Is Iverson Leaving Philadelphia?

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12/08/2006 6:55 PM ET By Marcel Mutoni

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- Marcel Mutoni

Peter Vescey, the acerbic and legendary NY Post basketball scribe, broke the biggest rumor of the young season so far: According to Peter's sources--two agents whose clients play for the 76ers--Allen Iverson went to Sixer management and demanded to be traded this past Tuesday. This, of course, should come as no surprise to anyone who watches basketball with any regularity. Hell, our very own J.E. Skeets called it this summer:

"Yeah, as much as I hate to say it, I think this'll be the year the Sixers finally trade AI."

If Sixers team president, Billy King, can somehow get a deal done, here are the teams I'd love to see Iverson (a personal favorite) play on. Please keep in mind that I don't know (or care) about these teams' salary caps, financial situations, trade-able assets, etc. This is about dreaming:

Knicks: Kidding! (But you know, a backcourt of Marbury and Iverson might be fun to watch. Or even better, Iverson and Nate Robinson! Nah...)

Kings: A.I. teaming up with Artest would make the Kings the most gangsta team in the whole Association. By a long shot. I bet Shaq wouldn't call them the "Queens" anymore.

Timberwolves: This would probably be the best place for Iverson. Who wouldn't be rooting for A.I. and K.G. to finally win a title by joining forces?

Lakers: He's an enormous talent with mega star appeal, so Hollywood would eat it up and the League would be thrilled. If Kobe let it happen, you know Phil Jackson would find a way to make it work. The only thing I'd worry about is Tex Winter's heart.

Clippers: Why not? Their offense is more liberal than the Lakers'; they've got Brand who needs a dominant running mate; and an Iverson Clipper jersey might even make wearing jerseys in public cool again.

Magic: In all likelihood, Orlando doesn't want to mess up what they have going so far by tampering with team chemistry, but they would definitely listen to the Sixers' pitch. Besides, A.I. running with Dwight Howard would be nuts. This would make them a legitimate threat to get out of the East come June.

And because I like to read way too much into the most circumstantial of minutiae, A.I. was a late scratch from tonight's tilt with the Wizards and will also not be joining his teammates in their next game. Hmmm...

Read More: 76ers Eastern NBA Media Watch NBA Rumors

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Comments (Page 1 of 3)

rusty 12-08-2006 9:56PM

i think once the 6'ers get back home and cool down from all the loses they will sit down and talk with AI and get things straight and he'll be back and playing. at least i hope lol. if not there is a lot of high school teams looking for coaches.

George B Vieto 12-09-2006 2:06AM

Allen Iverson leaving Philadelphia 76ers is like Mickey Mouse being the mascot for Fox Network.

elliot 12-09-2006 10:59AM

trading allen iverson would be and mistake .He has been her for 11 yrs he has played his heart every time he steps on court .All he ever wanted to do was win games and he has done that . He has tooken them to finals than they dismantel the team .And loose the couch after that he has never had the supporting cast around him .So the blame should fall on Billy King he does not know what he is doing .I mean i love Chris Webber but he is washed up he can't even run the floor .What has Billy King done for this team .They need to fire him and bring Pat Croce back to bring some excitment to the city .It' s not A.I. it's management

Budman 12-09-2006 11:01AM

AI can't win by himself and he is unwilling to listen to anyone else, regardless of how much knowledge and experience they might have. Larry Brown tried to teach AI how to distribute the ball to his teammates to help open things up and get better shots for him but it seems AI has been carrying the load for so long, he refuses to relinquish it. Has AI won a championship at any level above high school? Good luck to him wherever he goes. It's almost like the Bobby Abreau trade this past Summer with the Phillies, different team chemistry gets you different results. The way the Sixers are going now any change is worth taking the risk of losing a talented player like AI.

Bourne To Kill 12-09-2006 11:01AM

Iverson/Kobe would be a great team if the NBA suddenly introduced a Now Using Two Basketballs At The Same Time policy.

Timothy Warren 12-09-2006 11:00AM

I've been a sixers fan since the days of Dr. J, Moses Malone, Bobby Jones, Caudwell Jones, but if the sixers trade A.I. I WILL NO LONGER BE A SIXER FAN. A.I. does not deserve to be treated this way by the sixers because of what he has done and given to this team for 11 years. Where ever he goes that will be my team. SIXERS YOU LOSE!!!!!!!!!!

WIZ 12-09-2006 11:00AM

AI is the man. Just like Sir Charles Barkley. The sixer is a funny organization when it comes to lifetime players, commited players, players that put in work and feel good about it. Even if they lose or win. AI like Charles need to take flight like Jordan. AI done all he could do with Philly. Know at this point in his life they are holding him back. Away from a championship title. A change would do AI some good after 11 years of sacrifices. He is a veteran player and should be treated with a great deal of respect. I love the guy. He has a bigg heart and has what it takes to win with just a little help from everyone. There is a A in TEAM and thae answer is AI. God bless him and his entire family, The best is yet to come AI is back. Knew improve AI. just WATCH. The Heat would be great to play for w, Shag, Wade, Payton, Morning, and Pat Riley.

WIZ 12-09-2006 11:07AM

Sixers make Iverson top pick in NBA Draft

1997
Iverson named Schick Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.5 PPG. AI is also arrested for possession of marijuana and carrying a concealed weapon after getting pulled over for speeding

1999-2000
Iverson leads NBA in scoring, starts All-Star Game and makes first trip to the playoffs

2001
Iverson is named league MVP after winning second scoring title, then carries Sixers all the way to the NBA Finals. Averages 32.9 points per game during playoff run

May 8, 2002
Iverson goes on infamous "practice" rant after Larry Brown complains about his star often missing team meetings and practice

Feb. 24, 2004
Iverson kicked out of Bally's Casino in Atlantic City after getting caught urinating in a trash can

April 18, 2006
Iverson, along with teammate Chris Webber, shows up late for home finale and fan appreciation night and is benched by coach Maurice Cheeks

Nov. 29, 2006
Iverson fined by Sixers after missing mandatory team event at bowling alley

Dec. 5, 2006
Iverson reportedly demands trade from Sixers
Iverson is truly a warrior with his battles on and off the court. I take my hat off to this man. I highly respect him for his accomplishment The Sixers should/need to respect him 110%. They can never replace what he has done once he is gone. The Arena will not be the same. PHILLY will not be the same. Fans will follow Iverson decision. I know I will. He's the Answer, Just watch. Wiz

Kinger 12-09-2006 11:58AM

Iversons time is up.. i live in Philly and im tired of his 10 for 30 shooting .. for you poeple who only see the ESPN good things about him , its not like that.. I will be a bigger 6er fan when hes gone .. the relationship is old and tiring, and just like his wife . the seperation in relationships is due .. SEE YA A.I .. enjoy your next team , and havoc with the next coach .... and for those whoi think your gettin a so called SUPER-STAR .. tell me that when he shoots his 10 for 30 .. BYE-BYE A.I

R. Moss 12-09-2006 12:22PM

Put Iverson in Miami Heats Line up and its Ball Game Set, match, REPEAT. On any given night D. Wade ,A.I. or Shaq could take the night off and still win by 10

mike 12-09-2006 2:10PM

would be a big mistake for phila to trade him been fan of the team since mid 70's I would not even watch them again

AJ 12-09-2006 2:10PM

It will never happen but what if philly trades A.I. to charlotte. cap wise it would work plus bring ppl to the game not to mention charlotte might be a lottery team this year so philly could get a draft pick and get say.....Greg Oden

John 12-09-2006 2:10PM

Lets face it. The sixer GM's are to blame. In 97 they started the mistakes in the draft, taking Van Horn instaed of Billups or T-mac then they make the same mistake in the 98 draft taking Hughes right before Nowitzki and Pierce. If they would have seen the talent in any of theese guys A.I. would have had the help he needed and the Sixers would have been on there way to a dynasty but look where they are now...

Jaques Bordeaux 12-09-2006 5:26PM

If AI leaves Philadelphia, The Sixers organization can forget selling out anytime soon. Allen Iverson is what the sixers are about. The organization and the ego's of those who manage the team is to blame for the current state of this organization. As a life long Sixer fan i think the Problem is the management. I don't think the right peole are making the right choices. People can think or say what ever they want, but strong organizations don't have these problems. Getting rid of the talent is only going to lead to many other peole searching for jobs. MO Cheeks is a great guy, with an amazing career as a player, he should have retired as a player and stuck to something other then coaching. We all know Larry Brown wasn't the right fit in the end, but we never had problems like this. It is my opinion that the organization has to look at the big picture and realize that this liquidation sale of one of the games greatest players is inappropriate and a disgrace. In the end the only ones who will lose are those responsible for creating this mess in the first place. The Coach, the management, and sadly Comcast whose investment is being so poorly mismanganed you wonder how they ever allowed this to happen.

Lady Esther 12-09-2006 5:26PM

A.I. started me watching basketball. He brings not only points @ excitement to the game... He brings his love for his fans @ plays with his heart... May God truly bless him wherever he is,but I certainly hope it will be in Philadelphia. He deserves the best from Philly, because he has given his best to us. I Love you A.I. no matter where you go you will be in Philly's heart. just keep on playing YOUR GAME!! It would be nice to see Pat Croce back to he is colorful too.Com'on lets get Iverson a well deserved ring.

Lia 12-09-2006 5:27PM

If the Sixers trade AI to the Celtics I will never support the Sixers again. There are just some teams you do not trade too.

bob chuba 12-09-2006 5:27PM

life long hoop man , sixer fan and philly guy, i love ai, a small man, in big mans game, who did it his, way, scoffed at authority, and became a legend,
i am not a billy king fan, he has botched it up.. as
for ai, see ya dude, you played it out, i have to go to work on monday, and go by the book,, your gig is
up, was a nice run, take your, gun , your stash, your,
cars, and rap, to new spot,, love ya anyway

Josep Lemons 12-09-2006 5:25PM

I think AI should leave after all he had been with us a 11 years. he wanted so much to do with or team. But Larry King does not no how to use his players. He gets couches that are loosers. Our city doesnt care wheather they win or loose. The only thing I feel sorry for is our fans. we pay so much to see these players they get big money. and they dont show up half the time when they play ball. Just makes you feel that they are all about money. We havent had a championship team in over 20 years. what's going on in the city of brotherly love. I all most feel is that I would like to move to a different city. there is no respect any more for the players and the couch and the owners. it's all about money. pretty soon there will be no more fans. after all take AI out of the picture and no more fans. you got to love this city. I think they should just sell the 76 sixers and get it over with because we will not be seeing any championship soon. All I know is I love my four Philadelphia teams and will stand by them no matter the cost. Love yah AI

Scott 12-09-2006 5:25PM

AI, even though it is ahrd to beleive the bulls should eb samrt and go after AI, he is a great all around ball player,a nd scores and we need a leadign scoorer on teh team he would be gerat for teh young guys and teach them alot.go after him bulls, do nto be stupid Paxon.

rich 12-09-2006 5:25PM

ok i think boston has the most to offer in a package if the sixers are looking to rebuild. lol you would think danny loves little kids with the amount of young people he has in house so ship some and give paul a break ty

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