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that would be a pretty nice ending for iverson to finish
I would love this.PHILADELPHIA - Allen Iverson not only may come out of retirement in a matter of days. But he also could very well return to the franchise where all of his glory began.
Numerous team sources confirmed on Friday that the 76ers' brass has already talked — and talks will only escalate this weekend — about bringing Iverson back to Philadelphia. Possibly as early as next week.
It's being seriously considered," one Sixers official said before his team lost to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. "We know the history. We know the ups and downs. But we're also aware of what (Iverson) can do and that he's needed here. We simply can't just ignore the upside he'd bring. Not with our situation."
As of Friday night, coach Eddie Jordan was on board with bringing Iverson back, according to sources. So were officials within the club's hierarchy, along with the team's executive adviser, Sonny Hill.
The rest of Jordan's coaching staff is amenable to Iverson's return, including assistant and former Sixer Aaron McKie, one of Iverson's best friends, as well as assistant coach Randy Ayers — the former Sixers coach who had his share of run-ins with Iverson, ultimately lasting just 52 games before he was dismissed by former president and GM Billy King in 2003-04.
The Sixers say they are aware it will cost them less than $3 million to get Iverson — "possibly less than $2 million, according to another team source — and have every intention of acting on it, probably as early as Tuesday.
With the Sixers' scheduled to play San Antonio on Sunday, then Dallas on Monday, sources said it's entirely possible Jordan will fly from Dallas to Atlanta to meet with Iverson on Tuesday. That also happens to be the day Iverson is scheduled to meet with his former coach at Georgetown, John Thompson.
As far as the Sixers are concerned, it's almost a no-brainer.
Entering Friday night, the Sixers were ranked 29th in league attendance, averaging 11,820 fans. Only the Memphis Grizzlies are worse.
Jordan is said to be incredibly frustrated with everything from Elton Brand's work ethic to Andre Iguodala's inability to make plays off the dribble. The one player he absolutely loves, guard Louie Williams, is out for eight weeks with a broken jaw.
"Eddie needs a playmaker," another source said. "He needs an iden y. Something to create some excitement."
To add to the misery, the Sixers are 5-11, averaging just 97.6 points. Their only bona fide shooter is Jason Kapono. So there's no question Iverson is appealing to the Sixers at the moment; even to team chairman Ed Snider, who screamed, "We're gonna trade him," before actually shipping Iverson (averaging 31.2 points per game at the time) to Denver in 2006.
The question remains, however, whether the Sixers would be appealing to Iverson.
"Scratch that," one of Iverson's confidants told me last night. "He's interested."
One thing's for sure: If Iverson returns to Philadelphia, he will be a starter.
Team sources confirmed on Friday that Iverson would be a starter because Jordan had planned on starting Williams with rookie Jrue Holiday anyway, just to put some excitement and more ball-handlers into his Princeton-style offense. So even once Williams returns from injury, he'd be in the starting lineup with Iverson.
That means Iverson will return as a starter. He'll be back in Philadelphia. And with the talent the Sixers already have on their roster, he could be the missing piece that propels them back to the playoffs.
Assuming, of course, the Sixers are willing to pull the trigger.
Under normal cir stances, considering the manner in which Iverson departed, the Sixers wouldn't do this.
"But let's face it: We're very, very boring right now," a team source said. "We have absolutely nothing to lose by bringing Iverson back. Nothing at all."
A fitting ending
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/1...g-back-Iverson
that would be a pretty nice ending for iverson to finish
I know a lot of people don't like Allen Iverson but I've always appreciated how he dominated a game that's typically dominated by big men.
I don't know if he'll ever accomplish the ultimate goal, but it certainly didn't feel right for him to leave just yet, he still has something to offer someone.
Not a bad way to go out..
If Stern can underwrite that chicken WNBA he is full en led to underwrite this.
sixers have nothing to lose anyway. at least now they get to sell tickets.
I literally a couple of days ago was thinking about Iverson wondering why his original team the 76ers hasn't drawn any interest, Miller is in Portland now and it just makes perfect sense. I hope this happens...
Yer insult to a great NBA player reveals that yer low-class and..... even not qualified being a Lakers fan.
Works out for everyone.
Sixers dont have a superstar. AI can be the main option. Sixers need their seats to be filled.
If he decides not to wear his old 76ers number, jersey sales will go up
This would be great. As much as I'm not a fan of the guy personally, it would have been crummy to seem him forced in to retirement from a BB point of view.
Philly makes sense too. (1) Iguadala IS NOT the star they're been trying to make him for the past 3 years; (2) the Brand deal has yet to do anything for them; (3) Philly has a massive iden y crisis between being a running team (playing to Iguadala's strength) or a quasi-Half court team (playing to Elton's strength) anyway; and (4) AI IS PHILLY, namely, a gritty guy with a chip on his shoulder that's never going to back down, but who sadly despite a valiant effort can't help but come in 2nd...
I always appreciated Iverson's skills, his toughness and his accomplishments. I've just never liked his cavalier at ude toward practice (breakfast tacos included), all the trouble he's caused for every coach he's played for, or his selfish, self-absorbed behavior that included his unwillingness to adjust his game to fit into a total team philosophy, as he got older.
Last year's episode in Detroit was a low point in his career. The Memphis episode was the absolute low point in his career and really exposed him for the selfish a-hole that he is.
All that said and as surprising as this new development is, going back to Philly would be an ideal way for him to re-energize his career. It would likely extend his career and be a fitting way for him to go out. Unless, of course, he burns more bridges there, as he did the first go around.
If he truly wants to feel loved and appreciated, there's no better place for him than in Philly. I'm just surprised the Sixers are willing to again put up with the headaches. Also, it'd be interesting to hear how Andre Iguodala feels about it.
Maybe Phlly will bring his career back from the dead, kinda like Detroit and Wallace.
i agree, but from AI's perspective:
lb for lb tough little guy with over 20000 points, MVP, scoring les, was promised to start in memphis, and they told him they wanna win, not sell tickets for him.
while i don't like at all what went down with him, i think in his eyes, he's getting shafted right now.
anyways, AI squared plus elton brand. wonder what that would look like
That would actually really interesting to see
would be a good fit. williams is done for a while, you cant have a rookie as your fulltime starter cause holliday aint ready
The Iverson Saga: What Will Ed Snider Say?
The 76ers, knowing they will be without the injured Lou Williams for two months, have internally discussed the possibility of bringing back Allen Iverson.
As of about 3:30 Saturday afternoon, Comcast-Spectacor chief operating officer Peter Luukko was contemplating discussing the situation later in the day with chairman Ed Snider. It remained unclear whether Snider, who couldn't wait to trade Iverson to Denver in December of 2006, would sign off on a return by the four-time scoring champion.
Luukko said he and Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski have had ''minimal discussions internally'' about Iverson and ''that's really it.''
Luukko said it would be ''a basketball decision,'' and that it would be left up to Stefanski.
A FOXSports.com report indicated that the situation could escalate early next week.
A source familiar with the Sixers' situation said Stefanski has been considering the plusses and minuses of adding Iverson, but that he has not reached out to Leon Rose, Iverson's agent, or to Gary Moore, Iverson's personal manager. The source said that Rose, one of the most respected and successful agents representing NBA players, has contacted the Sixers, basically trying to find out whether his client would be a good fit.
The source said ''Every other time Rose has called, the Sixers have said no. In the light of Williams' injury and the need for an experienced guard, they are at least talking about it.''
The source said that, while coach Eddie Jordan could be interested in a player of Iverson's stature and talent, there has not been a meeting scheduled between Jordan and Iverson. The Sixers, armed with a minimum contract for the remainder of the season and a list of special conditions, might be willing to listen.
There is a belief that the Sixers will reach a reasonably quick decision. They do not want this situation to linger. They are already concerned that ''Iverson back to the Sixers'' is taking on a life of its own.
Stefanski and his personnel staff have been considering various other free agents, including Antonio Daniels and Gabe Pruiitt; it goes without saying that Iverson is the most talented of the group, but that he also comes with the most baggage. Since leaving the Sixers, Iverson has played with Denver, Detroit and Memphis. The Nuggets improved dranatically when they acquired Chauncey Billups from the Pistons for Iverson; the Pistons finally sent Iverson home after he complained about coming off the bench, and the Grizzlies reached a settlement on Iverson's one-year contract after he appeared in just three games this season.
The major aspect of Stefanski's decision-making process has to do with the absence of Williams, who is recovering from a broken jaw bone suffered Tuesday night in a loss in Washington; the Sixers were excited with Williams' development and his ability to make plays, for himself and for others. Without him in Friday night's loss to Atlanta, they often appeared rudderless down the stretch. They believe rookie Jrue Holiday, given time, will become the player they projected when they made him the No. 17 pick in the June draft, but they don't believe he's immediately ready for prime time.
The question is, whether Iverson could help them in that regard or whether his presence would simply further delay Holiday's progress. The source said that any decision would not be based on whether Iverson would sell tickets -- the Sixers are currently 29th (next-to-last) in attendance. There is a belief among management that Iverson would sell tickets for a short period, but that there would not be a substantial lasting effect.
This better happen..I still have a "Gucci printed" Iverson Sixers jersey from when I was 16ish, I've been trying to sell it..it was going for about 60$ on Ebay, I could probably get at least a 100 out of it if he returns there..
Speaking about Sixers, I got Samuel Dalembert autograph today at work, he's seems like a nice guy. I just asked him if could have his autograph and he just said "sure",I shook his hand and went back to work
NBA Beat: What about Iverson?
Mike Monroe - Express-News
It has been an eventful few days for Allen Iverson, the 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player who announced on Wednesday that he had decided to retire after 13 seasons, during which he averaged 27.2 points per game, because it appeared no NBA teams were interested in adding him after he was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Two coaches influential in Iverson’s career, former Georgetown mentor John Thompson and Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown, reached out to him in an attempt to talk him into reconsidering his decision.
Of course, it takes two to do the NBA tango, so Iverson will need a partner to ask him to get back on the floor.
Here’s our take on how Iverson can get back to “Dancing With the All-Stars,” a listing of the teams that may, or should, consider adding him, either now, or in time for a playoff drive in the spring:
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Why they would sign him: Louis Williams is out for eight weeks with a broken jaw, so they need a backcourt player who can score. There are few better than Iverson, and what could be more appropriate than for Iverson to end his career in Philly, where he had his greatest success? New Sixers coach Eddie Jordan reportedly likes the idea, and there is no question Philadelphians would be thrilled to see him back in a Sixers uniform.
Why they’re wary: They would like to develop rookie Jrue Holiday, and they are building for the future around Holiday and other youngsters, like Marreese Speights. Privately, the Sixers brass wonders if Iverson would be the right sort of influence.
Odds he’ll land there: 4-1
NEW YORK KNICKS
Why they would sign him: True, the Knicks were thisclose to offering Iverson a deal last week until Mike D’Antoni called around and talked to some of the coaches who have dealt with the mercurial guard in recent seasons. But the Knicks need to give their fans reason to show up at Madison Square Garden, where they are 1-7, and Iverson always has been one of the league’s most entertaining players. Besides, he would be an upgrade over Chris Duhon at point guard, and he never would fire up a shot at the opponents’ basket, no matter what.
Why they’re wary: D’Antoni already has problems keeping Nate Robinson happy. Plus, they’re trying to develop rookie point guard Toney Douglas. Adding Iverson risks making more Knicks very unhappy.
Odds he’ll land there: 8-1
BOSTON CELTICS
Why they would sign him: Doc Rivers blows hot and cold about backup shooting guard Eddie House because House is, well, hot and cold. He would know what to expect from Iverson. The Celtics have a recent history of adding aging guards, signing Sam Cassell for the 2007-08 season and petulant Stephon Marbury last season. With Kevin Garnett on board and talented Rajon Rondo starting at the point, Iverson could be expected to be a good soldier and come off the bench for one of the league’s true le contenders.
Why they’re wary: Rondo is a bit of a loose cannon and House can be pretty flighty himself. Does a team just one season removed from an NBA le risk its chemistry on a player like Iverson?
Odds he’ll land there: 12-1
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Why they would sign him: Three reasons: Larry Brown, Larry Brown and ... let’s see ... Larry Brown. Despite their celebrated differences in the past, including a horrid relationship during the 2004 Olympics, Brown is an unabashed admirer of Iverson’s compe iveness and talent. It’s been Brown trying hardest to get him back in basketball, so why not bring him to the Bobcats?
Why they’re wary: They’ve already got a glut of guards, including a bunch who are combo guards, just like Iverson. There simply isn’t room for The Answer on a team that already has D.J. Augustin, Raymond Felton, Flip Murray and Gerald Henderson.
Odds he’ll land there: 20-1
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Why they would sign him: There is only one scenario that would prompt the Spurs to add Iverson: Injuries, injuries and more injuries. With Manu Ginobili already having suffered a hamstring strain and a groin strain; Tony Parker already having been out with yet another ankle sprain; and with Roger Mason Jr. now battling a sore hammy, the Spurs’ guard corps is off to a snake-bitten start. Gregg Popovich is also a big fan of Iverson’s compe iveness.
Why they’re wary: They’ve won four championships by putting pieces around Tim Duncan designed to foster championship chemistry. Iverson wouldn’t insist on starting for the Spurs, but you wonder if he would insist on floating on defense, because he always has.
Odds he’ll land there: 500-1
lol 500-1 for the spurs...i would feel save saying infinite-1
I'm wondering if the Cavs would pick up AI.
AI's gotta be bettah than Boobie Gibson.
There's about a 0.00 percent chance the Cavaliers pick up Allen Iverson. We've already got a chucking point guard in Mo Williams, no need to add another one.
What this team needs is better perimeter defense, and AI doesn't provide that. Would've been nice to get Captain Jack...
Captain Jack would have been pretty bad-ass. I'm not sold on AP, he's pretty inconsistent on defense and offense.
I'm kinda surprised you think there's no chance of the Cavs taking a chance on AI, I suppose it makes sense since there's already Mo. I think the Cavs are probably one of the few teams AI would come off the bench for and AI would seriously bolster bench production.
I actually agree that AI very well could be willing to come off the bench in Cleveland. I just think Mo makes him a little redundant on this squad.
There's also the question of how effective AI could be coming off the bench even if he's willing to do so. He's a volume shooter, and I wonder how well those types of players would do coming in cold and playing relatively short stretches.
I tend to think AI needs to go someplace he can start and take 20-25 shots a night. Which is why he should go back to Philadelphia.
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