBA.  She has experience in the pro game by electing to forego her last season of eligibility at Rutgers and play overseas for Botas Spor.  Prince is good in the pick & roll, has 3-point range, can finish with contact and has the ability to run a team.

ABR:

An underestimated aspect of Epiphanny’s game is her defense.  Coming from Rutgers, she learned to defend from one of the best.   She will defend with a fury and she will be able to lead those around her.  With the guard corps of Dominique Canty, Jia Perkins, K.B. Sharp, Erin Thorn and Kristi Toliver, Prince will have an opportunity to have an immediate impact in the Sky backcourt.

5            San Antonio Silver Stars            Andrea Riley            5-5            PTG Oklahoma State

Can the Silver Stars pass on Jane Appel here?  No one has her going this late.  Yes they can, unless they have a deal in the works were they draft Appel and trade her.  San Antonio has plenty of options and talent at the 4 and 5.  The recent trade the Silver Stars made bringing Michelle Snow to San Antonio allows them to “go off the board” a little with this pick and fill a different need.

ABR:

Riley is a jet-quick PTG, who loves to run and push the ball up the floor and can create open shots for others.  With guards Helen Darling (32 in August), Becky Hammon (just turned 33 March 11^th), *HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!, Roneeka Hodges (28 in July) and Edwige Lawson-Wade (31 in May) can all still play, but this allows the Silver Stars to start setting themselves up for the future as well.

6            Washington Mystics            Jayne Appel            6-4            C            Stanford

The Mystics could use another post player, and one of Appel’s ability would pay immediate dividends to the Mystics.  Opponents in the East will have to guard Appel on the block, leaving guards Matee Ajavon, Alana Beard, Marissa Coleman, Monique Currie and Lindsey Harding with a great deal of room to penetrate, score and kick for open looks.  If you were to tell Julie Plank and GM Angela Taylor Appel would be there at 6… they’d jump for joy.

ABR:

Jane Appel is the real deal.  She is easily talented enough, skilled enough and well respected enough to go anywhere with picks 1 – 5.  The situation of the first five teams needs and some question of just how much better is the already gifted Appel going to get drop her to #6 for me.  More than any other team, this would be a great fit for her.

7            Tulsa Shock            Amber Harris            6-5            4/5                        Xavier

If you are starting a team, as Nolan Richardson is, you look for a PTG and/or a post.  If Andrea Riley (the perfect home-town fit on all fronts for Tulsa) is gone, then the pickings are slim.  The Shock could also use a versatile forward.  Enter Harris.  Harris needs strength to play on the low block in the WNBA, but her perimeter shooting, her ability to drive and her shot blocking make her a nice complement to Kara Braxton (6-6), Taj McWilliams (6-2) and Olayinka Sanni (6-2).

**Amber Harris can elect to return to Xavier for one more season.  Sources say that she and fellow RS-Jr. Tashia Phiilips want to return to help Xavier to win a National Championship.  If they win it all this year (with UConn playing?… not likely) they may both jump to the WNBA this summer.**

ABR TRADE ALERT: Let’s play GM here. Nikki Teasley (PTG 6-0) is a Free Agent and the only true PTG on the roster.  If it’s me, I’m working like mad on three things:  1.) To trade up and pick Riley,  2.)  to sign FA Teasely and 3.)  to also try to sign FA Katie Smith (who has indicated she won’t play in Tulsa).  Couple Smith with the #7 pick and see if we can find another young PTG to run this team and lead a new franchise into the future.  Now Smith doesn’t have to do this. She’s an unrestricted FA, but if she did it might make a better deal for her, the league and everyone involved.  What team is out there that is very close to winning it all?  Who needs a proven champion, leader, scorer and team player like Katie Smith and the #7 pick?  Who also has a PTG worthy of this level trade.  Answer:  Indiana.  The Fever are on the verge of a championship in Indiana, they were so close last year.  Catchings, Smith, Douglas and Sutton-Brown might just get it done for Lin Dunn if this trade happens.  The #7 Pick and Katie Smith to Indiana for Briann January?  January is the PTG of the future in Indiana, but for a potential championship – the future is now.  I don’t know the ins-and-outs of Indiana’s salary cap, that’s for the bigwigs to figure out.  Rumors of the team moving last year means the Fever needs to win it now, not plan for “down the road.”  Even if Indiana has to flip picks and give Tulsa #11 – do it, add Harris or Kelsey Griffin to the Fever with that pick, strengthen your depth and put yourself in a position for a ring!

8            Los Angeles Sparks            Kelsey Griffin            6-2            F            Nebraska

Griffin has destroyed the Big 12, ranked as the Nation’s #1 Women’s Basketball Conference by collegrpi.com She has an extremely high skill level – especially from the high post where she passes, shoots and will rebound the basketball.  The All Big 12 selection is a very good screener and her feel for the game and basketball IQ are exceptional.

ABR:

In Griffin, the Sparks get a tremendous compliment to Vanessa Hayden (C, 6-4) DeLisha Milton-Jones (F, 6-1) Candace Parker (F, 6-4) Tina Thompson (F, 6-2).  There is tremendous size, skill, experience and versatility with this roster.  Candace, Tina and DeLisha could play anywhere at the 2, 3 or 4, with some combination of Shannon Bobbitt, Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Betty Lennox, Ticha Penicheiro with them.  Interesting and dangerous potential in the West for new coach Jen Gillom.

9            Atlanta Dream            Jacinta Monroe            6-5            F                        FSU

Jacinta Monroe can run, defend, rebound, shoot the high post jumper and block shots. The Dream are a guard heavy roster right now with many “Tweeners” playing at the 3 and the 4.  Monroe would give them another athletic, around the basket player that has the ability and skill set to excel in the pro game from the high post.  She could really be a steal at #9 in the long run.

ABR:

Jacinta needs to add strength, consistency and range to her jump shot and has a tendency to disappear in games at times, but she’s long and talented and as she improves overall and establishes that she will work and play hard every game, she can take the place of the recently traded Michelle Snow.

10            Seattle Storm            Allison Hightower            5-10            G           LSU

Hightower brings a tenacious defensive presence to the game along with her offensive capabilities.  Playing for the Hall of Fame and legendary WNBA coach Van Chancellor she will be ready for the expectations that Brian Agler will have for her.  The Storm needs an explosive guard who can score.  Hightower doesn’t need to come in and carry the Storm with Jackson, Sue Bird and Cash but it would help if they can get a player at 10 that can help.  Hightower might just be that player.

ABR:

Hightower’s ability to break down a defense from either wing spot with her drive, pull-up or 3 will continue to improve and develop as she adds strength and experience.  This is a quality player to be available at 10 and one that could find her way on to an opening day roster.

11            Indiana Fever            Danielle McCray            5-11            G/F            Kansas

McCray is perhaps one of the most flexible players available in the draft.  Her versatility allows her to do a little bit of everything. McCray’s ability to shoot the basketball is tremendous and a great asset.  Any team, at any level can always use shooters.  She could add an extra outside presence for Indiana.  When adding to a roster with the 11^th pick, a player who may or may not make it to opening day, the ability to do it with an all around player is a key.  Those type of players, like McCray, can provide depth and play a variety of roles in practice and when preparing for opponents as they develop and adjust to the pro game.

ABR:

McCray’s greatest asset is probably the fact she might be able to be on the “unable to perform list” for 2010.  If she is not fully recovered from her knee injury and if the Fever can draft her, not having to worry about finding a roster spot for her while retaining her rights until 2011, that is a huge plus.

12            Los Angeles Sparks            Alexis Gray-Lawson            5-8            G            Cal

I just want to say Gray-Lawson tore us apart (at Virginia) in the NCAA Tournament in 2009.  She was tremendous.  That made a believer out of me.  This year she received her third All Pac-10 award, averaged 17.5 PPG, while becoming the career leader in 3’s at Cal.  She is a player whose competitive spirit and tenacity are undeniable.  Gray-Lawson gives the Sparks another scoring weapon that can also defend.  The bonus for the league and the Sparks is she played at Cal and is from Oakland.

ABR:

Gray-Lawson is a flat out scorer. She can be streaky from 3 (30.3%), that will need to improve, and is tremendous off the dribble possessing a very good mid-range game.  Gray-Lawson has the ability to take contact and get herself to the free throw line, 171 FTA in 31 games.

There you have it… the 2010 MOCK WNBA Draft.

Let’s hear what you have to say and why.

I want to watch Iverson is Eddie Jordan’s Princeton-style offense.

The coffee house’s, the corner bar, the chat rooms all asked… Why would the Grizzlies take this chance?  Everyone says they knew this would happen.  Not so fast.

Allen Iverson

From this…

Iverson Meeting with Grizzlies

Then…

Iverson Worth the Risk

To…

Iverson Takes Leave of Absense

Now the end game…

Iverson Grizzlies Part Ways

There’s a simple answer… you know “The Answer,”… what other 10-Time All-Star, former MVP was available for a struggling team at a bargain price.  In 889 career games, Iverson has AVERAGED 27.0 ppg… 24,020 points!  That, alone, is the reason.  Professional teams, at least in basketball, will spend whatever they need to to get more wins.  Iverson, potentially, gets you wins.  If they can get what they need to get more wins, for less… Go For It!   At a one-year, incentive based contract it was a no-brainer.  No harm, no foul.  A few million is nothing to risk for potentially 18 extra wins.  Could Iverson at 34 provide 18 extra wins?   He averaged 26.4 ppg in ‘07-’08, season before last at 32.   With the other new players on the Grizz roster… maybe.

The Grizzlies at 22-60 in 2008-09 a potential improvement to 40-42 in 2009-10 is was worth the risk.

The NBA’s Southwest Division:  San Antonia, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans and Memphis is arguably one of the leagues toughest.  The trouble with a 15-game improvement is that in the Southwest Division, Memphis wouldn’t have moved up at all based on last season’s finish.  They need a lot more help.

There are reports now that the New York Knicks have interest in Iverson.  Why not?!  New York is the Memphis of the Eastern Conference.  The NBA can’t afford New York to continue to be one of the worst teams in the league.  It is not healthy for the league.  Remember New York BEFORE the Patrick Ewing draft pick?  The league was not healthy then.  The league is much healthier now, but the economy could change that rapidly if it doesn’t improve.  Signing Iverson also may distract New York fans from the potential fact that the #1 overall pick might have been traded away this year.  Doubtful.  How would an Iverson signing impact LeBron’s thoughts of being in New York?  There are major questions here.

On another thought New York already had Iverson, right…. sorry, that was Stephon Marbury.  Different player, potentially the same result?

We will see where this continues or if it continues.

ABR: Iverson Worth the Risk for Grizzlies

That really wasn’t a hard on e to call though.

What’s the latest?

From nba.com

After complaining about his back-up role with the Memphis Grizzlies, Allen Iverson left the team Saturday following a meeting with the team’s owner and Coach Lionel Hollins.

Happier days for Iverson and the Grizzlies

“It’s a personal issue,” Hollins said before the Grizzlies played the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. “And it’s indefinite.”

Memphis owner Michael Heisley gave the four-time NBA scoring leader permission to skip the Grizzlies’ game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

According to a team spokesman, Iverson participated in a walkthrough at the team’s hotel in the morning and then hopped a flight in the afternoon after he and personal manager Gary Moore met with Heisley.

Iverson, a former NBA rookie of the year and league MVP, played Friday night in a 114-98 loss to the Lakers, scoring eight points in 22 minutes. He had come off the bench in the previous two games after sitting out the first three with a hamstring injury.

“I just want to win, I hate losing more than I like winning,” Iverson said prior to Friday’s game. “Its just a frustrating feeling losing. I’ve never been a loser in my career and I don’t want to start now. I’m not trying to be selfish or anything like that, I just want to win.”

Iverson, who signed a one-year contract with Memphis in September after a tumultuous stint last season in Detroit, has been open about his displeasure with his reserve role. On Friday, he also told reporters he also wasn’t communicating with Hollins, who was hired last January to replace Marc Iavaroni.

“I think that’s probably the worst part of all this,” Iverson said after the loss to the Lakers. “That while all this is going on, we have never talked to each other. That’s probably why it’s at this point right now. We’ve just never had a conversation, so it’s probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we’ve never even talked to each other. Obviously that’s what you do if you’re trying to accomplish the same goal.”

When asked before Saturday’s game to respond, Hollins bluntly: “If Allen wants to talk to me, my door is open. I talk to him during the game before the game and after the game.

“I understand star power, and that’s to be expected,” Hollins added. “I wouldn’t mind even talking about Allen’s star power if it was about the game and his performance during the game, versus what Allen has said and what he will or won’t do.”

Hollins said third-year player Marcus Williams would likely assume Iverson’s minutes during his absence.

Let me know what you think

The Cavaliers superstar and reigning NBA MVP will make his feature film debut by playing himself in an upcoming comedy.

James will appear in “Fantasy Basketball Camp” by Universal Pictures. The movie is about five guys from different backgrounds who come to Las Vegas to live out their fantasy by attending James’ basketball camp. Production will begin next summer, when James can become a free agent.  

James is experienced in front of the camera. Along with appearing in numerous TV commercials, he has hosted “Saturday Night Live.”

Producer Brian Grazer is convinced the All-Star forward can make the transition to the big screen, as rapper Eminem did in “8 Mile.” Grazer also produced that picture.

“I initially sought LeBron out because my 8-year-old son, Thomas, and I were just dying to meet him,” Grazer said. “But I felt that beyond being one of the world’s great superstar athletes, here was someone so relaxed and comfortable with himself that he would have the capability to be that way on screen. Later, when I watched him host ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and saw his advertising work, it was clear he can do this.”

James will be an executive producer on the project along with his business manager, Maverick Carter.

This summer, James has been promoting “More Than a Game,” a documentary which chronicles how he and four childhood friends achieved their dream of winning a high school national championship. The film opens Oct. 2.

NORTH CAROLINA BASKETBALL

This is why North Carolina is North Carolina and the rest of the ACC is just trying to “Be like MIke.”

North Carolina is hosting a year-long celebration of the 100th year of Carolina Basketball.  There is no disputing the numbers… 17 of the last 21 years the ACC Championship address has included Durham or Chapel Hill.  This recent event was stunning.

North Carolina unveiled its 2009 national championship banner during its SOLD-OUT Professional Alumni Game at the Smith Center.  the Smith Center holds 21,750 for a basketball game.  So basically, 21,750 people came to watch the former Tar Heels pro-players play pick up and look at the 2009 banner.  Fan support?  That’s crazy.

It gets better.  Earlier in the week there was a draft held to select the teams.  There have been so many pros from UNC they couldn’t just put the team together.  Phil Ford and Pat Sullivan drafted the squads.  The top picks were Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter according to The News & Observer of Raleigh. Where was Mike?  I thought he said he was making a comeback to the NBA at age 50 the other night at the HOF induction.  Hmmmm.

The list of players included:  Bobby Frasor, Danny Green, Raymond Felton, Jackie Manuel, Marvin Williams, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Jawad Williams, Rashad McCants and Sean May according to The News & Observer .

MIAMI HEAT PAY CUTS

Miami Heat President Pat Riley and Head Coach Eric Spoelstra are taking pay cuts for Heat. Miami Heat basketball operations employees have accepted up to a 20 percent pay cut in order to avoid layoffs.

The cuts affect everyone in the department, including team president Pat Riley, head coach Erik Spoelstra, assistant coaches, scouts and others. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel first reported the salary reduction in its Tuesday editions.

Player salaries are not being affected.

The Heat laid off 20 members of its business operations staff in May as a result of the economic downturn. In 2003, the franchise asked employees to accept 10 percent pay cuts because of falling revenues.

Lower ticket prices and scaled-back sponsorship deals have decreased revenue around the NBA, which is projecting further reductions over the coming year.

BYRON RUSSELL AND MICHAEL JORDAN

Russell issues direct challenge to MJ. Bryon Russell took it as a compliment that Michael Jordan called him out during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, and Russell responded on ESPN Tuesday with a direct challenge to the game’s greatest player.

“Mike, if you want this, come get it,” Russell said on the “Waddle & Silvy” show on ESPN 1000. “I’m out here in Calabasas (Calif.). You have the private jet, come on and fly out here.

“The second game can take place in Chicago. I’ll fly out there. Let’s make a nice, little challenge, have some fun with it and entertain once again.”

It did not appear that Russell was being pompas or boysterous, he seeme dto be having some fun.  It would be a great charity event if they could pull it off.  Style is much like the recent Shaq vs. programming.

During Jordan’s speech on Friday, he said Russell told him in 1994 that he wanted to guard Jordan. During the 1998 NBA Finals, when Jordan’s Chicago Bulls faced Russell’s Utah Jazz, Jordan reminded Russell of his wish and said it was about to be realized. Russell was the defender Jordan shook before rising to take the clinching shot in Game 6.

“My response was after all this time I’m still on Mike’s mind,” Russell said. “I must have done something to leave a good impression, because he’s still talking about me to this day, about giving me what I wanted.

“I challenged him [in 1994]. I got him out of retirement, and if I did, it was good for the game.”

Russell said Jordan’s recollection of the ‘94 challenge was correct.

“I think that’s when he was doing baseball,” Russell said. “I ran into him and was like, ‘Hey man, why did you retire? I wanted to get a chance to stop you. Say I stopped the greatest.’

“He just smiled is all. Come ‘96, he said, ‘Hey Russell, remember what you said to me?’ I was like, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘You’re about to get your chance.’ I got my chance. But when you break down every possession I was on him, I guarantee you I didn’t get the bulk of all the points he had. I’m pretty sure I played better defense than anyone who played defense against him.”

Russell, 39, said he’s confident he could beat Jordan, 46.

“He likes challenges, so I’m challenging him once again,” Russell said. “I’m always going to be forever tied to him, so why not give fans what they want again?”

And what would be at stake? “Put up our egos,” Russell said. “Bragging rights.”

Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins, Allen Iverson, General Manager Chris Wallace, and Majority Owner Michael Heisley

What on earth, you might ask, would a team like the Grizzlies—a young, impressionable and still very much rebuilding bunch—want with an aging malcontent like Allen Iverson? Fair question, because many around the league are asking the same thing. As one East general manager told me, “You have a kid like Mike Conley. You have a kid like O.J. Mayo. You have Rudy Gay. You have Hasheem Thabeet, the No. 2 pick in the draft. How is a guy like Iverson going to help them?”

Considering the events of last season, when Iverson was traded to Detroit for Chauncey Billups and proceeded to shred the Pistons’ chemistry, skepticism about Memphis’ signing of Iverson to a one-year, $3.5 million deal is rampant. But it shouldn’t be. Because, in the end, consider what the Grizzlies just did—they signed the 16th-leading scorer in NBA history to a contract that ends in seven months and costs them less than half what they’re due to pay Marko Jaric.

There are four ways this thing can play out for the Grizzlies, and even the worst-case scenario is not all that bad.

1. Everything could be perfect. Iverson could come in, average 20 points, be a leader and model teammate, and lift the Grizzlies into the Western Conference playoffs. He could become so popular in Memphis—which is in need of some sporting heroism in the wake of the University of Memphis’ hoops collapse—that he signs with the team next summer. This is, admittedly, a remote possibility.

2. Iverson could have a productive season in Memphis. Chances are, the lack of interest in Iverson this summer has been humbling. The attitude and work-ethic problems that have attached themselves to Iverson’s reputation, and which were amplified by the Detroit disaster, remain his biggest problem.

But you have to think that if Iverson is serious about wanting to compete for a championship, he understands that he needs to put out a good effort on the floor and an even better effort in practice and in the locker room. If that means he comes off the bench and plays teacher’s pet to coach Lionel Hollins, then he comes off the bench and plays teacher’s pet. It’s the only way a contender will be interested in him next summer, and he must realize that.

In the meantime, though, the Grizzlies will get one of the greatest scorers in league history for a year, and hopefully sell tickets to boot.

3. Iverson could have a productive half-season in Memphis. This is the really intriguing possibility for the Grizzlies. Memphis will be 53 games into its 2009-10 schedule when the trading deadline rolls around. Iverson is not really part of the team’s future, so if he goes through the first three-plus months playing well and not causing problems, the Grizzlies might have the chance to offer him up to a contending team in need for a draft pick or a young player. It’s a something-for-nothing proposal.

4. The whole thing could be a disaster. If it is a disaster, you know what? The Grizzlies can simply cut Iverson. They’ll be out $3.5 million, but weighing that potential loss against the potential benefits of the deal, it’s worth the risk.

This is another example of a young team trying to “get good quick” and gamble on a questionable, aging free agent.  The locker room is a delicate place with young players.  If Allen goes into that locker room and can’t handle his role behind younger, more prominent guys, it could mean bad chemistry as well as other problems the Grizzlies don’t need.

Iverson dropped his strongest hint yet that he will soon be joining the Grizzlies, announcing via his Twitter account Sunday night that he had a face-to-face meeting scheduled today with team owner Michael Heisley and other club officials.

“I want to help them develop a winner,” Iverson wrote.

Reached later Sunday by ESPN.com, Heisley confirmed that the meeting would take place in Atlanta, where Iverson has been working out in preparation for next season.

Yet Heisley cautioned that an agreement in principle with Iverson has not yet been reached, saying: “[The meeting] does not mean it’s a done deal. He wants to meet and have some questions answered and we want to meet.”

Memphis is believed to be the only team actively pursuing the four-time scoring champion and has established its willingness to sign Iverson to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million.

The Grizzlies, at Heisley’s behest, have been trying to convince Iverson to join them since free agency began, ignoring concerns about the 34-year-old accepting a reserve role or his ability to co-exist in the same offense with O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph because of Iverson’s presumed ability to generate interest and sell tickets for a franchise that languished in the shadow of John Calipari’s Memphis Tigers.

Today’s scheduled sit-down is the first face-to-face contact between Iverson and Grizzlies officials since the process began, with Memphis negotiating to this point primarily with Leon Rose, Iverson’s agent.

Iverson has spent much of the past two months hoping that a firm offer would materialize from the Miami Heat, New York Knicks or Charlotte Bobcats — the latter to reunite with former coach Larry Brown — but was ultimately forced to concede that only the Grizzlies have the financial flexibility and definite interest to make a commitment to Iverson after his nightmarish 2008-09 season with the Detroit Pistons.

“We’re heading into the home stretch before the season, and we have had interest in Allen all summer,” Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace told ESPN.com in late August.

Last week, Wallace described the prospect of Iverson signing with the Grizzlies as “50-50″ in an interview with the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

“We’ll see,” Wallace told the newspaper. “… He’s in new territory. He’s never been a free agent. He’s never been a free agent this late in the offseason. I’m sure he’s trying to turn over as many scenarios as he can until he has to commit.”

Iverson played in only 57 games between Denver and Detroit last season and averaged a career-low 17.5 points, hampered by a back injury and his open struggles to cope with coming off the bench for the first time in his career. He would end up leaving the team in April by mutual agreement before the playoffs.

But Iverson has insisted in recent days that he is amenable to whatever the Grizzlies have in mind for him as well as the steep drop from last season’s salary of nearly $21 million, writing via Twitter: “Memphis is a place that I would love to play. The Grizzlies have good young players with a great upside. I love the city of Memphis, too.

“I would lead by example,” Iverson wrote.

In a July interview with ESPN.com, Heisley scoffed at suggestions that signing Iverson — the sort of drawing card that the Grizzlies have never had in an eight-season run in Memphis marked by notoriously low attendance figures — was dangerous given the presence of Mayo at the same position and the recent arrival of Randolph.

“What appeals to me?” Heisley said, repeating the question. “He’s one of the greatest players in the last 10 years in the NBA.

“Obviously I think he’d be a crowd pleaser in Memphis. But like I said … we’re in there but I don’t know whether or not we’re going to get him.”

Iverson is “saying” all the right things, time will tell if it is lip service to sign a deal or if he will lead the Grizz to the play-offs and beyond.