Ok, So let me get this straight

[Eric_Suede35]

Bobcats , Good team on the up & up, Plays awesome team Defense , but lack scoring. So Signing Kwame "el busto" Brown, giving a look at Darius Miles & ANTOINE WALKER , Good Idea. but bringing in or at least working out a Future hall of famer, multiple scoring champ,former MVP that is Allen Iverson. Bad.
Help me out with this guys. I'm seriously at a loss for all the Iverson Hate. I mean goodness he can be had in exchange for a Washing machine and a pack of Gum. I mean REALLY? he isn't even worth a Look?
Sorry for my pessimism guys but i'm not too happy with the offseason moves. Personally I would love to see AI get at least an opportunity. Seriously you guys feel comfortable with forever injured Livingston & DJ Augustine. That's who we're looking to run the offense and compete against the powerhouses in the east?
Other than the usual crap, Someone explain why he isn't even worthy for an experiment. Someone help. Can't understand the mindset of being Ok with Walker but not ok with Iverson.

[Plowright]

Walker is only playing pickup games with the cats, just like Brendan Heywood is. Niether of them are playing for us just training becuase they live in charlotte, plus nazy invited walker to play with them just cause hes a friend. I very much doubt walker will be on the team or in camp

[millst2]

I am under the same mindset. I know a lot of people do not like AI's attitude, but honestly we could sign him for next to nothing and make it so heavy in stipulations that it is a no brainer. We need someone who can help the scoring and AI isnt horrible on D, would help with ticket sales and merchandising. AI is looking for that next chance, and he played decent putting up 17.9 pts a game in his short stint in Philly before his divorce issues with the wifey.

I also think it's a no brainer, and we should at least look into that option.


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nice new design btw, I like it~!

[ammofan]

I wish we would bring in AI too but I dont think its happenin. We really need a center. Nazr wont last the whole year and who knows what Kwame may or may not do.

[BlockParty]

Someone explain why he isn't even worthy for an experiment. Someone help. Can't understand the mindset of being Ok with Walker but not ok with Iverson.

For starters, the Bobcats have gone out of their way to say they didn't invite Walker in, he is here as a former/current NBA player at the invitation of Nazr (just like Brendan Haywood, who is currently on another roster).

As for AI, he's a cancer to any type of team unity, that's just not my opinion, it's a fact, it happened in Philly towards the end of his time there, then in Detroit, then in Denver, then in Memphis (notice the trend?). AI, less than 12 months ago, made it very clear, he's a starter at starters minutes. Even if he said that it doesn't matter, he's never shown the ability on a professional level to back up anything that didn't involve him as the center of attention.

He even tried to make it clear when LB was his coach that he is always smarter than the coach...ALWAYS. At times in his career, his team needed him to put up Hall of Fame scoring averages, he was a tough competitor, he had/has an unbelievable tolerance for pain, but he's not a team player, not even close.

So why not take a chance? You don't take a chance on someone like that, bringing them in at a low (relative terms) salary as a slower, aged down version. You sign a guy like AI when he's in his prime and when you have a coach that is patient enough to put up with his primadona demands (he's not in his prime and we need to test LB's patience in others ways, and definitely not with just one player).

Do I think DJ, Livingston or Collins is a guarantee to work? Nope, but I have a greater confidence that Iverson would not work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHJDRgVwcP8

[SWedd523]

When you're in your prime, teams are willing to deal with your bad attitude. But when you get older and you start to decline, if you don't change your character, it's going to be hard to find work because you burned all those bridges. They'll put up with you while you're an all-pro, all-star level guy. But they won't when you can't produce anymore. That's why guys like Allen Iverson and Michael Vick are shunned. They never learned to be good people.


If AI were to embrace himself as a backup, energy type 6th man, then I'd definitely take a flyer on him. But, as it currently stands, AI will never play in the NBA again because he still has that top 5 in the NBA attitude even though he doesn't have that top 5 in the NBA skill anymore. He still has a year or two to learn how to be a team-first guy, but I wouldn't bet on it.

[Toocool]

I'm to agree with the issue on AI.

Yes...he will fill seats if we sign him, but that will be the only good that he'll bring to the table. Like Swedd says, not much of a team player. At 34-35 he's far past his prime, and his game hasn't fully expanded to the 3 point line since he was such a good slasher. He can hit the 3, but doesn't warrant enough attention for guards to fully commit to him on the 3 point line. By all means he can still score again, but he'll have trouble guarding and keeping up with the younger guards now. Not only that, but he wants starter minutes. We won't give him starter minutes when we have Cpt. Jack who can SPACE the floor (AI can't), post up, hit the mid range jumper, as well as pass. If AI took Cpt. Jack's spot (hypothetically speaking) with TT starting, we would have a lineup of:

DJ
AI
Crash
TT
Nazzy

Out of those 5, Crash can spot up 1-3 times on the 3 point line, but he won't draw much attention. TT+Nazzy's mid range jumper may draw a bit of attention. AI won't draw much, if anything. Therefore the only legit 3 point threat we would have is DJ, and if Hammer comes onto the court. Thus we would have a team of mainly slashers and inside-game players and no spacing on the floor. We wouldn't have that problem with Cpt Jack who draws a crapload of defense whenever he goes for a run to the basket.

But I do agree with Swedd with getting AI, but ONLY if he accepts a much lesser role (6th-7th man off the bench).

I don't think AI will ever get back to the NBA, he'll probably head to China and earn a bucket load of money.

[QC Thundercats]

AI is and will forever be a controversial person. I will say that I actually am a fan of his (not a major fan, but always appreciated his tenacity and heart), but I completely understand why people feel the way they do about him. I don't think he's a bad person, he's just an overly sensitive guy who just would always speak before he thought about what he was going to say. So when he would say something dumb, the media would just keep getting on him for that statement, and not focus or care about the underlying context.

I actually give AI the benefit of the doubt for a couple of his stops, but he definitely did not handle it in an appropriate manner. I think that at his stops in Detroit and Memphis, he was promised a starting, or at least prominent role on the team. But Flip was in over his head with handling the Rip/AI situation, and I think the Grizzlies owner tried to manipulate the AI signing with false promises for a boost in the teams ticket sales, without clearing things with the coach. But yeah, AI shutting himself down in response wasn't the most professional approach he could've taken in those situations.

I do think it could work here, because Larry is one of the most straight forward coaches there is, whether it hurts your feelings or not. Thats why even though he disagreed with AI plenty of times, he was always completely straight up with him, and AI knew exactly where he stood with LB. I understand peoples reservations with signing AI, since he wears his heart on his sleeves, and pretty much has no filter from his brain to his mouth. But I feel that signing AI is a worthwhile shot that would help us offensively (in a limited role of course).

Plus, the main reason LB didn't want him last year was because we were trying to develop both Felton and Augustine. Since Felton is now gone, I think there is now definitely a role for AI to fill in a limited capacity. Its just a matter of if AI is willing to accept that role, or be the MVP of the Chinese league. But he definitely could fill a Jason Terry like role for a few years if he was willing.

[millst2]

I agree with you QC..

Well while i respect everyone's opinions as I always have. There is 2 sides to every debate. Some think as AI a cancer, and facts can I guess show that. But also facts can show that he can still play, and if his attitude is better then why not!

I never stated sign him to a guaranteed contract or anything. I said we should bring him in and let him put up his 15-20pts a game. He would by far be better than DJ! Livingston , maybe not, as I think if Livingston has his body in shape , he has great court vision and can score and keep the ball moving.

But if you offer AI a 1 yr contract that is not guaranteed and has stipulations that if his attitude is bad, he misses practices, comes to games late, disrupts the locker room etc he will be bounced. I think even though he had issues in the past he knows this is it for him. He knows now he must accept a bench roll if that is what it needed. He played well in his last stint in philly, but that was due to the owners and coaching staff telling him upfront what was expected of him. Unlike the memphis deal where he was told he could start.

If he played at the 17.9pt scoring avg he did while in philly, he would be one of the top scorers on the team. He also sold out the games in which he played before his marital issues and family issues. Again it is no different to me than us looking at Miles or who ever the fuck the other guy is. It would be a non guaranteed situation, I think he would step up. No different than some of you guys claiming that Jax was a cancer and bad for the locker room.

MJ needs to sell more merchandise, everyone agreed we need a big name player to help build awareness and garner more attention. AI would do it. hell even as bad as some of you claimed he was last yr he still was voted onto the all-star team. fans love him, he can still put up close to 20pts a game and brings recognition to the team.

I would love to see an AI/ Wallace/ Jax/ TT and Nazr starting 5.

Not trying to cause another heated debate, but a 1 yr contract that isn't guaranteed with major stipulations in it to benefit our team would not hurt us at all.

[ammofan]

I dont see why we dont give AI a 1 year deal and juts whatever happen, happen. Alot of people are writing us off already and a cheap 1 year deal isnt gonna hurt us.

[Chef]

right now we have un-primed, un-charged powder keg of volatile players. jax and TT (combined 20+mil to the cap) and diaw (just needs an excuse to mail in the season) are great team players when they have a good locker room, strong team captain (crash) and coach (lb, can't wait to mail in the season if it gets bad). right now all is well in bobcat locker room land. a washed up iverson is the primer, blasting cap and fuse to the situation. it will only take him a few weeks to turn the whole locker room into a shit sandwich when he inevitably becomes unhappy with his role. even though can be had for nothing, it is not worth the risk to team cohesion.

[mrtarheel]

Ok AI isn't the next young thing coming, true but we have so many issues at the pg position. Wallace and Jax are the captains of this team and the get along because of the love and desire to play the game. You can not tell me that AI doesn't show this. AI will do not only help DJ understand the game from a 6'0" point of veiw but can be used in more than one way, pg and sg if need be. We already have projects like Miles and Livingston (injury) I think it would work. Sign AI and Josh Boone to small contracts and see what goes on in camp, if it doesn't work in camp cut your ties and be done

Dj, Livingston, AI
Jax, Hendo, Carroll
Wallace, UPS, Najare
TT, Diaw, McGuire
Nazr, Brown, Diop

[BRNC]

I can somewhat understand the folks that want to see AI here but...thios guy walked on two teams last year...lied to the 76s about spending time with his daughter...and we have three young guys at PG that need to be developed...

If we were bringing in an established veteran with a known history as a team player I'd be all for it...but given AIs recent (not past) history I would not want him here...his ability to disrupt our team greatly outweighs (IMO) anything positive he "might" do on the court...

[CatNation]

he didn't lie about having a sick daughter dude. just because he didnt spend 100% of his time with her doesnt mean he didnt spend a lot of time with her. During the season you have NO free time.

[BRNC]

Cat...I know he did not lie about the sick daughter...he lied about spending time with her after he left the team...

[CatNation]

no, he didn't. just because you don't hang out with your family 24/7 doesn't mean you don't see them ever. He wanted to see them, and theres no time in the season, but he still needed to get away from the stress of family too. I doubt you could sit with your family 24/7 for even a week

[BRNC]

Cat...not sure why I've upset you about this...but I've read reports that AI was in Charlotte when he told the 76s he was "taking care of his sick daughter" in Atlanta......also about my family...he was reportedly partying instead of doing what he claimed to be doing...I'm not going to do a major search but here is one link...but as far as I'm concerned like the guy all you want...I have no problem with that...

http://sportsbybrooks.com/hope-iversons-sick-4-year-old-likes-wet-willies-27997

I work out of my house and I'm pretty much around some member of my family most of the time...not sure what your point is concerning me and my family and AI being a liar?

[CatNation]

I'm not upset, its just dumb to say that because he wasnt beside his daughter 24/7 means he lied about wanting to spend more time with her.

[BIGCatBobcat]

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2010/09/i-dont-understand-the-negativity.html Bonnell, I was writing this article just now....jeeze. My version will be better. What issues do you guys see? PG, C, Front Office?

[BlockParty]

I would have more respect for Iverson's "word" if he was honest with the media, the fans and his coaches and said "look I've lost a step, I don't need the same number of minutes, I'll contribute however the Coach asks me to, to help this team be successful on the court."

Instead, his last two seasons have ended going on an extended injury/family illness absence. This is the same Iverson that played through almost every injury he encountered whenever he was given the royal treatment of being the best player on their team.

For Veterans past their prime, we should aspire to have Juwan Howardesq leadership, thrilled to get the minutes he gets, engaged at teaching the younger players how to be the best NBA players they can be (on the court, locker room, off season and community citizens).

And in my book, not being honest, is the same as lying, so I would tend to agree with BRNC's stance on this one.

[BRNC]

I'm not upset, its just dumb to say that because he wasnt beside his daughter 24/7 means he lied about wanting to spend more time with her.

Cat...I've never called anyone a name on this forum and I really do not appreciate being called dumb...and I've re-read all my post and at no time did I criticze AI for not being with his daughter 24/7...you're the one stuck with the 24/7...not me...
I have problems with AI being a liar...that is saying he was with his daughter when he was no with her...that's my problem...and let me be clear about something else...on numerous occasions when one of our children was ill my wife or me stayed with them...24/7...

But agin...not telling the truth to his team or reporters got AI in trouble...it had nothing to do with 24/7 but being where he "claimed to be" when he was not...

[teej]

Guys, no need to get personal.

AI has had multiple cases of not being where he said he was. His daughter has certainly been sick and if he was with her when he took off from the Sixers, I'd be more than ok with it. But when he's been documented as gambling in Atlantic City or chilling in the QC, on game nights? Not good. If he isn't with his family, he needs to be with his team. They have airplanes to take him home after a game...

[LiquidWayno]

Honestly - I think cutting Collins and signing Iverson makes sense....and I was very opposed to bringing in AI last year though. If Walker looks good, I'd drop McGuire in favor of him. I think this line-up would look pretty good. Diaw could work well with AI in the 2nd unit. No one dislikes AI as much as I do, but I really think he could work here. Sign him to a non-guaranteed and let's see what happens. First sign that he can't accept his role, he's off to China. Eddie, Hammer and Diop would likely be the DNP club. One issue I do see with this team is not being as strong defensively as last year's squad. Admittedly, AI & Toine would not help with that situation. I think we would score better for sure though.

DJ/Livingston/AI
Jack/Hendo/Hammer
Crash/UPS/Najera
Thomas/Diaw/Walker
Nazr/Kwame/Diop

[Toocool]

I have thought a lot about AI over the past couple of days. Sure at first I was somewhat in agreeance to him coming (I listed a lot of criteria he needed to meet first).

Now however, I am a definate no unless he grows up. Just remembered how he lied to the team, and went gambling and all that instead of playing basketball. No wonder no one wants him, 34 and still hasn't grown up at all. He's matured, but never grown up. Until he completely overhauls his attitude, it's a no.

[DY_nasty]

AI needs rehab.