Iverson humbled
Allen Iverson was humbled Wednesday having to sign with a team that will struggle to win 30 games next season. Iverson signed a one-year deal for 3.5 million with the Memphis Grizzlies and what we should take from this is a resounding yell. No one is bigger than the NBA and this league can humble you quickly if you’re perceived as a potential problem.
When Iverson finally retires from the NBA, he will go down as the toughest and most durable player for his size in the history of the game. I honestly thought that Iverson would last less than 10 years because of the way he threw his body around. He will make this upcoming year his 14th and at 34 years old, he is still one of the best conditioned players in the league. The 27 points he has averaged in those 13 seasons are as gaudy as it gets for a big-time scorer, but you also can’t ignore the fact he has averaged 2.2 steals and 6 assists. Those numbers will definitely put him in the Hall of Fame when he decides to leave the game.
There is one stat attributed to Iverson that quite honestly cost him an opportunity to sign with a contending team and most likely will cause head coach Lionel Hollins some migraines during the course of this upcoming season… That statistic is under the minutes column. Iverson has averaged an insane 41 minutes a game through his career. He has only averaged less than 40 minutes per game twice. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest ever, averaged over 40 minutes only three times and that was early in his career.
This stat is mindboggling. Iverson has probably run the longest distance of any NBA player over the last 13 seasons. Now I assume readers are wondering, why this stat is the cause of Iverson not getting a better opportunity? Well, I can pretty much surmise that if we polled every coach that Iverson has played for, they would say they’d rather have played AI 35 to 37 minutes instead of 41.
Playing Iverson 36 minutes a game would have given a role player a chance to prolong his career, given a coach a chance to share the ball and satisfy some of Iverson’s teammates. But most importantly, it would have saved some miles on a guy that plays at 100 miles per hour. Sitting Iverson just five extra minutes would have shaved off 4,430 minutes, which is basically a year and half.
Here is the easy question… Why did they play him that many minutes? The obvious reason is that Iverson refused to come out of ball games without a fight. He imposed his will and desire to play each and every minute on every coach that he has had and now that has stopped him from being courted by the contending teams.
I wish that at least one coach had dared to stand up to him and gotten him use to playing less minutes, because there are numerous teams that could use Iverson in a sixth man role. I understand the mentality and I definitely fought off the decision of Utah assistant coach Phil Johnson to move me to the bench a quarter of a way through my career when I was a member of the Sacramento Kings. I was playing 36 minutes and all of sudden it was cut to 30. I thank Phil to this day because it allowed me to play 17 years and still have solid production, but most importantly it taught me the importance of understanding what it took to play a role and not have to be the star.
Playing a role is foreign to Iverson. He has always taken all the shots and secured almost every minute at his position. Contending teams like Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, Lakers, Spurs and Dallas could all use a player the caliber of Iverson in a 20-minute-take-plenty-of-shots role. That way they could control his off nights by just sitting him down. What scared most of these top teams is that Iverson would pout and become a serious problem on and off the floor if they sat him for a prolonged period during game.
Iverson should use this year to prove to all the contenders that he will be willing to back up OJ Mayo and Mike Conley. That he would be willing to mentor and show leadership and become a top sixth man candidate if given the chance next year in his 15th season.
Pete Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 3:44 am
I really pray that AI should meet and agree with Mr Phil Zen Jackson to get a ring into his career next seasson. See Allen in LA would make a great team a desireable ending to his career. Please Allen, be nice, don’t let this opportunity uncome. P&L and my best wishes!
jaime_gasol Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 3:49 am
I´ve never been a huge fan of AI, he is a bit selfish but the guy deserves a ring,hope he cam humble up a bit and realize that he can´t lead a team to the finals anymore and the only way he can get his ring is playing as a GREAT sixth man in a contender team which has already a franchise player ( kobe,LBJ,TD,Pierce,D12) that he won´t overshadow
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 3:50 am
Backing up Mike Conley? Are you kidding me?
Conley has no upside whatsoever. Rudy Gay regressed last year. OJ Mayo doesn’t even get to the charity stripe at all.
These guys are lottery picks, sure, but none of them will ever be all-stars.
Why should a future Hall of Famer back them up? The best player should play.
Why don’t you tell Shaq to back up Ilgauskas or Kobe to back up Vujacic 3 years from now?
Give me a break. Iverson would prove all the doubters wrong if the Grizz comes to their senses and start Iverson over the young scrubs they have.
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 4:08 am
Iverson is a still a franchise-caliber player, who is capable to win a ring and a finals MVP.
Career-wise, he’s better than Kobe Bryant (who is ever more selfish than A.I. but was lucky enough to have Shaq, Phil Jackson, and a big market in LA) ever will be.
David Stern is a racist, so he wanted to sabotage his career and public image.
Lance Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 4:59 am
I totally agree with you Dez about Stern.
Since day one Iverson has been and extension of life and stuggle. Iverson stayed true to himself and didnt become someone he’s not. Even with the Dress code Rule you still see a touch of urban culture and hip-hop to it.
The people all over the world loved hence top 3 jersey sales all time!
sleeves? c’mon…Iverson has a surgically repaired elbow…Now half of the leagues stars are using them without injuries…Braids and tats?
This Man was truly IConic and was the face of the NBA @ one point post Jordan era. Still better than half of the leagues starting 2’s and 1’s.
Just bad Media press about him.
Zay Zillionz Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:20 am
its a shame nobody wanted this dude he shouldve stayed in Philly or cameback at least wewouldve had a spark im not even gonna watch a sixers game this season bcuz they don have that umff…..
travis Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:38 am
dez your commments are crazy stupid.
“career wise he is better than kobe” - what are you smoking - 4 rings 81 points in a game - etc etc.
you compared oj mayo to sasha vujucic - majo averaged 20ppg as a rookie and he has no chance to become an all star - you are nuts for thinking that. gay is terrific, they just havent won yet.
I think memphis will compete for a playoff spot
1.Iverson - Conley - M Williams
2.Mayo
3.Gay - Sam Young
4.Randolph - D Arthur
5.Thabeet - Gasol
its an extremely deep team, they have so much firepower offensively and they have thabeet to anchor the d on the inside. mayo is a strong defender too on the perimeter.
Stephan Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:44 am
Oh come on, it’s not about bad media press or whatsoever. If it was like this, Iverson could easily have 1-2 rings if it was only the media.
I like the early Iverson who was really impressive for me, but over the course of his career, I think whoever influenced him so much that he thinks he is a star. There are plenty of players who where francise players before and then, with another team, started to behave like team players. And STILL could be a cornerstone of a francise (like Garnett).
But Iverson would never ever play in a team with 1-2 co-stars like LA, cause I somehow think he needs to prove to himself that he is bigger than every active basketball player. Dunno why, but I guess this “I have to prove myself above every other player” spoiled his career.
So what? He will have big issues in Memphis where upcoming players will not stand back behind Iverson, middle of the season they will bench Iverson because of the disputes. Why should he start behaving differently in a team like Memphis like he did in Detroit, where he COULD have taken a long run into the playoffs.
Technically Iverson is a great player and has a great heart. Bad thing is his ego has the same size, or some crazy “I fight anybody” attitude.
Chris easley Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:46 am
I live in Memphis and it’s going to be a wierd year so far for the grizzlies. Basically trading pau gasol for Randolph ( contracts nearly identical) is ridiculous. Letting warrick go yet, keeping the rights to Juan Carlos navarro is absurd. Thinking iverson will go the whole season backing up ANYONE, especially 2 players who have a whopping 3 full seasons under their belt is unbelievable. Iverson WILL sell seats, jerseys and hell toilet paper if his face, name or jersey number is on it. I love the grizzlies and hope they stay in Memphis, but I really feel like this is not a great move. Yes iverson will get us a few more wins, hopefully. Yes iverson will increase attendance, at least at first( especially with a home opener against the Pistons!!) but this is nothing more than a bailout player for what was shaping up to be another “hopeful” season. Hope everything pans out for wins instead of just financially. GO GRIZZ!!
Murph Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 6:20 am
What is the obsession with Alan Iverson? He’s one of the most selfish players in NBA history. He refused to come off the bench in Detroit. He could have helped the Pistons immensely by coming off the bench as their 6th man. Instead, he pouted, faked injury, and finally quit on the Pistons, all while making $21 million last year. Iverson made Joe Dumars look like a fool for trading Billups for him.
Iverson is an over-rated bum. He’s lost more games in the NBA than he’s ever won…look it up. He’s the worst stereotype of a selfish player, a lousy teammate and a lockerroom disruption.
I can’t wait to see the comedic act of Iverson trying to share the ball with Zack Randolph, another outrageously selfish player.
GC33 Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 6:35 am
“I think memphis will compete for a playoff spot”…
travis, you are seriously deluded if you think the grizz are playoff bound next year- Mayo/Randolph/A.I. and to a lesser extent Gay are waaay too trigger-happy for that team to develop an identity.
As Mr Johnson rightfulll said, they’ll struggle to win 30. Should be fun to watch all the same.
gc
Ajax Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 7:34 am
Nice fit my favorite player not my favorite team but a team who has talent all they need was that extra kick and Iverson is a kick and a punch. Randolph will also be a great addition not to mention already all-stars to be Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. then the three rookies will give them more energy and youth. any way to sum it up they gone be niceee the whole NBA bout to be sick this season cant wait.
AJAX
yuan Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 7:42 am
hope he will redeem himself this year by bringing memphis to the playoffs
Aaron Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 7:50 am
Being from Detroit, i’m highly disappointed that Joe Dumars ruined Iverson’s career. The two season’s in Denver he put up 26 ppg and 6 assts. Then he comes to the motor city and has to play a reserve role. Now, the whole league thinks he has nothing left, and he should come off the bench. Mike Conley is a bum. He hasn’t done anything since Greg Oden was on his team, and you want Iverson to back him up? Let Mayo run the point, and start Iverson at the 2. Let him get his 31 a night, and see where he takes you. They might just make the playoffs being that the west is so thin right now.
georgej Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 8:05 am
Eddie, you know I love you and you are my man on all basketball related, but comparing AI to yourself is a bit too much for me. I mean you were a great player and a true professional, but AI is a bona fide superstar, All-star, MVP, scoring machine.
Also Mayo might turn out to be OK, but Mike Conley is a bum and is not going anywhere any time soon. You can’t make a future HOF take a back seat to this guy. I find it disrespectful. If AI was 39 I can see that, but I have not seen any evidence of him aging yet.
and if Boston got an unfit and unhinged Stephane on their roster why would they pass on AI? Something is wrong here. The guy’s only problem is that he wants to play and he wants to win. Not a bad problem to have. And unlike a lot of other players, when he laces them up he plays and plays hard and leaves it all on the floor. (Though obviously one could argue about part of is Detroit experience). Cleveland, San Antonio, Boston, Orlando, could all use a player like that and become champions.
Trucestiles Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 8:07 am
I agree w Dez in some aspects. Stern is a racist and had the nerve to put a dress code into place all b/c Iverson was the face of the league. Kobe is more effective than AI b/c of his height and jumpshot however, AI is a better passer and better leader. Kobe’s is probably the 2nd best SG to play the game w AI a close 3rd however AI and Shaq have out-shined Kobe in the media and David Stern, the media and all the rest of the “old world” figures have a tough time accepting this fact. The league’s dress code was like the NFL throwing Mike Vick under the bus for the sake of Manning and Brady to continue as the face of their respective league. Iverson is my favorite however he needs to realize that he should have been 6th man of the year on a contender. His career will be tainted in lowly Memphis. He shot himself in the foot… Hope it works though,….
jerzyblaze Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 8:11 am
Stephan your crazy with that comment.
People Iverson had one bad season with the pistons…one. over his 14 year career you are going to judge him from one bad year? He dominated in philly and he dominated in Denver. Cut him a break. ? 4 you haters…did Conley lead the Grizzlies last year? NO so whats the problem. Start Iverson at point. Conley backs up iverson and learns from him. Start Mayo at the 2…its not that hard folks. What they need is team chemistry but that will happen over summer camp.
bibifok Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 8:20 am
this Memphis team will win more than 30 for sure !
JJ Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 8:26 am
Come on man lets stop being so nice to Allen. Respect him yes, but he doesn’t have a job primarily because no one can fit his style of play in their winning system. He’s proven he won’t listen or change and its just too big a risk. Great run in the 2001 finals. Semi great career. He deserves everything that’s been happening to him.
Plus, I also suspect he’s broke or afraid to be broke, given how hard he’s try to maximize his pay for this 1 year deal. Which is crazy sad considering he made 9 figures in his career.
Stephan Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:24 am
@Jerzy: what was so crazy? Be a bit more specific and please, not try to judge about my mental abilities
I said I respect Iverson, his talent and his heart. Still, except that Philly season going to the finals, his whole career (and the clubs he played with) are declining. Philly pressed the restart button with trading Iverson and they didn’t do so without reason. Denver tried it for 2 seasons - look how good they are with a true point guard. Detroit? Well, no words to loose here.
So, what will happen in Memphis? Sure, Iverson will start. But I don’t think people like Conley are going to like it, because it’s not that he learns something while playing ~25-30 min., no, Iversons presence will reduce his numbers to the extreme. Gay, Mayo - both love to pull the trigger and so does Iverson. Sure, he is a decent passer and he will have some highlights with both Gay and Mayo, but that doesn’t make Memphis a playoff contender and if there is no major change to Iversons behaviour, I stick to my assumption that he’ll either quit it after half of the season, gets traded again or something else.
On the other hand I thought the german national team would loose all 3 games against Russia, France and Lettland [dunno how to spell in English, Latvia?]. So please, Mr. Iverson, prove me wrong as I too have your jersey in my closet and love your skills.
No Way Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Iverson is not Humbled. That is why he went to the Griz.
He wants to be the man. If he was humbled he would have went to a contender. Do you think he is going to try and develop Rudy Gay?! maybe be a mentor to Conley?!
NO WAY! I hope I am wrong!!!!!!!!!!
I have been around him for 7 years - the man will never be humbled!
Basketball for Dummies ("BfD") Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Okay gents, lets be real, AI is a bonafide threat to guard on any night! However, the question is, for a “STAR” of his caliber, can he make his team better, rather, has he made his team better as he has matured in the game. When you think about the elite stars, playing and retired, Price, Kevin Johnson, Archibald, DWilliams, CPaul, Both Hardaways (Anfernee in his prime), Cheeks, these guys were good, better and became great all at the same time and there teams benefited from there overall development. AI is not 21 anymore, what is expected of him is much more, more completeness and a willingness to win at all cost, because that is waht a star does.
Unforunately, AI has not gotten better in any area of his game, other than on the ball scoring. While that is a great attribute, the respect the team has for you, the coach and the fans all matter and what essentially heralds you to the top of greatness. Yes AI will be a HOF, but because he made anyone better, but because he was always determined to outshine any of the other 9 players on the court.
This is an ooportunity for AI to prove that, yes I like to practice and get better (heck, Mike practiced, Magic said he practiced in the snow), his mentorship-leading by example will help foster his crediibility as a star, because, lets be real, he has not won anything team focused, like Championship. And lets the reocrd reflect, individuals dont win those, MJ learned that and his teams were utimately prepared and executed better because of it.
AI is a replica from the days of streetball, somewhat refined but the guy who is looked at the end of the game, like he wont win anything with is attitude. At this stage in his career, everybody has the money, exposure and women, he lacks the pieces on his finger because he chose to play at one speed and the NBA is about adaption, gear changing and perhaps Memphis will provide that spark, hopefully its not too late. Good luck AI!
bobby moore Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:33 am
Excellent move as a Grizzly season ticket holder with very low risk and downside . A previous post talked about finances the NBA is a business and most team wished that they had made some of the smart business moved the franchise owner made. With at least 3 first round draft picks next year things are really looking up here . Anyone crying about keeping Warrick who was a me first shot first player doesnt understand players. Warrick was too small and was manhadled in the paint. Navarro rights were just claimed in case he comes back to the U.S . DIdnt cost the franchise anything . GO GRIZZ
Dick Wai Long Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:37 am
China loves Aleen Iverson!
Thank you USA for welcoming Chinese in the country.
Iverson must score and rebound now until YAO returns, maybe Wang will return to the Grizzlies!
BallerBlogger.com Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:40 am
The Fundamentals…
Robbi Pickeral of The Charlotte Observer: “Ruby Sutton has a distinct pet peeve when it comes to the subject of her former pupil, Michael Jordan: the oft-told story of how he was ‘cut’ from the Laney High varsity basketball team as a sopho……
F-dizzle Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Does anyone really think AI couldn’t get a job because of the media?
Do people really think that NBA GM’s get their info on players attitudes from reading HoopsHype, HoopsWorld, RealGM? That is absolutely redonkoulous.
AI wants to win, that is an admirable trait for any player, but he has no clue how to win. Just playing hard every minute doesn’t do it. You have four other guys that can help him, but he ignores that fact. It worked ONE year of his carreer, (and he only got to the finals), and now every AI supporter uses that as the launching pad for how he is still a franchise guy and a great player. THAT WAS EIGHT YEARS AGO!!!
Denver of 2008/09 was way bettter than Philly of 00/01, and Denver didn’t win crap with Ivo there.
Also, asking grown men (that make millions of dollars) to dress like grown men isn’t racist.
mack Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:44 am
i can almost bet u by da allstar break AI will be in the starting line up. and that this team does well. conley sucks i liked lowley better see what he did in houston
James Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:52 am
@Stephan. Wow Denver won a whopping 4 more games with Billups and lost to the same Laker team they lost to the year before. Furthermore, everyone knows or should know that AI was NOT Denver’s point guard, he was the shooting guard. Steve Blake and Anthony Carter were the points guards, respectivley. When Blake left for Portland, Denver failed to go out and get a quality point, so that need was already known. How on earth did AI and Melo play together, be the 2nd & 3rd scorers in the league and win 50 games if what you’re saying is true about hime not willing to play with “co-stars?” Some these arguments against Iverson are so tired and lack merit.
saint Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 10:42 am
to all the above ai fans. why do you think the other 27 teams are passing on him ? coaches and gm’s have to win to keep their jobs. the player skills have diminished so far down he is not worth the headache he brings to the table.
ai never figured out how to work with other players to win championships period. he hasn’t gotten a team out of the first round in 6 years. great player(not winner) in his day. that day has come and gone. right now he’s a sideshow talent to put people in the seats. this will setback the grizz franchise for three years.
Otis Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 10:45 am
Ivy 6th man on the Grizz? Back up Conley? Altruistic ideas - the coach who does this will get fired and deservingly so. Everything said about him is true - both sides. If he plays the starting point the production will be magnificent and the season a success. Ivy has much to teach, selfish or not.
Earl Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 10:54 am
I think they can win more than 30 games because AI should help them finish some games that they let slip away last season but they do play in the West so the playoff thing is not happening. There are already a definite 7 teams that should make it and that is not counting Phoenix, Houston(hurt by injuries), GSW( who has more talent), LAClippers(who have a lot of talent and Blake Griffin), OKC(they are a young team breakin out that could possibly sneak in. I doubt it though and more than likely Phoenix will get that spot but all these other team will make it interesting.
sam Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 11:17 am
conely wasnt that bad towards the end of last season, i know because i had em on my fantasy team (like that means anything
), he dont have a huge upside but a pass first point guard is what this team needs. putting ai at pg would lose memphis more games imo, how many games did he blow for denver playing the point plus 6 assists is f*ck all for any guard if your playing 40mins each night. only thing that might save his rep is when everyone wakes up and realises how much of a bust thabeet is…
Aileen Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 11:47 am
AI is simply a momma’s boy in thug clothing and those that back him by calling others names and make threats are too. Whenever he had to sacrafice for the team he pouted and threatened and got his league of wannabe thugs to SCREAM like whiney little beezies. He slaps around those that are weaker than himself. He has no idea how to win any championship has tin for fillings. If you look at his involvement in the Olympics he came away with bronze when it should have been gold. He is selfish and only plays for his personal glory and hogs time, the ball and the limelight and helps no one but himself. There is no conspiracy against AI except the one he plays on his hordes of beezie thugs and himself.
eddie Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 11:48 am
georgej Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 8:05 am
Eddie, you know I love you and you are my man on all basketball related, but comparing AI to yourself is a bit too much for me. I mean you were a great player and a true professional, but AI is a bona fide superstar, All-star, MVP, scoring machine.
i compared him to a situation not myself. basketball is basketball and team is team. All players make adjustments regardless of how good you are or were. the goal is to be humble when you have too. thats why i can compare his situation to mine.
VCAL Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 11:49 am
All bball player wants to play more minutes, but the question is can they deliver? AI’s whole career has done that, give the guys some respect. In Detroit, AI and RIP should’ve started together, Stuckey didn’t deserve to start. Tell me of all shooting guard starters right now, besides KOBE, LEBRON, WADE, B. ROY, ARENAS, Joe JOHNSON, IGUODALA, who should start over AI??? lets see the list;
Clippers - Eric Gordon
Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Wallace, Raja Bell
New Jersey Nets - Courtney Lee
New York Knicks - Joe Crawford, Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes
Toronto Raptors - Jarrett Jack
Chicago Bulls - Kirk Hinrich, Jannero Pargo
Detroit Pistons - Rip Hamilton
Indiana Pacers - Danthay Jones, Kareem Rush
Dallas Mavericks - Jason Terry
Memphis Grizzlies - OJ Mayo
New Orleans Hornets - Devin Brown, Antonio Daniels
San Antonio Spurs - George Hill, Roger Mason JR.
Denver Nuggets - JR Smith
Minnesota Timberwolves - Wayne Ellington, Bobby Brown
Oklahoma City Thunder - Russell Westbrook
Utah Jazz - Corey Brewer
Phoenix Suns - Jason Richardson
Sacramento Kings - Kevin Martin
Boston Celtics - Ray Allen
Orlando Magic - Vince Carter
Golden State Warriors - Monte Ellis
Miluakee Bucks - Michael Redd
These are the possible shooting guard starters, c’mon now. Besides the SURE seven on top, who should start over AI and why???
eddie Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
Basketball for Dummies (”BfD”) Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Hey lets get your pedigree before you start terming yourself as a basketball guru for dummies lol
Kevin Mitchell Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
The sad thing about Allen Iverson’s situation is he got a taste of the Finals and how close he was to possibly winning an NBA Championship. At this point in his career, he is still a great player when he isn’t being selfish but he is too worried about the spotlight. So what if he’s the most durable player ever… so what he’s won scoring titles… he will never be able to look over at his mantle the way more humble players have late in their careers. Kevin Willis… Sam Cassell… John Salley… I’m not saying A.I. is on their level but the game has changed… he has shown his colors… and demonstrated he cannot carry a team to the promised land. It’s not who starts the game or gets the minutes… it’s who finishes the game and helps the team win. C’mon A.I., don’t tarnish your legacy.
Kevin Mitchell Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
Imagine A.I. backing up Kobe Bryant/D-Fish for like 25 - 30 minutes a game. WOW!!
Everton Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
I wish Iverson all the best. I could imagine it being emotionally and mentally tough when you’re one of the best players for so many years, and then teams refusing to sign you because they’re saving cap space for 2010 and investing in their young players. No one put a stopwatch on players like Kareem Abdul Jabaar, Robert Parrish, John Stockton, Karl Malone and Michael Jordan. I think the most frustrating thing for anyone is to know that you still have so much to give and “the league” trying to put a cap on your value (financially, minutes, role, capability, etc) and end your career.
Keep your head up A.I.
(Future Hall Of Famer)
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Anyone who thinks Iverson should back up Conley is a moron. Conley couldn’t even beat out Kyle Lowry last year. The 2 were essentially splitting minutes until Lowry got traded at the deadline. Sure, he did better at the end of the year, but the level of play was more like Beno Udrih (widely considered the worse full-time starting point guard in the NBA) than Chris Paul. Heck, even Acie Law might be an upgrade over Conley. Conley got lucky because he played college and high school ball with Greg Oden (another tremendous bust, but that’s a story for another time).
Mayo is okay, but he doesn’t belong in the same sentence as Iverson. He fits in as a piece of the puzzle, but he is no franchise player.
Rudy Gay is pretty much maxed out. Memphis gave him all the opportunities to be “the man”, yet all he can manage is 18 points a game, very few free throw attempts, and mediocre supporting stats. His stats will get worse as his career progresses as team will realize he is a fraud and will no longer build around him.
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
Kevin MItchell: if Iverson joins the Lakers, Fisher would be benched. not a.i.
Dick Wai Long Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
VCAL, I enjoyed your list very much.
However, I fell that Sun Yue of Lakers will soon be of great importance to the NBA.
In China he often playeed as a shooter, possibly our son YI can be a good AI.
Dave Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
VCAL:
LeBron starts at small forward usually. Cleveland’s starting shooting guard was Delonte West last year, although they probably will change things up this year. Delonte West is no Jerry West, but he’s a capable outside shooter, playmaker, and dangerous defender (17th in steals in the NBA).
@ Everton Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
“The league ” caps everyones value. That’s the way it is. If AI can only get 3.5mil for one year at this point in his career, he is only worth 3.5mil.
You’re only worth what someone will pay you, not what you think you’re worth.
eddie Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Anyone who thinks Iverson should back up Conley is a moron
Now are you basing that educated thought on the fact we morons think Conley is a better player or the simple fact the Grizzlies signed Iverson for a year to win the championship?
because what will 10 extra wins with Iverson get them in the western conference and he is on a 1 year contract?
you are quick to use the word moron, but only a moron would call someone a moron. debate your point, but there are no morons in here. Just basketball fans who like to argue.
Steve Watkins Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
AI may be going to the Hall of Fame but there is a fundamental problem with his game; he controls the ball more than anyone on his team and he shoots more than anyone on his team. Even if he shoots a great percentage - which he doesn’t - his team suffers because his teammates are not involved offesively, which leads them to stop hustling on defense, on the boards and in transition. A negative attitude sets in. I have seen this over and over in pickup games where someone decides he wants to be like AI and go one on world, and his team loses every time. Bottom line is AI’s teams underperform and the Hall of Fame is overhyped.
Gil iz Back Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
Go Eddie, Go Eddie it’s yo bday.
Well maybe not, but go Wiz!!! Gil is back to prove the haters wrong!!!
Pete Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
Dez, i completely disagree with you saying Allen iverson has a better career than kobe? lol thats a joke. and shaq WILL be a back up this season. and as of right now i would rather have mayo or gay than iverson on my team…iverson is good but not ever great…imagine tony parker or monta ellis(heathly) taking 30-40 shots per game…you would think their great.
Twitter Trackbacks for HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Eddie Johnson » Iverson humbled [hoopshype.com] on Topsy.com Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Eddie Johnson » Iverson humbled blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/johnson/2009/09/10/iverson-humbled – view page – cached September 10, 2009 @ 2:56 am by Eddie Johnson · Filed under Allen Iverson, Memphis Grizzlies, Uncategorized — From the page [...]
Al_Ku Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
One big fundamental problem with AI - he is a SG trapped in PG body. Another thing to consider, yes he averaged 27 points per game because he was always a volume shootter. He was shoting like 42-43% so in order to get 27 pts average he needs to shoot a lot. And in order to shot a lot he needs to play those 41 min average per game. Only few of the Hal of Fame coaches would be able to deal with him, Larry Brown was one of them. Current Griz coach? Good luck…
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Steve Watkins, your points are valid. However, it happens with every single volume shooters in the NBA. They mostly have shooting percentage of 42-46%.
Sometimes teams seem to be better off without them. The key with that separate a superstar from a volume shooter is the willingness to take contact and get on the charity stripe. MJ, Iverson, Bryant, T-Mac, Vince Carter, Gilbert Arenas, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul Pierce all belong in this category while Ben Gordon, Michael Redd, Rip Hamilton, Larry Hughes, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo are all in the 2nd category.
I remember Kevin Durant missed a few games last season and 2nd round rookie Kyle Weaver started in place of him. OKC won a few tough games and a few fans were debating whether OKC were better off without Durant.
Obviously, no mainstream media would do this to him because he’s still a young guy. When you’ve been in the league for a few years, people start picking your game apart and take shots at you. That’s just the nature of being a basketball player.
What about Kobe? He single handedly cost Lakers a ring. He owes Karl Malone a ring. During Iverson’s last 2 seasons in Denver, his shooting percentage were comparable to Bryant’s. With the roster the Lakers have assembled (Artest, Gasol, Odom, and Bynum), the Lakers could potentially have better offensive flow without him.
The same can be said for T-Mac, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Arenas, and all other volume shooters. They disrupt the flow of the offense, but their presence are crucial since these guys can create their own shots without the point guard finding him or the coach specifically drawing a play for them. Plus, they also get to the foul line at a consistent rate.
Traditional basketball minds don’t like guys like Jordan, Iverson, Kobe and the other aforementioned because they think you build a team around a dominant 7-foot center (Shaq, Dwight Howard, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain) or a point guard (Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Stephon Marbury, Deron Williams, Gary Payton, Magic Johnson, Jerry West).
If you want to bash Iverson, then bash every single volume shooters out there including LeBron, Kobe, Melo, D-Wade, Vinsanity, T-Mac, Agent Zero, and the Truth.
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
rely to Eddie: It’s obvious to any casual fan that Conley is not the answer for the Grizz. No matter how much he improves, his ceiling is a borderline/part-time starter or a backup point. He will never be a top 10 or top 15 point guards in any given year. Heck, he’s even worse than Rodney Stuckey (Dumars’ man-crush who sabotaged the Pistons season last year) Even if Iverson didn’t sign with the Grizz, they eventually have to find another starting point a season or 2 down the road unless what the Grizz is looking for is mediocrity and borderline competence , which Conley just might pass.
Also, from a fan’s perspective, you want to see the best players on the court, not to give out playing time to justify failed lottery picks. Lottery picks or undrafted rookies, everyone has to earn their minutes. Technically, every team has a shot to win a championship every season. Throwing out excuses like player’s development is bs. Conley started for 2 years, the scouts and the front office already know what he can and can’t do. He’s not a D-leaguer getting evaluated near the end of a meaningless season.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
I’ve always been a fan of Iverson’s game. His game has always taken a few nicks because of his tattoos, practice habits and reluctance to adopt the dress code. But, let’s focus on his game.
He’s a player that can get to the foul line better than almost anyone in the league. This means he knows how to slow games down, generate points and put up terrific numbers.
If you look at his scoring average over his career, it’s astounding. In the regular season, he’s averaged around 27 ppg - that puts him in the top five of all time. In the Playoffs, he’s #2 behind Michael Jordan. You can’t just toss these numbers aside.
He’s a victim of his own game. He needs A LOT of touches and shots to be effective. This isn’t necessarily bad, but he always needs scrappy, offensive/defensive rebounding guys to give him second chance opportunities.
In his Eastern Conference Championship year, he had that with Derrick Coleman and Dikembe Mutombo. Two big bodies who rebounded. He also played with Eric Snow as the starting PG and Raja Bell. It was a defensive focused team that allowed Iverson to take the bulk of the shots. And, it worked out… almost giving them a NBA Championship.
I think he’ll fit in Memphis because he can’t really do any harm. They’re a young team and guys around the league look up to Allen Iverson. Mayo will improve on last year and will be on his way to being an NBA superstar.
With Thabeet, Randolph, Arthur and Gasol up front, they’ll be thick bodies who can rebound. Rudy gay will keep getting better and more efficient. With a starting lineup of:
C - M. Gasol
PF - Z. Randolph
SF - R. Gay
SG - OJ Mayo
PG - A. Iverson
Look for the Grizzlies to surprise most people and some teams. My hope is that Allen Iverson turns into a pass first PG. The Grizzlies would actually be a really good team then. I said “I HOPE”… Only time will tell if it’s true.
nate Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
Do I need to remind everyone that Ai has never got the support that he’s needed. The best player he had was a broken Chris Webber who was reborn once the sixers bought him out(biggest crook in basketball). Aside from webber were talking kukoc, matt harpring, geiger and a whole list of guys that were good players but sixth men at best. As far as Detroit goes that was a sinking ship before Iverson got there. I’m not saying Ai is perfect but know your personel and get guys that don’t need that many shot(big men or high percentage shooters). As far as the comparisons with Kobe thats not very fair. If Iverson got shaq in 1999 they would have challenged that Bulls 72 wins just about every year. Not to mention one jump of the lottery ball and it would have been Tim Duncan in a 76ers uniform not Tim Thomas and how interesting that would have been.
Kevin Mitchell Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
Memphis may surprise a couple of teams during the season but I just hate to see A.I. end his career without having another chance at winning a ring. Maybe next year he will be more humble and accept a role versus being the featured player. He has worked hard his whole career and a championship ring would be the capper.
chanman Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
great points M. Bennett
I think that Iverson still has alot left in the tank, maybe 2 more good solid seasons. he struggled in denver and detroit because he couldnt adjust to players around him. in denver he had melo, camby, martin, kleiza, J.R…..and still did not make the playoffs, whoever that said he dominated in DENVER is a damn moron cuz they didnt get outta the first round. Iverson couldnt adjust to players and set them up, when u see iverson play every game’s the same, he starts out dominating the ball and if he dont get his THEN he’ll start lookin for players. IVERSON’s name is bigger that Billup’s and how come billups got denver to the west finals in his first season there? cuz he knows when to take shots and pass. then A.I got to detroit and thought he was gettin a fresh start and to be the franchise player…he caused the pistons to become the 8th seed since he wanted to take all the shots and left Rip, prince, and sheed all standin.
Im not knocking A.I as a player, he’s a hell of a player and got great basketball left in him. but if he learned how to adjust and dont force things he could’ve won a ring by now.
Johnathan P. Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
Whatever people wanna say about AI, he will still in the right situation be able to put up around 25 ppg. I don’t know why more teams didnt jump out to sign him. I dont know what the Bobcats are trying to do, but I dont see why they couldnt have offered him a one year deal. Their team basically has no star attractions, and Iverson could have been good for them this year, until next year’s free agency class. They dont know what they are doing though, or else they wouldnt have gave up Okafor for Tyson Chandler. As for contenders, I thought he would have looked nice in Dallas, and could have been starting. I was hearing he didnt get along with Mark Cuban, but a lineup of Kidd, Iverson, Marion, Nowitzki, Dampier with Terry and Howard off the bench would look great to me. And Kidd and Terry playing with AI in the backcourt would help out with any size problems.
ddddd Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
Dez- seriously please!
What makes a winning team is having good and great players that compliment each other not bat against each other!!!
I will give you two examples:
Isaiah Thomas constructed Knicks teams- Plenty of great talent especially at the guard spots with players like Marbury, Crawford, Robinson (even though I like the kid!), Francis etc…. Overpaid contracts Curry, James, Randolph if I remember correctly was an Isaiah aquisition… A couple coaches that were nearly ruined by this collection of me first players (Brown and earlier Wilkens before he quit) and the trading away and not developing talent ie Ariza, Frye, the multiple draft picks given away to other teams etc.
Great talent but none of it meshed together and everyone suffered that was involved…
Bulls 72 and 10 team….. Jordan was well… Jordan… Pippen was Jordan’s trusty sidekick that did a little of everything as the #2 guy, Rodman rebounded, Kukoc was the versatile 6th man, Kerr sat in the corner somewhere and shot 3s… Longley was a serviceable center who was never spectacular but got the job done due to Jordan’s excellence… Same with Ron Harper only at the guard… Wennington was your veteran backup etc….
This is the greatest example ever amongst many examples of the pieces complimenting each other…. Thats what it takes….
Spurs, Bulls and especially the Pistons championship team in 04…. the pieces fit together! All for different reasons and identities but still! Take Iverson and put him with the Bulls that year and I betcha he either gets exiled or the bulls dont win 72 or both… Put him on any of the Spurs championship teams Timmy would have got pissed and demanded a trade! You saw what happened with the pistons last year! Can we say similarities sherlock!
Iverson fit with the Sixers back in the day because they structured their team and their offense around him and him alone. It worked up until they got to a better team in the finals.
Its very possible that he could fit in with the griz, but my money is against it… Iverson would have to turn into the reincarnation of Jason Kidd for it to work or Randolph would have to go or both. My money for both short term and long term is to try to develop Conley into a Terrell Brandon type point guard…. an overall pass first but can still be a pain in the butt if given room point guard. I dont think Conley will ever be as good as Terrell Brandon was, but if you look at the Bulls…. Just like Ron Harper, Conley isn’t going to need to be that good… Just simply hold his own.
Dez Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
ddddd
i agree with you that the presence of volume shooters on this team is a source of concern. what separate the elite volume shooters, namely iverson, kobe, lebron, d-wade, melo, pierce, arenas, from the ballhogs is their abilities to draw fouls. these guys average a ridiculous number of free throw attempts per game, which increase the per shot efficiency while ballhogs who dominate the ball just as much are clearly inferior in this department. they will never be superstars.
so basically, isiah took a bunch of players with similar skillset, ie. shoots a lot but doesn’t get on the foul line, on the same team.
i hate to break it to you, but the youngsters the grizz have is nothing special.
crawford was a lot like mayo. ballhog, low percentage shooting, doesn’t draw fouls.
rudy gay is the modern day al harrington. athletic, has 3 point range, selfish, and again doesn’t draw foul.
zach randolph’s problem is also that he doesn’t draw foul. he is nowhere near the level of tim duncan, kevin garnett, or even dirk nowitzki and chris bosh. he piles up a lot of meaningless 20-10, but his per shot efficiency is low. plus, he doesn’t block shots like a big man should.
as for mike conley, my money is on him being washed out of the league or buried in the bench in less than 4 years. from his rookie year to sophomore year, he barely improved. and if not for an uptick in playing time towards the end, he actually regressed. the guy is a bust. PERIOD
these volume shooting ballhogs, like jason richardson, joe johnson, ben gordon, antawn jamison, oj mayo, andre iguodala, stephon marbury, rip hamilton, rashard lewis, ricky davis, jason terry, peja stojakovic, jerry stackhouse, and larry hughes, can never lead a team because they don’t draw fouls. they play soft. to a lesser extent, vince carter and t-mac also belong in this category.
Iverson, at the very least, gives the grizz a legit go-to guy along with the frauds they currently have. they better use him properly
Cary Said,
September 10, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
I never liked Iverson’s game and I would hate to be a teammate of his. You wanna know why he averaged so many points in his career?? Because he hogged the ball so damned much and jacked up 30 to 35 shots a night! Look at his FG %, always low. He’s the definition of selfish player.
sasha Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 12:21 am
Anyone who thinks that the fact Iverson is going to be a reserve in Memphis is because of press/media/Stern/Dumars should read any psychology book to realize that experts call this state of mind “paranoia.” There is no global conspiracy against Iverson, freemasons, Jews, African Americans………..however, there are 29 GMs completely persuaded that Iverson is not worth 3.5 million dollars and 20 minutes per game because of his detrimental impact on his teammates. People who think he dominated in Denver should stop comparing whether Iverson scored more points than Billups and start comparing who brought them more wins and who improved the teammates’ stats and more importantly the lockerroom sync. Denver’s lockerroom has been notorious as the worst one in the league (many headcases: Smith, Anthony, Martin, Camby……..) before Billups came and he made them a legitimate contender. So he dominated in Denver, not Iverson. In Detroit Iverson did not do anything new, but in Detroit he was challenged for the first time ever by a coach. My cousin happens to be one of the trainers on the team so I have some firsthand info. He said that before Iverson came Curry was one of the best liked persons around the league (with many people thinking he could be the next commissioner), and that at the end of the season nobody would even look at him in the lockerroom because Iverson managed (once again) to destroy the sync. He said that Iverson was absent or late for practices more than once (so the other veterans started getting late too), that he talked to ABSOLUTELY NOBODY in the lockerrom EVER, and that he was openly defying Dumars and Curry all the time. He also told me that Iverson was NOT injured, that is, that he showed up one day an said that he can’t practice because he is in a lot of pain. He was examined and there was no sign of any injury. Dumars was notified and he came down and simply asked if he could practice if he was to play 45 minutes in the next game. The answer was “yes.” That was the last conversation between the two. Dumars, upon hearing that, without looking at Iverson, looked at the trainers and said “obviously, this player is heavily injured. Unfortunately, it’s a season-ending surgery” and left. Of course, this story is now known to every GM in the league, and NATURALLY they would not hire him-not if HE was paying THEM to play for them. The only reason Memphis hired him is the bancrupcy fear and since they have no chance to make playoffs anyways then signing Iverson was not such a dangerous move considering its economic potential. However, I am absolutely sure they would be putting up with him until march like Dumars did; he will be waived right away if he causes even a slightest problem and still that will not be a financial loss because of the number of season tickets and jerseys they will have sold by then.
Couple of additional remarks:
1. nobody is denying Iverson USED TO BE a great player (provided that he had 4 teammates in the lineup ready to defend, rebound and not shoot)
2. Iverson will not last long in Memphis, because he will start pouting right away and they’ll sack him
3. if he had 1% of reasoning in his brain, he would not pout whn played for 25 minutes, do his best in the reserve role, show that he can be a bench leader, and then get traded to contender at the deadline
4. everything points to the conclusion that his brain is of the similar built like Marbury’s and that in 2010/2011 he will be talking to a webcam 24 hours a day or take a full-time job at a LV casino
Stephan Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 12:57 am
@James: Okay, he played with Carmelo. He had a “CO”star next to him, but obivously things didn’t work out as we think, else they wouldn’t have traded him. Still I give you credits for pointing out that Blake and Johnson where the playing PGs. Actually, here in Germany, we don’t have any kind of Basketball on official TV (even our own league) so most of the stuff I talk about is from youtube-game samples, game-videos I have to buy on DVD for way too much money and tons of reading. I always welcome if someone corrects me - thanks again!
I agree with you that he CAN work with others and obviously he can, else he wouldn’t have 6 Ass./game in his career while playing a team game. Still Iverson, as Mr. Bennet wrote in his really excellent post, needs co-WORKERS next to him. And Coleman wasn’t a player who did not know how to score. Still, Guys like Mutombo where the perfect fit for AI, not only from the on-court perspective but also off-court (if I recount correctly, Mutombo often talks about his positive experiences with AI and the whole Sixers time). But - that was, also a quote here, 8 years ago and the single season in AI’s career!!
Sure, the starting lineup looks nice and could even surprise in the eastern conference. Still in the West it’ll be a pretty hard game. Memphis wasn’t one of the worst teams in the NBA last year only because of Conley I suppose.
All in all there have been plenty of great posts in this discussion and I enjoy reading all of them! Cheers to you guys, it’s fun to discuss stuff here.
@eddie: I’d love to read something from you about Mutombos career and game; I always wonder why other players with the physical frame lack being great defensive presences like he is (would you think that a Greg Oden could step up as another great defensive Center like Mutombo?). Or is it because of the evolving speed of the basketball game that teams need “faster” centers, more of “putback /alley oop dunking machines”, like Tyson Chandler (also not bad defensivly, but not a presence like Mutombo!)
kingsblade Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 12:58 am
I’m getting embarrassed just reading some of this. Where do some of you guys come from? It feels like we do not even speak the same language.
On another topic -
@Dez
There is no reason to believe that Conley does not have the potential to become a reliable point for a contending team.
The last two champions started Rondo and Fisher. Do you really believe that Conley does not have that level of potential?
Dez Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 6:40 am
@sasha. it’s obvious iverson is getting blackballed. denver only improved by 3 or 4 games last season with billups than the season before with iverson. it wouldn’t be surprising that such improvements were made with iverson on the team especially with the addition of gritty defender/hustlers like dahntay jones, chris andersen, a healthy nene, and renaldo balkman. carmelo actually played worse with billups than he did with iverson (lower shooting percentage, lower points per game) and he was atrocious during the playoff. the thing is that the west isn’t as deep as before, so a 3 game improvement causes denver to go from 8th seed or 2nd seed. then still got owned by the lakers except this time it’s in the conference finals instead of the 1st round.
the 2nd point is that if i were iverson, i would be just as pissed. pistons had no intention of resigning him, yet they don’t let him play for his contract either. they’re are committed to this scrub of a player named rodney stuckey, thus creating the non-existent controversy of iverson vs. rip. the difference was they signed rip to an extension the same day of this billups-iverson trade, but iverson was in a contract year. before rip was benched in favor of stuckey, pistons was #4 in the east. why should iverson be benched when he is clearly capable of playing at a high level, winning, and at his contract year? will anyone do this to kobe 3 years from now? lebron 8 yearss from now? d-wade 6 years from now? i really wanna see that happen. if this is the so-called new nba, then count me out.
conley will never be a top 10 point guard or even top 15 point guard in the nba. period. rondo is the next j-kidd. putting conley in the same sentence as him is an insult to the man.
fisher doesn’t even handle the ball as much. he’s just a clutch 3 point shooter who thrives in the triangle offense. he barely cracked the starting lineup and made the all-overpaid team when he left the lakers for g-state a few years ago. but if anything, he’s still a lot better than conley.
jerzyblaze Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 7:42 am
@Steph…
look you make some valid points, but the crazy part i was talking about was this:
“I think whoever influenced him so much that he thinks he is a star. There are plenty of players who where francise players before and then, with another team, started to behave like team players. And STILL could be a cornerstone of a francise (like Garnett).”
In my opinion he still is a star, and will always be…until he retires. Will he be the face of the franchise…no probably not, but you cant say hes not a star.
“But Iverson would never ever play in a team with 1-2 co-stars like LA, cause I somehow think he needs to prove to himself that he is bigger than every active basketball player. Dunno why, but I guess this “I have to prove myself above every other player” spoiled his career.”
Between Mayo, Gay, and Randolph…yea u make some valid points, however i do beleive that both randolph and iverson will be humbled this year and do whatever it takes to win some ball games and save face…
ROGER Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 9:30 am
Keep hatin on Iverson a couple of years ago you all love him when he do bad you hate plz Iverson is the hardest player to guard i dont care wat you say like Iverson said this year is Personal its his rookie year all over again just watch this season is Personal. I been a fan of Iverson since he was in george town and im only 20 No homo but im going to ride iverson all the way out to he end his carrer he is one of the best players ever to live, your trying to put him in the rockin chair wtf is the honestly if he wants to score 30 a game he came but just remember what he said this year is personal just remember Iverson take off this year thats all.
Baloncesto NBA – FIVE » Allen Iverson ya es un ‘Grizzlie’ Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 10:29 am
[...] en negativo: Iverson vienen de la peor temporada de su carrera, ya con 13 años en la NBA, y casi siempre por encima de los 40 minutos por partido. Su paso por Detroit el pasado año no pudo ser peor, creando numerosas dudas sobre cuál sería su [...]
eddie Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 11:53 am
ROGER Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 9:30 am
Keep hatin on Iverson a couple of years ago you all love him when he do bad you hate plz Iverson is the hardest player to guard i dont care wat you say like Iverson said this year is Personal its his rookie year all over again just watch this season is Personal. I been a fan of Iverson since he was in george town and im only 20 No homo but im going to ride iverson all the way out to he end his carrer he is one of the best players ever to live, your trying to put him in the rockin chair wtf is the honestly if he wants to score 30 a game he came but just remember what he said this year is personal just remember Iverson take off this year thats all.
Roger
Iverson is one of the best players this league has seen. We are not caught up in what he is going to do personally. We know what he can do personally. Iverson scoring 25 a game this year and playing 40 minutes is not going to impress me. I want him to come off the bench score 17 and be a great leader for a team that will not make the playoffs and not resign him next year.
But what it will do is send a message to the top teams that he could help them as a role player and possibly get a championship. that was the purpose of my article.
Frank B Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Eddie,
You are trying to turn Allen Iverson into something he is never going to be. Did Michael Jordan agree to come off the bench in Washington?
For better or for worse, Allen is an alpha dog, and will leave the game rather than accept a diminished role.
To his credit, he is his own man. He doesn’t feel that he “has to send a message” to anyone. He believes that he is already “The Answer”.
Can he strap a team on his back and make it a winner? I doubt it, so I expect this to be AI’s last year.
Tommie Allison Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
In Rocky Four, Apollo Creed told Rocky, “…Without a war, the warrior may as well be dead”, and that is what Iverson has been all his life - that warrior. Iverson has been the warrior for every fan of the NBA. We have all lined up for tickets, tuned in to watch him shoot, score, steal, split the opposing defense, drive to the hole, draw the fouls and score. That is who he is and what he does and nobody on this planet does it better. We the public created that monster of a player and now we want to penalized him for it? I think not. Iverson entertained, amazed and astounded us all.
In 2001 when Philly went to the Finals, Iverson did strap the team on his back and take them there. If he is true to himself, to his heart and his passion, playing his game, and not try to “fit in” he will return to his former self and Memphis will be a team to be reckoned with.
He is a warrior, leader. Turn him loose and let him play his game.
Tommie Allison Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
One more comment to this replies from the public, Iverson is a guard. He can play the point position, but where he really shines is in the 2 guard position, thus the title, “Shooting Guard”. The second guard is supposed to score - period. He is on the floor to run screens and get free to score. That is when Iverson plays his best games, when he is at the #2 position. Kobe is a #2 guard, Ray Allen, but nobody is hating on them when they take the shot. Why hate on my boy?
Raise up off Iverson. Very few people in the entire world can accomplish what Iverson has, and even fewer have had the opportunity to do so. When it is all said and done, Iverson will make the Hall of Fame, he will continue to stack up more records and stats, so whenever he decides to call it quits, he will have built and left behind a legacy for our youth to look at and decide that they can, too. Allen Iverson is a true Rags to Riches American Dream Come True story in and of himself. How many people can say that, much less live it.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
I don’t think Iverson helps a team by coming off the bench and scoring 17 a game in 20-25 minutes. That will never happen and should never happen.
What should happen (and what I’m hoping for) is that he turns into a pass first PG. He’s still one of the most athletic players in the league. Still lightning quick. He can average 7 apg even when he’s shooting 30 times a game.
What I want to see him do is shoot only 10-15 times a game. And, look to set up this young squad. If he turned into a distributor, he’d be one of the league’s best PGs. If he wanted to, he could still score an efficient 15 ppg while dishing out 11 or 12 apg with a good outside shooter (Mayo), a slasher (Gay) and a face up post player (Randolph).
Will this ever happen? Probably not. But, this is what I’ve been waiting for him to do for the last two or three years - ever since he left Philly.
Zane Said,
September 11, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
AI needs to play with a athletic DEFENSIVE orientated team - with a solid TALL - pass first point guard. (ala Eric Snow)
AI can be the shooting guard on offence, and the point guard can guard the opposing teams shooting guard.
What good is it if AI goes for 30, and the opposing SG goes for 40? He can guard point guards all day but just gives up too much height to guard shooting guards.
If he were 5 inches taller he’d be one of the best players in the history of the game.
Whats up in Memphis? One bad move after another! Give away Gasol for NOTHING. Trade for matador defence Randolph? Iverson to mentor Mayo?? Mayo is just going to watch Iverson jack up 35 shots a game and hit about 10 of them. He already knows how to do that.
This move effectively impeeds the development of Gay and Mayo, and Randolph is going to clog the lane ala Chris Webber. They may win a few more games but this is the wrong fit.
SHOULDA GONE TO CHARLOTTE.
Larry Said,
September 12, 2009 @ 4:01 am
Here’s some facts to think about when you talk about AI, He scored 24,000 points, but took 19,590 shots to get those points. His lifetime shooting % of 42.5 % is way down the list of so called stars. His 3 points FG % was 31% , certtainly nothing to brag about and his FT % was an average 78%
His top season for assists was his first at 7.5 apg. For his career he averaged 6 per game. Sounds to me that AI was taking way too many shots to get those 27 ppg and a few more dishes for easy hoops to teammates would have helped his teams win more games. Everyone talks about Steve Nash’s turnovers per game are outrageous. He averaged 2.7 turnovers per game. AI averaged 3.6 tunovers per game and Nash’s teams had more possessions. All those stats indicate he was more of an individualist than a great team player. That’s why he couldn’t find a team thias summer. After so many years no one believes this individualist will become a team player.
By the way Eddie Johnson scored19,202 points during a stellar career the most ever for a player not making an All-star team, shooting 47% from the field, 33% from 3 point range which I believe was moved in a little since he played and a solid 84% from the charity stripe. Now EJ wasn’t a Michael Cooper on defense by any stretch of the imagination, but he won the 6th man of the Year award off the Bench for Phoenix in the late 1980’s, so he knows what it is like to be a starter for many years and then come off the bench. I would at least lend one ear to what Eddie says, he’s been through the wars on the hardwood!
knock knock Said,
September 12, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Love hearing how people say that the Denver team w/Chauncey wasn’t any better than the one with A.I. The team with iverson got SWEPT by the kobe bryant-led lakers as an 8th seed in the West. Chauncey’s team might have won only a few more games, but that’s what it takes to be the number 2 seed. There’s a reason why a.i. was never on one of the top teams in the league, EVER!. At least the Nuggets didn’t just lay down and die, they fought and lost in 5 or 6. Iverson’s always been a loser, what’s changing in Memphis?.
kingsblade Said,
September 13, 2009 @ 1:40 am
Dez said,
“rondo is the next j-kidd”
There is no reasoning with this level of insanity and delusion. None. Reminds me of a homeless guy I spoke to at the courthouse who was certain that he was there for a job interview to be a “CIA judge.”
Different delusion but with a similar quality.
Miguel Said,
September 14, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
AI quit on the Pistons pretty soon after beng traded there. He was insulted that they were only renting him for the rest of the season, so he just pulled a Palin on them. What GM wants a guy like that on their team? Still a great talent, but a bigger headache.
James Said,
September 14, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
knock, knock, noooooo! What was the 2001 Sixers? Were they not in the finals? Were they not the only team to win a playoff game against the Lakers that year? Who led that team. On the Nuggetts, if you lose to the same damn team, what difference does it make whether its in the first round or the finals? You still can’t beat the particular team in a series.
Ryan Jones Said,
September 15, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
Iverson does not make a team better. He was signed for one reason - a business decision. People in Memphis are not watching basketball! Although not a big draw anymore, Iverson will still sell more tickets then Conley, Gay and Mayo combined.
A player like Eddie House is more valuable than Iverson is now. Very sad because Iverson has a chance to be the best sparkplug in the game. House can take all the shots he wants but won’t get more than 20 minutes a game.
Iverson has gotta big EGO! A very big EGO! So him coming off the bench will never happen.
Steve Watkins Said,
September 16, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
A lot cahanges over the course of a career - players tend to get a little slower, a little heavier, they develop different skills and gain knowledge and experience. They get traded and find themselves with different teammates with different skills, strengths, and weaknesses. If a guy really wants to win, he will adapt his game to maximize his chance of winning for every hand he is dealt. That is the difference between the contenders and the pretenders. That is what MJ did in Chicago and he said that in his Hall of Fame speech, which was a great speech about the challenges a great player faces and overcomes year in and year out in order to win.
Iverson should have done what Eddie is saying 10 years ago - or longer. He would have more wins under his belt plus more years left in the NBA. He is a savvy player but his priorities are missplaced. He wants to win, no doubt but only if he can be the star. To make it in the Hall of Fame, you should want to win UNCONDITIONALLY.
dddd is right on the money