Nuggets coach George Karl says that his time with Allen Iverson in Denver was always pleasant.

Karl also shed some light on why Iverson might be having issues with a reduced role in Memphis.

"My experience with A.I. was always good," Karl said. "What happened with him in Detroit and Memphis, what I always worry about is ? I know when my (playing) career was over, and I tore my knee up for the third time, I still thought I could play. It took me at least six months to finally admit it.

"Going from whatever level ? starter to bench, bench to 13th man, it takes some time, because the thing that makes us go is our competitive ego, our competitive energy and you can't have that energy if you're thinking you're not good enough. You've got to look at the game and believe you're going to play well ? every game, every practice, every drill."