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  • Sixers saying bye-bye to Iverson (for good)?

    76ers considering breaking ties with Allen Iverson

    Written by Jimmy Boyd on February 22, 2010

    Yahoo! Sports has reported that there is a strong movement within the Philadelphia 76ers organization to break ties with Allen Iverson according to league sources.

    If this is indeed the case, Iverson, who is not joining the team on their West Coast road trip, could have played his last game with the 76ers.

    Iverson talked with team officials over the weekend, requesting a leave of absence to be with his family while his daughter deals with medical problems. Iverson previously missed five games to be with his daughter from Feb. 3-10.

    Due to Iverson being constantly in-and-out of the lineup, team officials apparently think that releasing Iverson is what’s best for the organization.

    Sources say Iverson has been a good teammate since rejoining his former team. He has worked well with the organization’s younger players and hasn’t complained about his playing time.

    While this might be what’s best for the organization, this is a rather delicate matter when you consider what Iverson is going through with his daughter’s illness and with what he has meant to this organization.

    Iverson was the Philadelphia 76ers for a decade, and while his first term ended on kind of a sour note, doesn’t the organization owe him a little leeway here if he still wants to play?
    aim low, score high

  • #2
    Enough with the circus and on to the serious development of the team.
    If there is no basketball in heaven, i am NOT going.

    SMALLBALL, bitches..

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by sinobball View Post
      76ers considering breaking ties with Allen Iverson

      Written by Jimmy Boyd on February 22, 2010

      Yahoo! Sports has reported that there is a strong movement within the Philadelphia 76ers organization to break ties with Allen Iverson according to league sources.

      If this is indeed the case, Iverson, who is not joining the team on their West Coast road trip, could have played his last game with the 76ers.

      Iverson talked with team officials over the weekend, requesting a leave of absence to be with his family while his daughter deals with medical problems. Iverson previously missed five games to be with his daughter from Feb. 3-10.

      Due to Iverson being constantly in-and-out of the lineup, team officials apparently think that releasing Iverson is what’s best for the organization.

      Sources say Iverson has been a good teammate since rejoining his former team. He has worked well with the organization’s younger players and hasn’t complained about his playing time.

      While this might be what’s best for the organization, this is a rather delicate matter when you consider what Iverson is going through with his daughter’s illness and with what he has meant to this organization.

      Iverson was the Philadelphia 76ers for a decade, and while his first term ended on kind of a sour note, doesn’t the organization owe him a little leeway here if he still wants to play?
      If this speculation is true, this might be a good time for Iverson to leave the NBA and go play overseas. The only problem is that his style of play might not fit with certain leagues, given his need to control the offense individually and not play within a team system. Unless it's a lesser known club in Europe in need of a big name, I can't see him playing for powerhouses like Olympiakos, Barcelona, CSKA or Partizan. He would probably be better off doing the Marbury route; playing for a CBA club or Australia's NBL, since these are more up tempo, fast paced leagues that aren't as stuck on the European model of basketball.

      Comment


      • #4
        Iverson is no Marbury, I really can't see him play overseas. I think he has too much pride to let that happen.

        Speaking of Marbury, I think he'll stay in China longer than you think. The guy has good business senses and is actually really humble and considerate in his actions in China.

        What is Agent Zero doing nowadays anyway?
        aim low, score high

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by sinobball View Post
          Iverson is no Marbury, I really can't see him play overseas. I think he has too much pride to let that happen.

          Speaking of Marbury, I think he'll stay in China longer than you think. The guy has good business senses and is actually really humble and considerate in his actions in China.

          What is Agent Zero doing nowadays anyway?
          Well, I won't disagree with your point about his pride. But anything can happend, and when people become desperate to do something, humility usually wins over pride. If going overseas isn't an option for him then he has one of two options: 1) Retire from pro basketball 2) Take a reduced role as a bench player. He hasn't shown a willingness to do either, so I don't know where Iverson goes after in leaves the Sixers.

          As for Agent Zero, his hugh contract has him marooned in Washington. With the NBA expected to restrict salary amounts in the 2010/11 season, I don't see Washington being able to trade him to another team, and he has several guarenteed years left on his deal with no opt out, so he'll be there for a while barring a buyout.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by sinobball View Post
            Iverson is no Marbury, I really can't see him play overseas. I think he has too much pride to let that happen.
            I would agree with you on that point. Listening to Allen Iverson in interviews and watching him with his interview with former NBA player and Dominican Republic's very own Felipe Lopez, he is a very proud person and someone who wouldn't want to live outside his comfort zone, much more living outside the USA.


            Originally posted by Federoy View Post
            Iverson ... would probably be better off ... playing for ... Australia's NBL, since these are more up tempo, fast paced leagues that aren't as stuck on the European model of basketball.
            I would definitely disagree with you in regards to the Australian basketball style of play.

            Australian style of basketball is quite similar to the European style of "team-oriented" way of play. I have watched the NBL for the past 20 years and European basketball for 10 years and both I believe are quite similar but different in terms of level. This is a major reason why many Australian streetballers or those who grew up playing streetball and not fundamental/ team oriented basketball struggle in the NBL. A perfect example is Travis Lane, born to an African-American father and Australian mother, T-Lane grew up in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and became a star with the Penrith Panthers (ABA Club - Australia's semi pro league) as welll as being a star in the streetball scenes. He went to the US to play NCAA basketball and then came back to play for the Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats. The guy's style was a mix of Allen Iverson and Chris Paul. After 5 years of sitting on the bench, this "New York" style point guard was eventually cut from the Wildcats and went to the Western Australian State Basketball League.

            Allen Iverson, would definitely boost numbers and interest in the Australian basketball stage. The sport has been struggling for the past 10 years due to the lack of interest in the national league, thus a decline in sponsorships and crowd attendance. However, many coaches dislike the "streetball" style of play, which is a reason why many basketball fans find the NBL "boring".

            I would welcome Iverson into the league because it would inject fresh blood into the league and more importantly increase the interest in the sport. However, I strongly doubt that Iverson would want to travel all the way to Australia.
            "No hay poder en el mundo que pueda cambiar el destino"
            -El Padrino

            Comment


            • #7
              Australian style of basketball is quite similar to the European style of "team-oriented" way of play. I have watched the NBL for the past 20 years and European basketball for 10 years and both I believe are quite similar but different in terms of level.
              Well, then I digress. I remember watching a few NBL games on a video file sharing site a few years back, and it seemed pretty uptempo to me. Perhaps I shouldn't make such assumptions based on a few games, so I certainly won't argue with you if you say otherwise.

              When I hear the word "streetball," I typically think of the And 1 variety of basketball. Very few basketball players can have a serious career if they don't possess some fundamental skills, so if Travis Lane was a streetballer, as you say, then his fate doesn't surprise me. For as much as purist complain about the NBA style of basketball, it's a far cry from And 1 and other forms of entertain style basketball.

              Comment


              • #8
                I never saw NBL games but I saw Melbourne Tigers in 03 and Sydney Kings in 06(?) when they were in China. Yeah very fundamentally sound teams; both teams had terrific guards (Gaze/Copeland & J.Smith) but don't do fast breaks at all. Instead they rely a lot on small pick and rolls and cuts. Typical European style. Of course for me uptempo = Japan, Taipei etc., they almost always push when they get a chance.
                aim low, score high

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                • #9
                  Iverson's just not a good player these days. I can't see him being valuable to a serious team in the US or Europe. Maybe he could do okay in China or Sweden or somewhere but what's the point?
                  Originally posted by Fedfan
                  Most ppl get childish when they lose.
                  Originally posted by GuTO
                  refs in games of Spain walks with literally poop in his pants afraid of the Spanish players

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by sinobball View Post
                    Speaking of Marbury, I think he'll stay in China longer than you think. The guy has good business senses and is actually really humble and considerate in his actions in China.
                    Never thought I would see someone describe Mr. Starbury as "humble", much less "considerate in his actions."

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Czarkazem13 View Post
                      Never thought I would see someone describe Mr. Starbury as "humble", much less "considerate in his actions."
                      Haha, I didn't either to be honest. You know sometimes a change in scenery is the best behavior modifier. That, or laying off the dope.

                      I'm gonna be a SM apologist now. Stephon came to China mainly for business, but the I believe he's natural. He's no Bonzi Wells, who went to the same team last year, was welcomed like a rock star but eventually disliked by everyone due to his cockiness. My conclusion: Stephon was misunderstood in the NBA. He said controversial things and posted weird videos because he resented the fact that he was being judged. He was like this stubborn teenager who appeared to be rebellious but really just needed love. They say he was self-centered, but guess which NBA player donated the most to Katrina? Who donated the most to NYC projects? He gives love back to those who love him, but spares none for the rest. China is a perfect place for him. Everybody loves him there and he enjoys the attention. I think Stephon will stay in China a lot longer than most people think.

                      To get back on topic, Iverson is a lot more cocky, the guy was unhappy with coming off the bench! Marbury never complained about minutes with the Celtics last year and still did a great job when he did play. Iverson wouldn't do that. Therefore I believe Iverson will retire immediately if the 76ers ditched him, instead of playing anywhere outside of the NBA.
                      Last edited by sinobball; 02-23-2010, 10:39 PM.
                      aim low, score high

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Iverson Will Not Return to 76ers -- March 2, 2010, by Dan Gelston, AP

                        ...Allen Iverson’s second stint with the team he once led to the NBA finals ended Tuesday when the Sixers announced he would not return for the rest of the season.

                        Iverson has mostly been absent from the team for a month, returning to Atlanta to be with his family as they deal with an undisclosed illness of his 4-year-old daughter, Messiah...

                        “After discussing the situation with Allen, we have come to the conclusion that he will not return to the Sixers for the remainder of the season, as he no longer wishes to be a distraction to the organization and teammates that he loves very deeply,” team president Ed Stefanski said. “It has been very difficult for Allen and the team to maintain any consistency as he tries to balance his career with his personal life.”

                        ...Iverson was hobbled by an arthritic left knee and constantly needed it drained. He usually walked gingerly around the locker room after games. His dwindling production didn’t bother his fans—Iverson was voted an Eastern Conference All-Starter, though he did not play.

                        ...The Sixers have been awful with or without Iverson. They are 22-37 after a 126-105 loss to Orlando on Monday night. They were on a nine-game losing streak when Iverson made his debut on Dec. 7.

                        ...Now, the global superstar who popularized “talking about practice,” might be talking about retirement. This time for good.
                        I've said it before and I'll say it again: I like Allen Iverson. While Team USA was suffering through Indianapolis 2002 and Athens 2004, Allen Iverson was the only player saying that he respected the other teams, that he wanted to stay on Team USA, and that he would do whatever he needed to do to win. In Athens, Iverson pulled teammates like Carmelo Anthony onto the floor to congratulate the Lithuanians and the Argentines. For all his "gangsta bravado," he was a great sportsman.

                        I hate to see him end his career like this.

                        But he should still go down in the history books as one of the greatest.
                        "I really like the attitudes of eagles. They never give up. When they grab a fish or something else, they never let it go. It doesn't matter. In a book, they write they find a skeleton of [an] eagle and there is no fish. It means that the fish beat him and killed him, but he didn't let go." -- Donatas Motiejunas

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          He failed twice this season, his daughter is sick, his wife wants to divorce and seems like he created a drinking habit. Could it be any worse?
                          Die Liebe wird eine Krankheit, wenn man sie als eine Heilung sieht
                          Artificial Nature

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by rikhardur View Post
                            Could it be any worse?
                            You don't say...

                            Multiple NBA sources say Allen Iverson is facing alcohol and gambling issues that have derailed his career and threaten his post-basketball well-being, according to a published report.

                            According to multiple NBA sources, there is widespread concern that (Iverson) "will either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away," Smith reported.

                            Iverson's gambling problem is serious enough that he has been banished from casinos in Detroit and Atlantic City, N.J., according to Smith.
                            aim low, score high

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              76ers fans responded positively on the AI homecoming

                              according to to a Daily News survey conducted by Temple University's Sport Industry Research Center.



                              It was early December and the 76ers were mired in the middle of a 12-game losing streak. Lead guard Lou Williams was sidelined with a broken jaw that was expected to keep him out for up to 8 weeks. The players were losing focus, interest and confidence in themselves and in first-year head coach Eddie Jordan.

                              President and general manager Ed Stefanski knew something had to be done. The team needed a guard who could handle the ball and provide some much-needed scoring.

                              Plain and simple, the best one available was Philadelphia icon Allen Iverson, who had played only three games earlier in the season for the Memphis Grizzlies before an injury, and then discontent, left him as a free agent.

                              Until Stefanski called and brought him back to the Sixers after a 4-year absence.

                              Iverson would have an emotional news conference and a raucous homecoming, and would play in 25 games before leaving the team in early March following an illness to his 4-year-old daughter, Messiah.

                              According to a Daily News survey conducted by Temple University's Sport Industry Research Center, 65 percent of respondents who indicated the Sixers are their favorite team in the city said bringing back Iverson was the right move. For 27 percent, it was the wrong move, and 8 percent were not sure.

                              For the man who signed him, there is no doubt.

                              "The impact he had on the locker room, the spark he provided, playing good basketball and the way he blended in was good for the team," Stefanski said. "When he got here, he was terrific. People ask me all the time if I would do it again. I tell them I would in a second. He was good for our team, and no one's career got thrown down while he was here."

                              When the Sixers announced on Dec. 2 that Iverson would be returning, fan reaction was understandably mixed. Iverson was 34; had some troubles during his tenures in Denver, Detroit and Memphis; and certainly wasn't the player Sixers fans remembered.

                              "We needed someone to replace Lou, and no one out there came close to the name of Allen Iverson from a basketball standpoint," Stefanski said.

                              Iverson brought life back to the team with his electrifying personality, and - believe it or not - his leadership. Rookie Jrue Holiday spoke numerous times of the lessons he learned in watching Iverson's competitive nature. Veterans Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand often touted Iverson's play and work ethic. Though the wins never accumulated the way the team envisioned - the Sixers were 10-15 with Iverson - their play did improve.

                              The expectation that he would help draw fans to the Wachovia Center also never proved true, beyond the sellout for his return.

                              Iverson battled through an arthritic knee, which required four drainings. He averaged 13.9 points and shot only 41.7 percent from the floor with the Sixers before his departure.

                              "No one can deny that he was good for this team when he was here," Stefanski said. "We needed a spark. Lou was playing very well when he got hurt. He was scoring the ball, and we had to get someone in who could do that. The whole time he was here, we had zero problems with Allen." *


                              Click here for the article

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