Allen Iverson wants last shot at NBA

[BobCatsFanInTx]

It doesn’t matter if it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves – or any of the NBA’s other basement dwellers. Allen Iverson(notes) will take your call. If you’re an NBA team and you have a spot open on your roster, Iverson is willing to talk.

“I’ll play for anybody,” Iverson told Yahoo! Sports.

A 10-time All-Star and former MVP, Iverson still wants back in the league even though he’s 36 and played only in Turkey last season. He’s one of the game’s greatest scorers, but his history of off-the-court drama and issues with coaches tainted his career, even in his last few seasons in the NBA. He complained about his role with the Detroit Pistons and griped about coming off the bench with the Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson took a leave of absence after playing three games with the Grizzlies two seasons ago and was eventually waived. That led him to announce his retirement – but a couple weeks later he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Iverson ended up leaving the Sixers to spend time with his ill daughter, and he was eventually waived. He now says he was too distracted by his daughter’s health issues and divorce proceedings with his wife to stay focused in his last two NBA seasons.

“That wasn’t me at all,” Iverson said. “Obviously, I was dealing with the situation with my daughter and going through a divorce, and I wasn’t there mentally. In my career those last couple years were so hard for me because I wasn’t there. Mentally, I wasn’t there.

“During those 48 minutes on the basketball court, all I [ever] cared about was that time right there. Nothing else distracted me. But at times, I felt myself standing on the court just thinking about my daughter, thinking about the situation with me and my wife. I wasn’t giving [the teams] everything I had mentally.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...iverson_102611

[ammofan]

Here we go again....

[Dcarnys]

Allen Favre??

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Allen Favre??

It would seem that way Dcarny's but at the same time I could see AI being a solid addition if for no reason other than to act as a player/coach for the team he is with. If AI is being truthful and can handle 15 or less minutes a game he can act as an assistant coach to the guards. He will one day make the HOF and a player who played at the level he did absorbed the game enough that he can help the new and relatively new players improve their games. Not that AI always did things as told or conventionally but he did not have all his successes thumbing his nose at all coaches and coaching. If AI can show that he is ready to be a total team player than adding him to a team can not hurt. I don't think he fits with our Bobcats but there are teams like Minnesota that could use him. I would love for AI to finish his career as a mentor and a solid bench player. He gave enough to the league that he should have one final chance.

[spectre]

Hey wat's up Tex!

Allen Iverson has lined up some big names for Vegas game

All the players will be broken out into four teams. There will be two games on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Thomas and Mack off the strip in Vegas (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Then on Saturday night all the players will watch the Pacquiao-Marquez fight and party afterwards. (That is not on the official itinerary, but it might as well be.)

On Sunday, the two teams that won Saturday will play for the right to win $100,000. So there is some cash and reason to be motivated. Might make for an interesting show.

If they solve the lockout before then all bets are off. Even in Vegas.

2:59 pm: Allen Iverson is still a draw.

Current players look on him as a trend setter, as authentic. So when he started to put together a big exhibition game at the Thomas & Mack in Las Vegas for the Nov. 11-12 weekend, he has got a lot of big names to sign up.

Here is the latest list, via the Commercial Appeal.

Confirmed players include: Amare Stoudemire (New York Knicks), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings), Lou Williams (Philadelphia 76ers), Hakim Warrick (Phoenix Suns), Chauncey Billups (New York Knicks), Al Harrington (Denver Nuggets), Stephen Jackson (Golden State Warriors), Monte Ellis (Golden State Warriors), Corey Maggette (Charlotte Bobcats), Matt Barnes (Los Angeles Lakers), David Lee (Golden State Warriors), James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ryan Hollins (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kemba Walker (Charlotte Bobcats), Derrick Williams (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Marcus Morris (Houston Rockets).

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Hey wat's up Tex!

Allen Iverson has lined up some big names for Vegas game

Thanks for sharing this. I hope this means that there is still enough respect in regards to Allen Iverson that he can sign a deal with a team and play well enough to finish out his career on a fairly high note.

[CaptainJack1]

I really would like to see him go at it again. I grew up trying to mimic his crossover, either falling on my ass or losing control of the ball.

[Chef]

last year i was so opposed to it because we thought we had a chance at the 2nd round before the season. he would have destroyed team chemistry etc. this year we need another guard, if he works out, it makes dj very tradeable if the right deal comes our way. he style is much like kemba's and he could help him out immensely. and if he is a pain in the ass, drop him. plus, at this point in his life, i don't think he will eff over jordan like he would have even last year. i think the past year has really humbled him.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

I have been apprehensive about Allen on our team but valid points have been made for bringing him to our Bobcats. I say bring him to Charlotte to help with Kemba's growth as a player. Allen Iverson knows he can not be selfish and remain on a team so I am sure he will be on his P and Q's throughout his stay on a team. I really want for Allen Iverson to finish his career on a high note. Even though he was like Skip Bayless used to call him, "Me myself and Iverson." If Allen could help our team that is a great bonus but if he is to help another team that is okay. I just want to see one of my all time favorite players finish his career in a positive way. I am not crazy about Allen Iverson the person but the player was fun to watch.

[Sik Infant]

I hold the same belief on the prospective signing of AI as I do Baron, If they can be on their best behaviour & understand their role I would be happy with them on the Bobcats. Vets are a necessity in the L.