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No way will the Sixers trade Allen Iverson. I believe they'll look to trade away Korver or Salmons for another big man.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/13723842.htm
The 76ers' 2005-06 defensive era is officially over. It lasted two full games and half of another, expiring on Tuesday night against Sacramento when the Kings scored 60 points after halftime.
The end of the era was confirmed last night against an Orlando Magic team that had won exactly one of its last eight road games and only one game all season in which the opponent scored 100 points.
Trends, streaks and logic don't matter when the Sixers are on the court, though. Both teams scored 103 in regulation before a series of boneheaded defensive lapses cost the Sixers yet another game.
"It's been like that all year," Allen Iverson said. "We always have one of those quarters when we don't play well."
Now that the shimmering mirage of their three-game winning streak has been dispelled, the Sixers face the final 40 games with an even record and an odd couple.
The recent wins put a soft cover on what threatens to become a full-scale locker-room situation. Chris Webber got loud after last week's terrible loss in Washington, Maurice Cheeks got loud right back, and Iverson said he was unsure of his role.
Webber wants more touches. On this team, Iverson is the one who touches the ball. Hence the problem.
And Mo's Magical Mystery Tour rolls on. If he were a different kind of coach, Cheeks could say what Jerry Sloan of Utah said to Karl Malone when the superstar forward complained about touches once.
"The ball's right up there," Sloan said, pointing at the rim. "You can go touch it as often as you want."
Cheeks is not that kind of coach, however, and the ultra-sensitive Webber is not that kind of player. But it is becoming clear that when losses follow losses, as they inevitably will this season, the locker room, the front office and the city will be forced to choose between Iverson and Webber.
Once these things start, they don't stop. Following last night's game, Webber once again whined that he isn't being correctly used. It won't be the last time.
"That's a locker room. You have to be honest with your family," Webber said after the Washington incident, which is unintentionally humorous coming from a guy who was indicted for not being honest with a federal grand jury.
Nevertheless, Webber gimps around, making enough baskets and giving up enough to keep both teams in the game. Iverson doesn't play much defense, either, aside from the odd gamble for a steal, but he has bigger problems now, problems that stretch beyond games and seasons.
Allen sees that Kobe Bryant will dominate this era, feels the sense of overshadowing that others have known before. He is Wilt beneath the championship weight of Russell. He is Charles, in the Age of Magic, Bird and Michael. He is Dominique. He is Reggie Miller. He is... well, Chris Webber. He is destined to join a long list of great scorers whose only lasting company is their mathematics.
Baby, you're a rich man, but you want the things that money can't buy. Only luck and being at the right place at the right time. This, Iverson might have nearly decided, is neither.
The Sixers know they have ridden the horse hard. He will turn 31 in five months and has been essentially injury-free this season. How long can that last? When will his value ever be higher?
As they look ahead, how far ahead is the team that can win a championship? Certainly beyond the two additional seasons of staring at The Picture of Dorian Webber.
Playing within a dysfunctional roster is nothing new for Iverson. His have been armies of the mercenary; recruited, trained, deployed and, ultimately, relocated. Which 76ers player has the second-longest tenure to Iverson's? Samuel Dalembert, now in his fourth season.
Iverson has been on the floor with 93 different teammates in his time here, a list that stretches across the wide NBA universe from Adrian Caldwell to Zendon Hamilton. He never knew the glory of Sixers teams that included Wali Jones, Caldwell Jones or Bobby Jones, but he did dress alongside Jumaine Jones and Alvin Jones.
He has tried to make this thing work with Scott Williams and Monty Williams, with Terry mings and Vonteego mings, with Derrick McKey and Aaron McKie, with Big Dog Robinson and Pig Miller. Not to mention Frankie King, Jabari Smith, Art Long, Michael Ruffin and Ira Bowman.
Iverson has always had to be his own mentor, the oldest brother even when he was not, chronologically. Now the nuclear family has changed, with the addition of the equally needy Webber, and there are growing tremors on the Richter scale of team unity.
The choosing will come soon, perhaps as soon as the Feb. 23 trade deadline. Webber and his leaden contract will be hard to lift and move, so what does that leave?
Team president Billy King said he expects something to happen at the deadline, but he isn't sure yet if the transaction will warrant a small headline or a big one.
Regardless, the choosing will take place. The parting of the ways, however, has already begun.
No way will the Sixers trade Allen Iverson. I believe they'll look to trade away Korver or Salmons for another big man.
Trading Iverson would be really shocking.
they should have traded him 2 years ago
For who? He's the ONLY franchise player on the team for the past 5 or so years. Why would any team be dumb enough to trade away their only franchise player? You don't trade, you build around him. Unfortunately, Sixers mgt. and Billy King have no idea how to do that.
AI is awesome, an incredible player.
But until he gets talent around him that doesn't mind not having the ball, he'll never win a championship.
It is sad there are so many players with incredible talent, but because they have a ty supporting cast they some will never even see the playoffs.
I hate to think of AI retiring without a ring or even making it deep in the playoffs, but sadly, I think that's what is going to happen. AI may be a ballhog at times, he may have off-court issues, he may be a "gangsta wanna-be," but his talent and passion for the game is unbelievable. People talk about how Manu gives 100% and plays with heart...you have to watch AI in action to see someone give 200%.
Iverson needs players around him that want the ball. That way, he won't shoot too much. His play in general has improved with Webber in the team. The problem is that the Sixers can't play D. Webber is not quick enough to play consistent D. Dalembert gets into foul trouble almost every game. Korver gives great hustle but can't make up for his lack of awareness. And Steven Hunter just has not done the business.
But I doubt the Sixers would trade AI. They might as well beat him down and spit on his face if they did.
Dude went to the finals didnt he?
Yes. He was in the Finals in 2001. 76ers lost to the Lakers in the Finals 4-1
Yes, but I don't count that since it ended so badly. Also, I meant I don't see the Sixers getting deep into the playoffs anytime soon. Iverson will be turning 31 in a few months.
Lies. You forgot about it.
I respect AI's game, BUT, his game and contract are mutually exclusive of championship rings.
His only chance at a ring would involve sacrificing a lot of money, a la what Karl Malone tried a few years back. AI will come to the same conclusion, in about 4 years.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
come to the spurs and ride TD? no thanks, i dont want him to go down that road to get a championship like that.
He's said he doesn't wanna win a le like that.
Yep. I think he'll retire as a Sixer. I believe he's already agreed to the next Olympics. Hopefully US wins gold and he can get that at least...
I disagree. AI wouldn't fit with 1-2 other players who wouldn't defer to him. AI is a product of the Michael Jordan era; he envisions himself surrounded by a bunch of players who basically stay out of his way, but are still able to step up and hit big shots after not seeing the ball for a long time. Only MJ has gotten away with that, and now we're seeing a generation of ball-dominating players (AI, Kobe, Marbury, Francis) who try to emulate him without the same success.
AI is a great player, but would have had a better shot at a championship if he had chosen another template.
I could see Brad Miller + salary filler for Webber, They still love him there
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