Sixers agree to terms with Allen Iverson

[Mel_13]

Sixers agree to terms with Allen Iverson

Iverson to make Sixers season debut on Monday, December 7

Philadelphia, Pa. – December 2, 2009 – Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has agreed to terms with free agent guard Allen Iverson. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Iverson, the first overall pick by the Sixers in the 1996 NBA Draft, played 10-plus seasons in Philadelphia and ranks second in franchise history in scoring.

"In light of the recent injury to Lou Williams, which will sideline him for close to eight weeks, we felt that Allen was the best available free agent guard to help us at this time,” said Stefanski.

Iverson (6-0/165) signed as a free agent with Memphis this past September, but parted ways with the Grizzlies after appearing in just three games. He was officially waived on November 16, 2009.

In 1996-97, Iverson took home Rookie of the Year honors with the Sixers. Iverson helped guide Philadelphia to the NBA Finals in 2001, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award for that season in the process.

A 10-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP, Iverson has been named to a total of seven All-NBA teams (First Team in 1998-99, 2000-01 and 2004-05; Second Team in 1999-00, 2001-02 and 2002-03; Third Team in 2005-06). He led the NBA in scoring four times as a Sixer, becoming one of only four players in league history to capture four-plus scoring titles.

Now in his 14th NBA season, playing in 889 career games with 877 starts, Iverson is averaging 27.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.21 steals in 41.4 minutes per game while shooting 42.5% from the floor, 31.3% from 3-point range and 78.0% from the foul line. He is currently tied for the fifth-highest scoring average in NBA history and ranks third among active players.

The 34-year-old has also appeared in 71 career playoff games and owns the second-highest postseason scoring average (29.7 ppg) in NBA history, trailing only Michael Jordan (33.4 ppg).

Iverson was traded by Philadelphia to Denver along with Ivan McFarlin in exchange for Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two future first round picks on December 19, 2006. After just over a season and a half with the Nuggets, Iverson was traded to Detroit on November 3, 2008.

Following tonight’s game at Oklahoma City and Saturday’s game at Charlotte, the Sixers return to Philadelphia for a five-game home stand beginning on Monday, December 7 vs. Denver at 7 p.m. Iverson is expected to make his season debut with the Sixers that night.

http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/091202_iverson.html

[Donkeybong]

wow

[BRHornet45]

thuggin n buggin

[Culburn369]

When a firebrand like Kevin McHale hits his knees (last nite on the NBA Channel) to sniff & lick at the grotto the caliber of a loser like Iverson you just know Stern in NYC is runnin' as fast as he can.

[Dex]

old skool.

[SenorSpur]

If the Sixers coaches and FO had a clue about which direction they were heading, they wouldn't have needed to bring back AI. Clearly a desparate move.

Now what's going to happen when Lou Williams comes back? If anyone thinks AI will relinquish the starting job - think again!

[SpurNation]

chopped liver.

[LOL@MavsFan]

Lol @ a.i.

[lefty]

So who is going to emulate Iverson in practice?

[duncan228]

Six questions on Answer's 76ers return (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=Roundtable-Iverson-091202)
ESPN.com

The Sixers, reeling with seven straight losses, have come up with The Answer as a solution to their woes.

Allen Iverson, a four-time scoring champion who led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, is stepping back on the court for the home team in Philadelphia, accepting a second chance with the Sixers.

Here's what ESPN's panel of experts thought of the acquisition:

1. For Sixers: Marketing move, basketball move, or desperation move?

Henry Abbott, ESPN TrueHoop: 25% marketing, 25% basketball, 50% desperation.

Desperation is an essential ingredient. Detroit and Memphis proved he won't fit in, so you bring him in only if you're willing to say goodbye to your current system. But he's good! So it could prove to be smart basketball.

And as for the marketing component -- the Iverson brand means more in Philly than anywhere else. Feels like no coincidence that's where he has popped up.

J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: 70% marketing, 20% basketball, 10% desperation.

The Sixers are next to last in attendance, averaging 11,965 fans through eight home games. Basketball-wise, it's not a step toward the gold trophy. He hasn't won a playoff series since 2003.

Chris Broussard, ESPN The Magazine: 100% desperation.

Of that, it's 65% basketball move, 35% marketing.

Fact is, the Sixers have two highly paid vets (Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala), so they are in win-now mode (at least playoff-now mode), and 5-13 won't cut it. Without Lou Williams, they've struggled to find someone to make plays down the stretch, and they feel A.I. can do that.

John Hollinger, ESPN.com: 30% marketing, 40% basketball, 30% desperation.

If Lou Williams were healthy, I don't think they'd be looking at Iverson, so I still say the biggest chunk of this is basketball-driven. If he's willing to play for the minimum, he's by far the best player available at that price.

But you can make a stronger case that they wouldn't pursue this if they were playing well, or if the arena were selling out every night. It's a perfect confluence of all three, basically.

Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com: 40% marketing, 20% basketball, 40% desperation.

I'd be a little more generous with the basketball part if I hadn't been to so many Sixers games in recent years, including playoff games, in which the place was half-empty and dead. Philly fans have been down on the Sixers for years. This breathes excitement back into the equation.

Marc Stein, ESPN.com: 100% marketing, 0% basketball, 100% desperation.

I know the math doesn't add up, but this is all about a team that's 100 percent desperate to stay relevant and sell some tickets. The Sixers can say anything they want about needing guard help while Lou Williams' busted jaw heals, but everybody in the league sees it: Miles away from title contention, Philly is making the business side its No. 1 priority.

2. Should A.I. start right away? What about when Lou Williams returns?

Abbott: Yes. If he's on the team, just spare us all the headaches and make your team all about him. It's just the way it has to be, and that's OK.

Adande: If the Sixers don't start him, they'll be startin' somethin' (to quote Michael Jackson). Keep it simple and keep him in the starting lineup -- even after Lou Williams comes back. Who would accept it better? Right.

Broussard: Well, of course, he should start right away. He has to, or this would become Memphis (and even worse) all over again. Even once Lou Williams gets back, you're probably going to keep starting A.I. alongside Lou (assuming A.I. can still be productive).

The fact that the contract will likely be non-guaranteed gives the club the leverage to bench him, but we all know benching him essentially means releasing him.

Hollinger: Let's start with the easy one: When Williams returns Iverson needs to come off the pine. If not, yeah-thanks-bye. One presumes the Sixers made this perfectly clear to Iverson, but one also wonders how much of that he heard.

Until Williams returns, however, there's no good reason not to start Iverson. The Sixers need to up the tempo and create more scoring, and that's exactly what he can do while Jrue Holiday -- the league's youngest player -- learns the ropes.

Sheridan: He plays only one way, he needs to be a starter to play that way and Philly fans know that better than anyone. The Sixers can play Lou Williams off the bench, occasionally alongside Iverson. Both guys can be combo guards, but defensively, the lack of height makes them vulnerable.

Stein: Won't surprise me at all if the Sixers try to start Williams, Iguodala and Iverson to try to appease everyone when Williams comes back. Making that trio work might prove easier than trying to part company with Iverson during the season. Sending away a local legend in February or March, no matter how far you think Iverson has fallen, would be really tough PR-wise.

3. Bigger risk: Iverson disrupts team play or disrupts team off court?

Abbott: You can ensure he'll be no trouble off the court by starting him and giving him a zillion shots. Then he'll shoot you in or out of games, which might be better than what they have going now.

Adande: Iverson disrupts the team on court. He's 34 now, much less volatile. I doubt he'll be interacting with the Philadelphia police department as much this time.

Broussard: They both go hand in hand. If it goes badly on the court, it'll go badly off the court. But "on the court'' has to come first. A.I. won't disrupt the locker room if he's getting his minutes and shots. But what's the risk of on-court disruption when you're 5-13 and losers of seven straight? That's how Philly's brain trust sees it.

Hollinger: Much bigger risk off court. If he disrupts things on court, the solution is easy -- cut him. But if he starts convincing Jrue Holiday and Thaddeus Young that the way to be a "pro" is to hang out at the casino all night, blow off practice and let the other four guys worry about defense, the consequences could last far after Iverson is gone.

Sheridan: On court: He'll change the way the Sixers play, no doubt, but they've lost seven straight, so they need a disruption (or, better put, an injection). Off court: Atlantic City is only an hour away, and the emerging tabloidian Internet media won't ignore A.I.'s forays there the way the Philly media did during his first 76ers stint.

Stein: There's no on-court flow for Iverson to disrupt. But signing him just to bring back the buzz also means setting up Iverson as an example-setter for Holiday and other youngsters. It also sends a message to Iguodala and the Sixers' other vets that winning and character are not the organization's priorities. Those are some significant drawbacks.

4. Will Iverson get the 76ers into the playoffs?

Abbott: They're lucky in that their best player, Andre Iguodala, doesn't need a ton of touches to contribute, so they are an unusual team that has the chance to improve with the addition of a born gunner. And, he won't be pushing aside an established point guard. I bet he'll make them a tiny bit better, and they'll squeak in.

Adande: No. Too many better teams ahead of them, including Chicago, Toronto and Washington.

Broussard: This is a tough one, but I'll go with a hesitant, half-hearted "no.'' It won't be A.I.'s fault, though. He should make them better, and they definitely could make the playoffs. But I'll stick with "no" just because they've looked like garbage and he's not what he used to be.

Hollinger: It really has little to do with him -- the operative question is "Can Elton Brand get the 76ers back into the playoffs?" and the answer so far has been an emphatic "no." Iverson is no longer good enough to dramatically alter their fate.

Sheridan: Yes. They weren't on track to get there without him, and all the bad teams in the East (yes, even the Knicks) are only a two-week surge from bringing themselves back into the eight-seed hunt.

Stein: No playoffs for the Sixers. They're one of about nine teams trying to snag one of the last four playoff spots in the East, and they're in a bigger hole than the standings say because both confidence and morale are low after an opening month filled with injuries and losses. And A.I. was never a galvanize-the-troops kind of a guy, even in his heyday.

5. Will Iverson finish the season with the Sixers?

Abbott: Yes. He has tasted retirement, and spat it back out. And the Sixers have to know they can't expect him to sit on the bench.

Adande: Hmm, he hasn't finished the season with the last three teams he's played for ... but this time around I think he realizes either he finishes or he's finished.

Broussard: Another tough one, but I'll say "yes,'' again hesitantly and half-heartedly. Bottom line is if it ends badly in Philly, A.I.'s career is over. For real this time.

Hollinger: I suspect he won't, just because I'm not sure he grasps that he can no longer get away with being a law unto himself. Recent history says he'll be fine as long as he can get shots and minutes, but will react very badly when Williams comes back and that it will all go downhill from there.

Sheridan: Yes, and I think he'll finish his career there, too, if he leads them back to the playoffs and starts filling the house again. But if this project fails, I think A.I. will end up overseas -- that's where the most money will be available.

Stein: I really do expect him to last the rest of the season in Philly. It'll be a hugely unpopular decision when the Sixers let him go for the second time, no matter what happens in this stint, so I suspect they'll let it happen naturally by waiting until the offseason instead of trying to pull off a tricky, eight-week reunion.

6. Bottom line: Good move or bad?

Abbott: Good.

Adande: Good.

Broussard: Good.

Hollinger: Good.

Sheridan: Good.

Stein: Convenient.

[benefactor]

thuggin n buggin

old skool.

chopped liver.

Lol @ a.i.
:tu

[Culburn369]

6. Bottom line: Good move or bad?

Abbott: Good.

Adande: Good.

Broussard: Good.

Hollinger: Good.

Sheridan: Good.

:rolleyes

[Chomag]

Hmmm, so whining and throwing 3 year old tantrums does work to get your way. Interesting...

Maybe I'm going about my life all wrong, and I should try this. AI is now my mentor.

[BRHornet45]

Hmmm, so whining and throwing 3 year old tantrums does work to get your way. Interesting...

Maybe I'm going about my life all wrong, and should I should try this more often. AI is now my mentor.

son like I have said before ... this spoiled brat just needs his ass beat. that's all he needs. a good, vicious beatdown.

[dirk4mvp]

son like I have said before ... this spoiled brat just needs his ass beat. that's all he needs. a good, vicious beatdown.

sons maybe we can call up Jason Williams the blackest man ever to play basketball to give it to him.

[Kyle Orton]

When a firebrand like Kevin McHale hits his knees (last nite on the NBA Channel) to sniff & lick at the grotto the caliber of a loser like Iverson you just know Stern in NYC is runnin' as fast as he can.
And you can't ring sans playing weak eastern conf teams just like you can't catch a nut sans 8 year olds.

[Culburn369]

son like I have said before ... this spoiled brat just needs his ass beat. that's all he needs. a good, vicious beatdown.

True. Him & Chris Paul as well.

[Culburn369]

And you can't ring sans playing weak eastern conf teams just like you can't catch a nut sans 8 year olds.

I beg to differ.

tee, hee.

[ffadicted]

I'm really to call it right now, Sixers are gonna shine with AI, I got a good feeling about this one.

[SenorSpur]

Amazing that in light of the events that occurred in Philly the first go-around, then the events that took place at subsequent stops in Denver, Detroit and Memphis that the Sixers simply couldn't help themselves. They just hang to climb back into the bed with this guy. Everyone (including the Sixers) knows how this will all turn out. Absolutely amazing.

[duncan228]

Updated.

Final Answer: Iverson back with 76ers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-76ers-iversonsigned&prov=ap&type=lgns)
By Dan Gelston

Allen Iverson’s first stint with the Philadelphia 76ers ended with the team yanking his nameplate off his locker and editing him out of video highlights before he was even traded.

The Sixers might want to find him a new locker and cue up some clips. Philly fans, pull out that No. 3 jersey from the closet. A.I. is a Sixer again.

In a move that appeared farfetched after their acrimonious split in 2006, the 76ers reunited with the briefly retired Iverson on Wednesday in a move designed to spike sagging attendance and fill in for the injured Lou Williams.

Coach Eddie Jordan said Iverson likely will start and stay the entire season.

“I told him I would like for him to start, and that’s where it sort of ended,” Jordan said. “And he was really like a kid at Christmas.”

Iverson will make his debut Monday night at home against Denver—one of three teams he’s called home since leaving Philly. The 10-time All-Star-turned-journeyman is determined to prove he still has something to offer in that No. 3 jersey. His new boss is betting Iverson can help the staggering Sixers make a push in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

“He’s like a rock star,” team president Ed Stefanski said.

And he’s back for his encore.

He antagonized his coaches and opponents his first time around. Perhaps humbled, he signed after being reduced to a bench player in Denver and Memphis and forced to accept the veteran’s minimum salary to return to his NBA roots.

“If there’s going to be a chance for him to do it and make it work, there’s no doubt in my mind Philadelphia is the best spot for him to try and do it,” Stefanski said.

Stefanski took a low risk financially to sign Iverson, but possibly derailed the long-term improvement of a slumping team tying to build around a core of young players. Rookie Jrue Holiday, who started at point guard for Williams, heads to the bench, and Jordan’s Princeton offense could hit the scrap heap.

The Iverson-to-Philly talks were underway once Williams was lost for eight weeks with a broken jaw. Stefanski said he never would have considered a second act for Iverson had it not been for the injury.

Iverson’s reps asked Stefanski about a possible comeback last week. Iverson, his agent and business manager met with Stefanski and Jordan on Monday to jump-start contract talks.

Iverson was offered a one-year, non-guaranteed contract Tuesday, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the talks were private. He accepted the deal early Wednesday.

The Sixers would owe just under $650,000 if they guarantee his contract for the remainder of the season on Jan. 10.

“The whole situation wasn’t about the contract and the money,” Iverson’s agent, Leon Rose, told The Associated Press. “It was about the opportunity and the chance to come to Philadelphia.”

The Sixers (5-13) had lost seven straight entering Wednesday night’s game at Oklahoma City. The losing and lack of a marquee name have them buried in 29th in the NBA in attendance.

Sixers VP of business operations Lara Price declined to say how many tickets were purchased for Monday’s homecoming, but said: “We have seen a big jump in ticket sales as a result of today’s announcement.”

Sixers management insisted Iverson’s signing was strictly a basketball move and not to necessarily boost the gate.

It had the city buzzing. Fans flooded sports radio stations to talk Iverson, TV stations cut in with live updates, and Internet message board posters were roused with his addition.

Jordan, speaking at Wednesday morning’s shootaround, was thrilled to have Iverson.

“Without really seeing him on the floor, I would like to compare him to Brett Favre, a guy who people think is too old to play and he’s almost having an MVP year,” Jordan said. “That’s off the top of my head. When I woke up this morning, I said, ‘Maybe he can be that.’ It’s not a big maybe. I think he can be that.”

Except for a brief flirtation with the New York Knicks, no other organization was seriously interested in signing Iverson.

Iverson, nicknamed “The Answer,” regularly played 40 minutes when he was NBA MVP in 2001 and led the Sixers to the finals. Philadelphia hasn’t won a playoff series since 2003.

In 10 seasons with the Sixers, Iverson posted the highest scoring average in team history (28.1), was second on the points list (19,583) and holds the record for 3-pointers (877). He was a seven-time All-Star, won four scoring titles and two All-Star game MVPs.

Iverson’s last game with Philadelphia was Dec. 6, 2006, in Chicago. He refused to play the fourth quarter, had a severe falling out with former coach Maurice Cheeks and was banished from the team. Chairman Ed Snider and former GM Billy King sent Iverson home while they worked on trading their superstar.

He was eventually sent to Denver as part of the Andre Miller deal, and bounced to Detroit before landing in Memphis.

Snider has publicly welcomed him back.

“When he left our organization I did say, ‘We’re gonna trade him,’ but that was only after he requested to be traded,” Snider said in a statement. “This is an opportunity for him to shine here in Philadelphia, where it all started, with the most positive outcome.”

The 6-foot Iverson played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.

Iverson will get a look at another former team after playing Denver. The Sixers play at home Dec. 9 against Detroit.

Sixers leading scorer Andre Iguodala, a former Iverson teammate, said he gave management the OK to make the move.

“That was pretty easy,” he said. “I think all the guys on our team, whether they’ve played with him or not, realize what he can do. He can play.”

Iverson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft, but his 10 turbulent seasons in Philadelphia were marred by rants about practice, run-ins with former coach Larry Brown, arrests and a failed rap career.

In one infamous blowup at the end of the 2002 season, he repeated the word “practice” nearly 20 times during a rambling monologue.

“We had, at times, a rocky road with Allen Iverson, but we also had a fantastic run with Allen,” Peter Luukko, COO of Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the 76ers and Flyers, told The AP. “The expectations with Allen have changed dramatically. We’re not looking for Allen to individually lead this team the way he has in the past.”

Iverson has a career average of 27 points in 889 games over 14 seasons, and is tied for the fifth-highest scoring average in NBA history. He ranks third among active players.

“It’s a great challenge, and I think it’s a motivational aspect to it, too,” Jordan said. “Guys are going to be jacked up. He’s a winner, he’s an assassin on the floor and that sort of thing is contagious.”

[benefactor]

Iverson was offered a one-year, non-guaranteed contract Tuesday, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private. He accepted the deal early Wednesday.

The Sixers would owe just under $650,000 if they guarantee his contract for the remainder of the season on Jan. 10.

Damn...how far the mighty have fallen.

[BRHornet45]

sons maybe we can call up Jason Williams the blackest man ever to play basketball to give it to him.

co-signed

[crc21209]

Well now people can bust out their A.I Sixers jersey's again...:lol

[TwinTowers]

I'm really to call it right now, Sixers are gonna shine with AI, I got a good feeling about this one.

yeah, if he messes up no other team in the NBA will want him

[Spursmania]

son like I have said before ... this spoiled brat just needs his ass beat. that's all he needs. a good, vicious beatdown.

+1. He's a little brat like CP3...

When is CP3 schedule to come back BR? You guys need him.

[duncan228]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091203/capt.085bd6ba8283403299f803d80e8e93b9.76ers_iverso n_basketball_pxc104.jpg

Iverson glad to be back in Philly (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-76ers-iverson&prov=ap&type=lgns)
By Dan Gelston

A tearful Allen Iverson is happy to be back with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Iverson is returning to the franchise where he was an MVP, calling it an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. The 10-time All-Star guard signed a non-guaranteed deal with the 76ers on Wednesday, and said at the Wachovia Center that he’s ready to prove he can still play.

“I want to retire here,” Iverson said Thursday.

The 34-year-old Iverson was teary almost from the start of his return news conference. He said he retired after his ill-fated stint with the Memphis Grizzlies because he felt like “the basketball part of my life was over.”

Iverson will play his first game for the 76ers against Denver on Monday.

“Coming back home, all I could think about was the people who made me who I am,” said Iverson, the NBA MVP in 2001, when he led the Sixers to the finals.

Philadelphia hasn’t won a playoff series since 2003.

In 10 seasons with the Sixers, Iverson posted the highest scoring average in team history (28.1), was second on the points list (19,583) and holds the record for 3-pointers (877). He was a seven-time All-Star, won four scoring titles and two All-Star game MVPs.

He had a bitter parting with the 76ers in December 2006 and was traded to Denver. He’s also played with Detroit and three games this season with the Grizzlies.

“I always thought it was strange having another uniform,” Iverson said. “I couldn’t feel comfortable with another uniform.”

Flanked by team president Ed Stefanski, Iverson said he dreamed of returning to the 76ers.

“I watch other NBA teams. I can’t watch the Sixers,” he said. “Ever since I left, I wasn’t able to. Not because there was any bitterness, it was just a feeling I get. I gave everything I had here for 10 years. It was just always tough for me to watch them, so I didn’t.”

Iverson was apologetic for his past behavior and said he acted a lot on anger.

“I don’t want to prove anyone wrong in this situation. I’m not in it for that,” he said. “If I can help my team win basketball games the way Coach wants me to help, then I’ll be satisfied.”

Stefanski said he didn’t promise Iverson would start, but added he didn’t bring him back to Philadelphia to serve as a role player.

“I am bringing him back here to help us going forward to win basketball games,” he said.

The Sixers need all the help they can get to avoid falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Sixers (5-14) have lost eight straight entering Saturday’s game at Charlotte.

“I want to fit in. I want to be a part of any success we have,” Iverson said. “I just want to be one of the guys. I don’t need a whole bunch of praise. I don’t need a whole lot of accolades. I just want to play basketball.”

Iverson will not travel to Charlotte. He will practice Sunday and on Monday pull on his 76ers jersey for the first time since Dec. 6, 2006, in Chicago— when he refused to play in the fourth quarter of what became his final game with the team.

Iverson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft, but his 10 turbulent seasons in Philadelphia were marred by rants about practice, run-ins with former coach Larry Brown, arrests and a failed rap career.

In one infamous blowup at the end of the 2002 season, he repeated the word “practice” nearly 20 times during a rambling monologue.

His returned generated the kind of buzz the Sixers haven’t felt in Philly since he left in 2006. The Sixers said they had 327,657 page views on their Web site Wednesday once his signing was announced—up from 36,000 the previous Wednesday.

The Sixers have not yet sold out Monday’s game. His official No. 3 jerseys are expected to be on sale at the team’s merchandise store on Monday.

[benefactor]

lmao Iverson crying at the press conference.

[duncan228]

lmao Iverson crying at the press conference.

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20091203/i/r3436412570.jpg

[Spursfan092120]

Glad to see him in a place he wants to be. I'm happy for him.

[Allanon]

Dang, I can't believe it but I felt sorry for AI during that press conference.

[dbreiden83080]

He's overwhelmed he gets to start and jack up 35 shots a game again..

[benefactor]

Dang, I can't believe it but I felt sorry for AI during that press conference.
Don't feel sorry for that douche. He's an attention seeking borderline. I see it every day.

[KidCongo]

Hmmm, so whining and throwing 3 year old tantrums does work to get your way. Interesting...

Maybe I'm going about my life all wrong, and I should try this. AI is now my mentor.

Squeaky wheel gets the oil.

[badfish22]

There are people in sports I can't help but like, no matter how much I try. Shaq, Artest, Terrell Owens and AI are four of those people.

[duncan228]

The Tears Heard ‘Round the World (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=tsn-thetearsheardroundth&prov=tsn&type=lgns)
SportingNews

It’s hard to say what’s a bigger deal: Allen Iverson’s return to Philadelphia, or the emotional press conference (http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline/entry/view/46209/allen_iverson_makes_tearful_return_to_philly) he gave yesterday. Anyone who had thought Philly was a last resort or a gimmick was in for a surprise; same goes for those who believe Iverson’s just cynically out to swindle another team. Unless you think the crying was staged, which I’ve heard from a few grumpy friends, there’s no denying that at least for now, this move makes sense (http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline/entry/view/45680/the_untapped_metaphysical_logic_of_ai_to_philly).

For one, you had GM Ed Stefanski stating pretty strongly that Iverson was being brought in to play his game and make an impact. Despite the tricky question of how AI fits into Eddie Jordan’s Princeton scheme (http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline/entry/view/46318/court_lessons_iversons_return,_nets_infamy), Stefanski said that "No one guaranteed Allen would start here, or that he would play X number of minutes. I didn’t bring him here to add depth, I’m bringing Allen Iverson back here to help us on the court to win basketball games" (via FanHouse (http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/12/03/an-emotional-allen-iverson-meets-the-philadelphia-press/)).

And then there’s this "new Iverson," or at least the vulnerable, humbled version of what once was the league’s most unapologetic celebrity-athlete. Some may think it’s only for one press conference or bound to fall apart when the actual games get in the way, but at least a few of his former teammates claim that this is the Iverson they’ve known all along.

Eric Snow, the gold-standard for rectitude and honesty in the NBA, told Philly.com (http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/78498882.html) that finally, we were all being let in:


"I saw the Allen Iverson that I know. That’s the Allen Iverson I know … "[Outsiders] never really got to know him. He’s not one who’s going to be open to everyone. Most people aren’t. So, you don’t really get to know that side," Snow said. "You’ve got to spend time with Allen Iverson to get to know that side."

"He’s probably more apt to [open up] now," Snow said, "and understands better how to manage that [depth of feeling] than he’s been able to manage it in the past."

So fine, even if Iverson can’t play like he used to, doesn’t really work with the Sixers current coach or cast and is superfluous once rising star Lou Williams returns, there’s this breakthrough, which is as much about us—and for us—as it is Iverson. After a decade of being the athlete least likely to bare his soul, admit mistakes or appear in the least bit sympathetic unless you bought into his rhetoric, Allen Iverson hasn’t just come home. He’s finally made himself accessible. But that’s only part of the equation, because now we might have to try and better understand what Iverson really meant during all those standoff-ish years.

Or not. I guess he owes us this penitence, right? Or maybe, if Allen Iverson’s willing to open up like this and show the world how he really feels about his sport, his past and his adopted hometown, the response might be to give him another look. Iverson can’t make up for all the screw-ups—he said as much—but maybe this is the beginning of the public realizing AI was never a one-dimensional menace.

[jacobdrj]

Squeaky wheel gets the oil.

So true for most people...

But with good preventative maintenance, the wheels will never fall off...

[MannyIsGod]

Maybe the entire league shunning him and not offering him shit made him realize that he's not hot shit anymore and maybe that got through to him.

Just maybe.

Probably not, but we'll see. Hope it works out for him. For all the problems dude has had, few play with the fire and effort he puts out on the court and I've always really respected that part of his game.

[InK]

Can't hate the guy who loves playing basketball as much as AI does. No matter how much of a dellusional bitch he might be. Good luck to the guy, and that press conference was the bomb.

[angelbelow]

eh.. good for him.

[Chomag]

Sucks to be Louis Williams as Iverson certataintly won't be heading to the bench.

LOL ya. I can't wait to see how this turns out when Louis returns.