Los Angeles  - Unhappy with his recent demotion from a starter to a reserve, Allen Iverson won't be complaining anymore after the Detroit Pistons announced on Friday they are to shut down the All-Star guard for the remainder of the season due to a sore back.

"After talking with Allen and our medical staff, we feel that resting Allen for the remainder of the season is the best course of action at this time," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in a statement on the team's website.

"While he has played in our last three games, he is still feeling some discomfort and getting him physically ready to compete at the level he is accustomed to playing this late in the season does not seem possible at this point," Dumars added

Iverson suffered the sore back against New Orleans on February 25, causing the former NBA Most Valuable Player and league scoring champ to miss 16 games. He returned last Sunday, collecting eight points and two assists in a loss to Philadelphia.

In his three games back since the injury, Iverson averaged 7.7 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 18.7 minutes per game as a reserve.

With a bruised ego and not fully recovered from the ailing back, a frustrated Iverson said coming off the bench is not for him.

"I'd rather retire before I do this again," Iverson said. "I can't be effective playing this way. I'm not used to it.

"It's tough for me both mentally and physically. If I'm able to go out there, I should be able to get it done and I can't right now.

"It's my fault," he continued. "I have to be able to overcome the adversity and do what I have to do. Just have to find a way to get it done. Not being 100 per cent makes it harder and you can see that I'm not 100 per cent."

Acquired from Denver on November 3, Iverson averaged 17.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 54 games for the Pistons, but he never fit in with their team concept. As a result, Detroit (36-39) is struggling to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit is not expected to bring back Iverson next season. (dpa)