Your Yearly Iverson Comeback Story

God I am so sick of this story. Once again, Iverson is saying that he is coming back to the NBA. Yea sure, that's nice, but who the fuck wants him? I know there will be some douche that still think Iverson is good and will blast me for posting otherwise, but he was washed up years ago.

Last year he went to Turkey, and gave on that team as well after getting a calf injury. In his last two years in the NBA he played for 4 different teams. No one will want him, and certainly no one trusts him. Stop wasting everyone's time and just retire.

The Return Of The Answer and Of Course His AI Love

I have two things I'd like to discuss. The Miami Heat...And Allen Iverson. Which ironically could the answer to each others problems.

Let talk about the Miami Heat. We know the suck. But why? How is it humanly possible the 3 of the 5 starters of team U.S.A., gold medal winners aren't much better than a 500 basketball team.

Lets start with D-Wade and Lebron. These two will have no problem finding their rythem. No problem fitting in. But Chris Bosh is in serious trouble. Talk about sacrifice. He may have sacrificed his entire stock to maybe win some rings. He's used to being the focus of an offense. Now he's the number three guy. This entire endeavor proves Bosh is a huge bitch. Sure offense can come and go, but defense and rebounding should always stay with you. Bosh really isn't good at either. Bosh is going to be the best role player in NBA history when this team finds it's rhythm. The Heat will be great. Too much talent not too. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and championship teams weren't built in a summer. The Heat are no exception.

But Bosh isn't the problem. Lets face it, Paul Millsap wouldn't be the answer. although he is incredibly lucky. But downgrading for less talent to try and spread the ball would be a step in the wrong direction.

It's not about what the Heat have, or what the Heat suck at, but it's what they don't have. Let's start with SIZE. Look at the last 10 world champions.

2010 Lakers (Gasal, Bynum)
2009 Lakers (Gasal Bynum)
2008 Celtics (Perkins, Garnett)
2007 Spurs (Duncan)
2006 Heat (Shaq)
2005 Pistons (Wallace)
2004 Pistons (Wallace)
2003-2001- Shaq

See the pattern. In the modern game you need a big man. Not just a big man, but a dirty, rugged, asshole of a big man. Everyone on this list is a bitch to play against. Whats my point? Joel Anthony isn't going to get it done in a play-off series. The Heat are like a really talented Hawks team. Great in the regular season but will get their ass kicked in the playoffs. Big men are so important when trying to go deep in the playoffs. They get easy buckets. They rebound. And they bang up the opposing teams big men. It's a known fact you can't win in all without at least one decent big man. The lakers have 2, Celtics have 4, and the Magic have the best one. The Heat wont make it very far.

But lets say Lebron and friends are just that good.

Remember when Derek Fisher went to meet with Pat Riley this summer? Yeah, well it was more important to sign him than Bosh. And I'll tell you why.

2010 Lakers (Fisher)
2009 Lakers (Fisher)
2008 Celtics (Rondo)
2007 Spurs (Parker)
2006 Heat (Payton)
2005 Pistons (Billups)
2004 Pistons (Billups)
2003-2001-Fisher

Get the picture? With the exception of Payton, all these guys, theres 4 PG, yes 4 in the last 10 years, they are all floor generals. They all had a Big 3 or some version of it to manage. The PG is the most important position. WTF did Pat Riley think was going to happen with his wack ass PG's. I don't think a shitty PG has ever won a ring. I mean with these egos, you need a PG to spread the ball. But lets look at whats happening to the Heat this year.

The 3 teams that beat them

JAZZ William
Celtics Rondo
Hornets Paul

It's not irony that the 32 best PG in the game shredded the Heat. It makes sense. Think about it.

Lets talk about Iverson.

It's ashame one of the best players in NBA history has to finish his career in another country. Sure he's an ass. But you mean to tell me the fucking Bobcats are too good for AI.

How bout the Heat? Wouldn't that be frightening?

Allen Iverson Agrees With Turkish Team

You have to feel a little bad for Iverson. Yes, he did this to himself but he was one of the most prolific defenders and scorers in NBA history and he ends his legacy in Turkey. I honestly believe he would still be in the NBA if he could just understand he is a role player rather than a star. Him being unwilling to be a teammate really hurt him and like I said, it's unfortunate figuring he will go down as a top 50 NBA player.

I have always liked Iverson, but his life has gone down the shitter pretty quick. He failed in the NBA, he had a gambling problem and his wife is divorcing him.

Iverson Heading To China?

"Gary Moore, Iverson's personal manager, told the Associated Press that Iverson "has not been contacted by any NBA team with training camps set to open in less than two weeks."

"We're very astonished, to say the least, that not one team has contacted us with any interest," Moore told the AP. "I just don't understand it."

Further, Moore said there is "legitimate interest" between a Chinese team and Iverson to consummate a deal (ESPN)."

How can you be shocked that no team wants any part of Iverson. He is washed up, there is almost 0 chance he will play a full season, and of yea...He's a loser. All Iverson can do now is sell ticket, but any chance of him making a team better waved bye-bye years ago.

Here is a lesson for everyone out there. People notice when you quit on your team time and again.

Another Shocking Iverson Story

Allen Iverson suffers from drinking and gambling problems. Wow, how shocked are you?

In a way I feel bad for the guy. His kid is sick, and I totally support that he went home to take care of her instead on continuing his NBA career. Still, these problems have been around for awhile, and I think they are finally catching up to him.

The gambling really shouldn't shock anyone. It happens to a lot of athletes, especially after they retire (Barkley, Jordan, Gretzky, ect). I guess it's fills that missing rush they don't get anymore now that they are retired. You hope he can turn it around, but if you trust Stephen A. Smith's reporting (can't say that I do) it doesn't sound good...

"(Iverson) will either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away," Smith reported.

Ouch. Well he has always been somewhat of a thug, but I don't think this has much to do with that. He is currently going through a divorce, and those usually don't happen over night. So, lets look at his life...

- Basketball career is probably over.
- Wife is leaving him.
- Daughter is very sick.
- He has a drinking problem.
- He has a gambling problem.

If I didn't know better I would think I was writing about John Daly again. Anyways, even though I predicted that there was going to be no turnaround for this guy, I do feel bad for him and hope he can straighten out his shitty life.

Iverson Done With 76ers

Allen Iverson has left the team indefinitely to do with his sick daughter. There is speculation that he has played his last game in a Sixers uniform, due to him maybe missing the rest of the year.

I know BMack would love to bash him and tell all of us that he was right, but unlike my counterpart, I have a heart. I on the other hand am hoping the best and hopes that he plays even if he returns next year. He obviously isn't what he used to be, but if he realizes he is nothing but a 6th man he will be a hot commodity.

The Answer re re re re reeeeeee mix

DC Discussion: AI vs Robert Horry

Who had a better career:
Allen Iverson

27 ppg, 6.3 assists. 1 nba finals, numerous scoring and defensive accolades.
or

Robert Horry

7 rings, 7 ppg, 3 rpg

Our rant writer (the answer) has pushed me to brink of despising AI. So, I'm posing the question to all of our loyal viewers to chime in.

Iverson To 76ers Imminent/ Done

Allen Iverson could be back in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform as early as next Monday night.

Two sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that the Sixers are indeed targeting Monday's home game against the Denver Nuggets -- another of Iverson's former teams -- if they go forward with what appears to be a growing intent to bring back their controversial franchise icon. ESPN

As much as I have been very closed to Iverson coming to the Celtics or doing anything really involved with the NBA, I actually think its a good move for Philly. Lets be honest here, the 76ers aren't going anywhere this year so what a good story would it be to have AI return to the team he was originally drafted by. He is going to sell a lot more seats because I can tell you 76ers fans ala our very own The Answer have an undying love for the little guy. Do I think AI is going to be a huge impact player no, but I don't think averaging 18 points and 5 assists is out of the question.

*****UPDATE****
It's official. Allen Iverson informed the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday morning that he will accept their one-year, non-guaranteed offer.

Iverson is expected to make his debut Monday against the Denver Nuggets.

Now A Rant From The Answer

THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS RIGHT, JUST GIVE ME TIME

Being as everyone can agree, I'd say it's safe to say I'm the expert on Iverson. After my name is THEANSWER. If you can remember back in the off season I wrote an article titled "Whats next for A.I.?" In that article (which I believe you can pull up on the website) stated what I thought the 5 best moves, and the 5 mostly likely moves for Iverson were. Being a die hard Celtics fan of course I had The Celtics listed at number 2. Come off the bench, win a ring, retire as a legend. The move seemed the most logical, but unlikely considering the C's need height more than a 6 foot scoring machine. Of course Iverson coming off the bench was another issue.

At the top of that list was the 76ers. I said this in the middle of the summer. I bit my tongue when he signed with The Grizzlies. That move made no sense. But 'aint this about a bitch' look who's coming back to Philly. Why? BECAUSE ITS THE BEST MOVE. It always has been. Always will be. When the Sixers just let Andre Miller walk out the door, I was sure they would replace him with A.I. Lets face the fact gentlemen. The Sixers are similar to the Hawks 3 years ago. Young, Athletic, play up tempo (which doesn't win in the playoffs incase your scared of this years Hawks) and they are extremely inconsistent. The difference is obvious in the center position.

At the point guard position, where Iverson will start, Lou Williams, gotta love this kid. Fast, young, great vision, coolest release in the NBA, just a flat out baller, but he is still 2 years away from being a playoff point guard. Jrue Holiday, I'm not a believer yet, and if I was it would be like 3 years for him. So there is no question or doubt that Iverson fits right in. This will make the Sixers better. Dare I say it maybe even an 8th seed in the playoffs.

Theres something about basketball and sports in general that is mental. Basketball is all about energy. Think about it. When Paul Pierce is playing at home, 4th quarter, close game, he takes every shot at the elbow, and makes them all. Because he's feeling it. Same for Iverson. Iverson has not had a great career since he left Philly. He's never really fit in anywhere else. We haven't really seen the real Iverson in a while. I can't believe after all this guy has done, people are so quick to write him off having not analyzing his situation. Let me explain something here and now, when the starting line up is announced for A.I.'s first game back at home, the seasoned first sell out crowd will give him a 5 minute ovation (dont be surprised to see a delay of game called, yes it can and has happened). This will be the re-birth of A.I. He will feel at home. He will feel okay about taking 25 shots. He will feel great about being back at the place where he built his career. He will be there to finish what, and where he started. This will be a mental joint in the ass for Iverson, and the Sixers. But wait, not so fast, though I think A.I. will be great, I think this is a good move, I'll even go out on a limb and say he might be an all star, but this wont save Philly.

Sammy, the big boy, he fucking sucks. If the Sixers wanna make a real run at a playoff spot, then need to send Sammy somewhere else. Elton Brand sucks. They need Spieghts back. The big men for Philly all kinda suck. Iverson, Iggy, Young, thats more than half of a very dangerous starting line up. One thing Iverson brings also, and the Sixers have not had this since Iverson, is a closer. Every good team has one. Boston-Pierce, Lakers-Kobe, Nuggets-Melo, Suns-Nash, Hawks-Johnson, Cavs-Lebron, you need a guy who can take the ball in the fourth quarter, in a close game, and just say okay man, end it. Iverson, though he has not done this since his last time in Philly, can do this. Maybe one of the greatest closers we've ever seen. Surely he hasn't lost everything.

AI To The Celtics

Danny Ainge has always been a fan of Allen Iverson's and he told the Boston Herald Tuesday that the Celtics have had discussions about signing him.

"We have had internal discussions about Iverson," Ainge said, "but a decision like this has to be unanimous, and it wasn't. ... He's someone I would definitely consider if I felt we had a need. But I like the team we have now, and we don't have that need."

Paul Pierce was mum on the potential of Iverson coming to Boston. "I have to give a no comment on that one. I love Allen Iverson as a player and as a person, so I have to say no comment on that one."

Before everyone gets riled up. I would welcome AI to the team on these conditions, 1. No bullshit, 2. come off the bench, 3. play like a team player. This shouldn't be something you have to tell an NBA player, but for a guy like Iverson who has an ego twice the size of him you have to. Iverson could be another spark off the bench and another scoring option, but he would need to focus on defense. This is probably just a rumor, but it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Iverson Definitely A Knick (UPDATED)

Yesterday a source told The New York Times the chance of the Knicks signing Allen Iverson was 50-50. In today's edition of the newspaper a source has upped the odds to a percent in "the high 90s" and said a deal could be signed as soon as today.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh was not talking Thursday. "When we make a decision, we'll let you know," he said after practice. "That's where it is." ESPN

Good move AI. Go there and rot.


***UPDATE***

Sportsline is saying the Knicks aren't going to offer AI a contract.

Iverson To The Knicks

Allen Iverson will clear waivers today and all indications point to the possibility he will sign with the New York Knicks. One team official told The New York Times there was at least a 50-50 chance they would pursue Iverson. Another person close to the team said it was a "given ... they're going to make the biggest play for him."

Knicks president Donnie Walsh sounded like it was a strong possibility he will consider signing Iverson.

"We wouldn't be considering it if we thought that we were functioning well and we're not," Walsh said. "But I want to make sure that if we do something like this, it's the right thing to do."

This move seems like it might actually happen. It makes sense when you think about it, the Knicks suck, Iverson sucks, so why not suck together? There aren't going to be enough shots in the world to satisfy Al Harrington, AI and Nate Robinson. Iverson could be an asset to this team because his ego won't matter. He can play as selfish as he wants and no one will know the difference.

Jameer Nelson Out Again.... Now What

Could there be an AI sighting in Orlando. With Jameer Nelson out 4-6 week with an injury and without a good reserve point guard the Magic may be forced to take a look at AI. It makes sense figuring Iverson is going to be real cheap and could put asses in seats. However, the only concern I would have is when Jameer comes back. Would Iverson be O.K. with coming off the bench for Stan Van Gundy? Probably not. But if I were the Magic, I would do it and deal with the consequences later.

Iverson/ Grizzlies Split After 3 Games

Way to go Chris Wallace. I don't understand the signing in the first place. Didn't Allen Iverson know that he was going to be a role player? Didn't someone talk to him before putting the ink to the paper? I went on a rant about Iverson before so I don't want to repeat myself before, but his past two seasons have really tarnished his legacy for me. I don't know if he can get passed his ego and sign with a contender at this point, but he will definitely sign with a team when they get desperate.

Sheed Has Some Thought On AI

I really didn't want to post all this text from Boston.com, but I felt it was all pretty important:
"I haven't talked to (Iverson) since the summer and I don't want to give my opinion because I don't know the whole story on what's going on down there," he said. "But I'm pretty sure it's tough for him. That's part of it. I guess he didn't like the situations that he was put in."

Wallace admitted that he had to adjust to losing some of his physical capabilities.

"I've already accepted that I can't jump no more," he said. "I'm not as fast as I used to be. I accepted that already. That's where you become more smart, make that first step or two before that first player could get there. Or I got make this jump shot; give him a little pump fake because he can jump higher than me. So to me, once you lose that step or two, that's when you pick up a step or two with your head."

Wallace is making a similar change of roles as Iverson, coming off the bench for the first time in his career. He is warming to his new responsibility.

"One thing my high school coach told me was the day you stop learning about the game of basketball is the day you need to go ahead and hang them up," he said. "So with me coming off the bench this year, it's an adjustment for me having started the last 13-14 years, it's an adjustment but one I have made before in my career with (North) Carolina, I didn't start there right away and the same thing in high school. Sometimes, depending on the mentality of that person, it can be an advantage of disadvantage."

I guess that's what makes you a Boston Celtic. Sheed has had a hell of a career for a power forward and a sure bet hall of famer when he decides to hang it up. He understands, accepts, and does what he needs to do to win as a veteran. I love Iverson and always have, but the way he acted on Detroit and the way he has been acting in Memphis will actually tarnish his legend in my eyes. Iverson was given an opportunity on an up and coming Memphis team with youngsters like OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, and Mike Conley and instead of embracing the mentor role that guys like KG have done with Perk, Baby and Leon, and Sam Cassell and Eddie House have done with Rajon, his ego has got in the way.....again. If I were to give Iverson words of advice it would be to hang them up, because a 5'11 SG, without the wheels or defensive skills he once had in the NBA is pretty much useless.

Allen Iverson To Retire

I don't know who to put the blame on for this one, the Grizzlies for signing him or AI. Iverson had a major problem being a role player in Detroit, so what did they think was going to happen when they tried to make him a 6th man in Memphis. This pains me because I love Iverson and believe he was a top 25 skill in NBA history. However, he has tarnished his reputation dearly the past two years with his selfishness. If he actually took a second and looked at his game, he would realize he isn't the player he used to be and he would be an awesome 6th man. But his own ignorance is killing his chances to succeeding in the NBA.

Iverson Out For 3 Weeks

Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson could miss three weeks after an MRI revealed a partial tear in his left hamstring.ESPN

It's hard for me to write this due to my love of AI, however, he's done. He's washed up, he's going to nothing good for the Grizzlies. he can't be a team player, he won't be a team player, he still thinks he is in Philly when he was the man. But he's not anymore, he needs to realize in order to succeed in this game he needs to play nice and that's something he's just unwilling to do.

Iverson To Grizzlies

This is a perfect fit for Allen Iverson who proved last year he can't play team ball. This will make Iverson the star for the Grizzlies and he will put up his 28 points a game because everyone else sucks on the team, and this will put a couple more asses in the seats in Memphis.

Iverson is literally on his last legs and he isn't like many players who want to win a championship, he is a player that still wants his minutes, points, stats. I hate to shit on AI, because he is one of my favorite players of all time, but last year in Detroit and how he acted really left a sour taste in my mouth.

Grizzlies Make Offer To Iverson

"Allen Iverson twittered again Wednesday, saying the Grizzlies have made him an offer -- and Memphis says it's true. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace told ESPN.com Wednesday night that negotiations between the sides have heated up to the point where the Grizzlies have made their first formal offer. "We're heading into the home stretch before the season, and we have had interest in Allen all summer," Wallace said. "We've been in touch on a fairly consistent basis and had dialogue with his agent, Leon Rose, since the beginning of free agency (ESPN)."

Iverson is all washed up, and is looking for 1 more contract before retirement. Don't get me wrong I actually think he'll have a good year with the Grizzlies, because he is at his best when he is the focus of the team. This is perfect for him, because he sucks on good teams...