Allen Iverson was once again introduced as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, three years after being traded from the place where he spent the first 10-plus seasons of his All-Star career.
Things have been recently rocky for Iverson, who left the Memphis Grizzlies after just three games to first deal with a personal family matter, before eventually announcing his intention to retire from basketball altogether. But when he got the call from his agent presenting the opportunity to "come back home," Iverson said it was something he couldn't turn down.
It was an understandably emotional moment for Iverson, who had to fight back the tears as he declared his happiness with his current situation.
The problems for Iverson on his two previous clubs, Detroit and Memphis, stemmed from the fact that in both situations, he was being asked to come off the bench -- something he very vocally made clear that he was not comfortable with. It was addressed this time around, and Iverson said all the right things.
"You know what, the situation here is so great for me and it's such a blessing, that when we had that meeting I felt good about the meeting and what coach said," Iverson said. "Just give me the assignment, and I'll help you win basketball games.
"That situation [coming off the bench] is so frustrating to me ... it was so hard for me because I never had to do it in my whole life. It was tough on me, I didn't know how to deal with it, and obviously I didn't deal with it the right way. I just couldn't handle it."
Ed Stefanski also discussed the possibility of Iverson coming off the bench in Philadelphia. But while he said no guarantees were made, it doesn't seem like that was the reason for the signing.
"No one guaranteed Allen would start here, or that he would play X number of minutes," Stefanski said. "I didn't bring him here to add depth, I'm bringing Allen Iverson back here to help us on the court to win basketball games."
For his part, Iverson feels he's grown from his past two experiences, and says now that all he wants to do is fit in, and help his team win ballgames.
"I don't want to prove anybody wrong, I'm not in it for that," Iverson said. "But if I can help my team win basketball games the way my coach wants me to help, I'll be satisfied."
Iverson is expected to make his Sixers debut on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
not really an iverson fan and I don't think this will work. Especially when he starts coming of the bench for a bad team (sound familar?). That being said, I feel for allen and hope it works out.
Allen Iverson, 4 time NBA Scoring Champion, 6th highest scoring average in NBA history (27PPG), and...barely six feet tall, reduced to tears! Can he play? Is pig's a*s pork? Does a wild bear eat honey in the woods? Allen Iverson, that is a question you will never have to answer; certainly, on this last, home, stint. A hands-down, Hall of Famer, who, other than being the Greatest NBA Little Man to score tons of points and feed us loads of assists, knows only how to be a good husband and father! He can play as long as he wants...even with a cane!
yup he got his ways as we all do but he,s got heart and i admire that say what u will about the fella he,s got heart
"For his part, Iverson feels he's grown from his past two experiences, and says now that all he wants to do is fit in, and help his team win ballgames."
hmmm, this sentiment and iverson's quotes are shocking similar to the things he said when he signed with detroit. and then again when he signed with the grizz. iverson doesn't change, period. he is what he always has been and always will be.
he signed with the 76'ers because they were the only team desperate enough to need him as a starter, they better hope that situation doesn't change, because ai WILL take his ball and go home, AGAIN.
WELCOME HOME SON
WELCOME HOME SON
A.I. is and will always be the man. The people who criticized him do not understand the game of basketball. Like the stupid sportswriters who never played a professional game in their life. Asking A.I. to come off the bench is like asking Brett Farve to be a 3rd string quarterback. It ain't gonna happen!!! I've followed him since Georgetown, and he deserves to start until he is 50 yrs. old.
A.I. is and will always be the man. The people who criticized him do not understand the game of basketball. Like the stupid sportswriters who never played a professional game in their life. Asking A.I. to come off the bench is like asking Brett Farve to be a 3rd string quarterback. It ain't gonna happen!!! I've followed him since Georgetown, and he deserves to start until he is 50 yrs. old.
People should not sleep on his skills. His crossover and athletic ability to handle the ball creates baskets and assists. He has always been a great player. He still has some juice left because he is hungry.
This was heartbreaking: you mean there's still a professional athlete who cares this much about his life and his sport? Who talks about the importance of his wife and children? I'm a Laker's fan, but I've always admired the great courage and skill of A.I. I'm amazed at people who rip on his "off court" problems. What problems? He's never been the guy who throws money at strippers, gets loaded and drives 110 MPH, nothing. He once criticized the Philly fans for booing Kobe Bryant at the All Star game. defending the Pennsylvania native by saying "It's not right. That's somebody's son." Yes, he screwed up on the "practice, practice" stuff, and on not realizing his place within the team. Those are ON COURT issues. I don't give a damn about the corn rolls and the rap album: a man is entitled to make his personal decisions. But now that he seems to realize his place on a team, I hope he triumphs as never before. Iverson should claim his rightful place by heping to lift his team toward a Finals appearance. Bravo, A.I.: the opposiition salutes you. You have as much heart as any man who ever played the game.
"Practice? We cryin 'bout practice? Practice? I can't believe we cryin 'bout practice!"
Iverson is done and crying like the baby he is. He is a ball hog and made and made a career out of it. He is all for himself and still is. I think the 76ers are desperate to fill the stands, but who wants to see a washed up ball hog that cries like a baby and won't even PRACTICE!