In hindsight, most of my recent posts have been centered around some sort of speculation or another. This time, I decided to wait a bit, let my subject mature, then write a less premature post.
It's no secret that "the Answer" is synonymous for Allen Iverson. Although, it seems like the nickname is wearing out on him - and not just because it's been used in too many headlines, including the title of this post. In his last three destinations, he wasn't able to meet expectations, much less, help out his squads. As the era winds down on players like Kobe, KG, Tim Duncan, and Nash, it's time for A.I. to realize he is no longer the answer. If anything, as of late he's proven to be a cancer.
At some point, you have start wondering if this guy has received too many chances. In Denver, he was supposed to take a team with Carmelo, Camby, and J.R. Smith to the next level. That didn't happen. In Detroit, he was destined to be the go-to guy, the individual besides the three-headed beast that was Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace. Clearly, something got in the way of fate. Most recently, with Memphis he tweeted optimistically about a new season only to quit after 3 games. Historic profit for A.I.: his $3 mil contract made each game worth a million dollars. Historic loss for the Grizzlies.
Let's face it, the only thing that seperates those destinations from being with the 76ers is that going back to Philly means homecoming. True, Philadelphia may be home to Iverson's largest fan base and has been his unofficial home during his NBA career. Nevertheless, history has proven that homecoming doesn't always amount to success. Notably, A.I.'s former coach when he was in a Sixers uniform, Larry Brown, had a much-hyped press conference when the Knicks hired him. I think we all know how that ended up.
Now, there's so much excitement about the ever-so-predictable "return of Allen Iverson." It's time for Allen to either prove us wrong or decide it's time to lace up on the NBA hardwood for the last time. In the end, it comes down to "will he be able to help the 76ers?" Then, there's the question of expectations. Personally, if I were a 76ers fan I'd be yearning to move past the first round of the playoffs, or at least get there. At this point, I'm not sure if the one-and-only Allen Iverson will be able to accomplish that.
Presently on an eleven game skid, Philly's record can be deceiving. Despite only winning 5 out of 23 games, the Sixers are a talented team - at least on paper. Samuel Dalembert is a lean big man who can rebound and block with ease. Thaddeus Young is a promising, young forward who can add his fair share of 3-pointers. Elton Brand, all but forgotten after leaving the Clippers, is capable of having double figures. Marreese Speights is a good scoring option and can block, too. Jason Kapono has won the three-point contest and continues to be a threat on the perimeter. Andre Iguadola is a muscular guy who can put up 20 points at will and has, for the most part, been carrying the Sixers in this post-Iverson era. Louis Williams has also been a major part of the team, putting up great stats offensively and defensively.
I was talking to a friend about the whole ordeal today, and we both agree that it seems like the only way the Sixers can benefit from A.I. is at the box office. Tickets will start to sell and the arena will start to fill. Other than that, I honestly can't see him having a dominant presence. If anything, this may resemble Marbury with the Celtics last season. Barely a side show statistically, A.I. may not have a big effect at all. And what is his niche be? At least in Detroit, Denver, and Memphis his job description was clear. Right now, Allen should hold on to his pride, play however minutes he may receive, guide the 76ers as much as he can and most importantly, not complain.
Allen Iverson has undoubtedly been one of the best guards, heck, best players, the league has ever seen. For years he entertained us with his crossovers, rant about practice, and his overall persona. There's no doubt the #1 pick will be inducted into the Hall-of-Fame. It's just that, I think I speak on behalf of all NBA fans when I say, we'd like him to go out with a bang, not by ending his career in a deeper hole. Regardless, Allen Iverson resides in Philly and I wish him the best of luck, for many will soon realize he is no longer the best answer.
It's no secret that "the Answer" is synonymous for Allen Iverson. Although, it seems like the nickname is wearing out on him - and not just because it's been used in too many headlines, including the title of this post. In his last three destinations, he wasn't able to meet expectations, much less, help out his squads. As the era winds down on players like Kobe, KG, Tim Duncan, and Nash, it's time for A.I. to realize he is no longer the answer. If anything, as of late he's proven to be a cancer.
At some point, you have start wondering if this guy has received too many chances. In Denver, he was supposed to take a team with Carmelo, Camby, and J.R. Smith to the next level. That didn't happen. In Detroit, he was destined to be the go-to guy, the individual besides the three-headed beast that was Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace. Clearly, something got in the way of fate. Most recently, with Memphis he tweeted optimistically about a new season only to quit after 3 games. Historic profit for A.I.: his $3 mil contract made each game worth a million dollars. Historic loss for the Grizzlies.
Let's face it, the only thing that seperates those destinations from being with the 76ers is that going back to Philly means homecoming. True, Philadelphia may be home to Iverson's largest fan base and has been his unofficial home during his NBA career. Nevertheless, history has proven that homecoming doesn't always amount to success. Notably, A.I.'s former coach when he was in a Sixers uniform, Larry Brown, had a much-hyped press conference when the Knicks hired him. I think we all know how that ended up.
Now, there's so much excitement about the ever-so-predictable "return of Allen Iverson." It's time for Allen to either prove us wrong or decide it's time to lace up on the NBA hardwood for the last time. In the end, it comes down to "will he be able to help the 76ers?" Then, there's the question of expectations. Personally, if I were a 76ers fan I'd be yearning to move past the first round of the playoffs, or at least get there. At this point, I'm not sure if the one-and-only Allen Iverson will be able to accomplish that.
Presently on an eleven game skid, Philly's record can be deceiving. Despite only winning 5 out of 23 games, the Sixers are a talented team - at least on paper. Samuel Dalembert is a lean big man who can rebound and block with ease. Thaddeus Young is a promising, young forward who can add his fair share of 3-pointers. Elton Brand, all but forgotten after leaving the Clippers, is capable of having double figures. Marreese Speights is a good scoring option and can block, too. Jason Kapono has won the three-point contest and continues to be a threat on the perimeter. Andre Iguadola is a muscular guy who can put up 20 points at will and has, for the most part, been carrying the Sixers in this post-Iverson era. Louis Williams has also been a major part of the team, putting up great stats offensively and defensively.
I was talking to a friend about the whole ordeal today, and we both agree that it seems like the only way the Sixers can benefit from A.I. is at the box office. Tickets will start to sell and the arena will start to fill. Other than that, I honestly can't see him having a dominant presence. If anything, this may resemble Marbury with the Celtics last season. Barely a side show statistically, A.I. may not have a big effect at all. And what is his niche be? At least in Detroit, Denver, and Memphis his job description was clear. Right now, Allen should hold on to his pride, play however minutes he may receive, guide the 76ers as much as he can and most importantly, not complain.
Allen Iverson has undoubtedly been one of the best guards, heck, best players, the league has ever seen. For years he entertained us with his crossovers, rant about practice, and his overall persona. There's no doubt the #1 pick will be inducted into the Hall-of-Fame. It's just that, I think I speak on behalf of all NBA fans when I say, we'd like him to go out with a bang, not by ending his career in a deeper hole. Regardless, Allen Iverson resides in Philly and I wish him the best of luck, for many will soon realize he is no longer the best answer.
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