NBA notes: Iverson goes home for 'personal issue'

Disgruntled Memphis guard Allen Iverson returned to his home in Atlanta after receiving permission to leave the team to attend to personal business.

Team owner Michael Heisley gave the four-time NBA scoring leader permission to skip the Grizzlies' game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers following a 114-98 loss to the Lakers the night before.

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 has played in three games since returning from a hamstring injury, averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 assists and 22.3 minutes. Coach Lionel Hollins spoke to him briefly before he left, but would not elaborate on the conversation.

"It's a personal issue that they asked for permission to go attend to," Hollins said. "It was granted, and it's indefinite. I have no other information."

THOMAS HAS SURGERY: Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas had surgery on his left forearm Saturday, a day after he broke it during a weight-training session.

Coach Vinny Del Negro says the operation went well and that Thomas will be re-evaluated Tuesday. Thomas is expected to miss four to six weeks, leaving the Bulls with just 10 healthy players.

His absence could create an opportunity for rookie James Johnson, who had appeared in just one of the first five games. Del Negro says the Bulls also are discussing whether to sign another player.

Thomas is averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.