From previous articles, I have made it super clear that I have a lot of respect for Allen Iverson and all that he has done for the Philadelphia 76ers organization. In a perfect world, Iveron’s last game would be in the NBA FInals as a member of the 76ers, with an ending of him hoisting up both the NBA Finals trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP award simultaneously. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. If we did, the rumors of Iverson playing pro ball in China would not exist.
Yes, you read that correctly. According to the Associated Press, a team in China has expressed “legitimate interest” in acquiring him according to Garry Moore, Iverson’s personal manager. But that is not the shocking part. Pros receive interest from teams all over the world in hopes that they can steal them from the NBA often. However, very few stars leave when they are still able to play in the league.
Believe it or not, the part that shocks me the most is when Moore told the AP “that not one (NBA) team has contacted us with any interest.” Now to you that may not come as a surprise. However, to me it is shocking and appalling.
Of course I remember how hard it was for him to get picked up last season. But even after all of the turmoil and drama, I still felt he accomplished enough to at least get a look this year.
Iverson’s second time around with the 76ers had its shares of ups and downs. The ups came sporadically and they did not occur enough to overshadow most of the downs.
You see this time around, Iverson hardly ever showed up to practice and was beyond a cancer in the locker room. He caused all types of problems and even challenged Andre Iguodala’s role as “the man” on the Sixers. Oh wait excuse me, that’s what most people assumed would happen. In all actuality, when you hear the players speak about him, they mostly say having him on the team was a good thing.
So what’s the problem then? Why are we hearing about one of the best players in the history of the game entertaining playing in China? With all do respect to guys like Eddie House and Anthony Johnson, you mean to tell me Iverson isn’t better than those guys?
If he complained this last time in Philly about his role, I’d understand why nobody would want a 35-year-old veteran who is always going to complain about his role on the team if he’s not happy. But he isn’t that guy anymore and it’s truthfully sad that we will not be able to continue to watch him play (for the few of us that still do).
I would much rather see him retire from the game of basketball than see him be forced to go overseas to play. If nothing else, the 76ers should at least sign him to a 10-day contract so that he can receive a curtain call in the city where he helped bring back their passion for the game of basketball.
Allen Iverson may be a lot of things in people’s minds, but he has earned the right to have his final standing ovation. I just hope it is here in America and not China.
this is just very sad
he’s been blackballed and its disgusting
u mean willie green is a better option jason kapono guys like kevin olley okc royal ivey lol
its a joke
At least he’ll be one of the tallest people over there…
It’s disgusting that he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. It’s because of the image he potrays, not his play on the court. The braids, the tattoos, the baggy clothing…..everything the NBA and David Stern is trying to get away from. It’s sad, but I’m sure before Iverson calls it quits for good, he’ll come back to Philly for a proper sendoff. That will definitely be the second time I’ll shed tears for something going on in sports. (first time being after the NFC Championship game in 2004).
One of my distant sources from Shaing-Hai reported to me that AI always wanted to play
the “Center” position which is why he will play in China..
I give him to Nov 1st (all Soul’s Day) and he will quit and come back to the US ..
i agree 100% birdo its sickening
He must really be broke!
Birdo, what about being pig headed, uncoachable and unwilling to be a role player? What about the gambling and alcohol problems…you’re right its a damn shame. But its self inflicted.
I used to live in China (for about 12 years), and from what I know about AI, it might be a cool place for him. For example, I was in the Hard Rock Cafe one night and an ex-Laker was drinking alone at the bar. Given that at that time, there were (like) 5 black guys living in Beijing and most of them from Nigeria, it was not hard to recognize the dude. We struck up a conversation, and he told me that he was enjoying himself IMMENSELY, particularly the night life. Given that AI is now single, why not go for it! China is like the States were in the 60’s relative to nightlife, sex, etc. AI would be in heaven I expect… And BTW, China ain’t like Japan. He will be tall but not a sequoia there.
Shiller are you serious? When Iverson stepped on the court he was the toughest SOB in the NBA. 100% wasnt a question it was a given. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Im so sick of hearing what he doesnt do. Are you kidding me.Uncoachable lol. Give me 10 “uncoachable” AIs. The NBA is garbage.AI would be the best player on the Sixers today. lol. I would be unwilling to be a role player to if your telling me Willie Green is starting over AI.lol I dont give a damn about his Gambliing and Alcohol problems. 100% when hes on the court. Thats all i care about.
yea daggolden i wouldnt respond to that guy he rips ai
but praises andy reid to the highest levels
majority of philadelphia feels the way u do dagolden so does the majority of nba fans
but the nba has changed u got guys like iggy dressing up with tight ass sweater vest and huge biofocals looking like urkel when they go out
lbj d wade all of them into this tight clothe trying to be urkel look
so its easy for the nba and stern to blackball ai
certainly he isnt an urkel dude
Dagolden, I hear you and I loved that from AI too. But I was referring to reasons an NBA team wouldn’t want him, not the fans perspective.