Answer me this: How bad does Iverson want it? (via FoxSports.com)
PHILADELPHIA – Allen Iverson isn’t gone. He’s just forgotten.
Gone are the memories of his four league scoring titles, his one league MVP honor, his trip to the NBA Finals and even his career 27.1 points per game average entering this season. Instead, what is remembered most about the man known as “The Answer” are the abundance of questions that surround him right now.
Does Iverson still have enough gas left in his tank? Can he get it done like he used to? Would he really be an asset to a contending team, just a pulse away from a championship? Is Iverson’s selfish, I’d-rather-retire-than-come-off-the-bench mentality simply not worth the headache for an executive trying to keep his job?
Better yet, is Iverson finally capable of looking in the mirror to recognize the error of his ways?
Assuming it’s not too late for him.
At the moment, these questions don’t appear significant in light of the fact that Iverson, 34, announced Wednesday that he was retiring after 13 full seasons in the NBA. But they are significant, nonetheless, because only a fool would believe Iverson’s completely sincere about walking away from the game for good.
“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the NBA,” Iverson said, via a statement Wednesday afternoon. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.
“I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level. But stepping away from the game would allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve ever achieved on the basketball court.”
Obviously, there’s more. But forgive me: I can’t take it.
Allen Iverson loves his family, but he’s not walking away to watch Seinfeld or The Office. Iverson is walking away because he doesn’t feel wanted. Because critics are swearing that he’s lost a step. Iverson is saying goodbye because in this economic climate, in this NBA age, he can’t find an executive willing to stick his neck out and vouch for an aging, miniature scoring machine still devoid of a championship in his 14th NBA season.
Most of all, Iverson is walking away, hoping some NBA team will say, “Please, come back!”
Immediately after word came out that Iverson had announced he was retiring, sources close to him said he was having a change of heart. They said the uproar over his pending departure reminded him of the love that still exists for the former Sixer, Nugget, Piston and Grizzlie, instead of questions about an imminent departure.
“I think he just wants to feel wanted again,” one of Iverson’s confidants told me Wednesday night.
That’s a tough sell in and of itself.
It was bad enough that Denver looked better from the moment it traded him for Chauncey Billups, who ultimately led the Nuggets to the Western Conference finals. But it became worse once Iverson arrived in Detroit, got injured, said he’d rather retire than come off the bench and alienated first-year coach Michael Curry, who was subsequently fired once the 2008-2009 season expired.
Things didn’t get any better for Iverson, who kept saying he was about “winning” but inexplicably signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. Then he never played in the preseason and complained about playing time his very first game, ultimately lasting just three games before being waived.
The woeful New York Knicks were supposed to be the next option. At 2-9 at the time, with concession workers considered just as viable a box-office option as the players, Iverson believed he could end up playing for coach Mike D’Antoni. That was before team president Donnie Walsh nixed that scenario, claiming “chemistry” would be disrupted. And when the Cavs or the Spurs were broached, the immediate reaction league-wide was, “Why would they want Iverson?”
I’ve known Iverson for 14 years now. To know him is to know he’s severely hurt by the lack of affection thrown in his direction these days. When Iverson scours the league, he sees inferior talent, guys who can’t touch him, and nothing to prevent him from averaging 20 points a night.
The thing is, hurt shouldn’t be the feeling he’s displaying at this moment in time; Humility would be more apropos.
Whether right or wrong, the perception that winning is secondary to other things in Iverson’s world is something many believe Iverson fostered all by himself.
You’re not a winner when you pass up on reuniting with Larry Brown in Charlotte because their price tag was $1 million short — just one season after you pocketed $20.8 million. You’re not a winner when you elect to go to Memphis — a city starving so desperately for a winner, they bring up ELVIS … in basketball circles.
Winners are willing to come off the bench. Winners guard their words and their actions simply to end up in the winner’s circle someday. And long before someone comes knocking on Iverson’s door, willing to provide one last chance at glory for the future Hall of Famer, Iverson needs to show he’s worthy of being given that chance.
That is why he can’t leave the game yet. And he knows it.
Iverson needs to make sure we all remember his mercurial talents, not just his mouth or the migraines.
“I’ve still got a whole lot left in the tank,” Iverson said, as defiant as ever about his ability to compete at the highest level.
We get that. Now all anyone needs to know is what price he’s willing to pay to get what he wants.
Iverson is great. He’ll always be great to me. But this is not 2001 anymore. It’s 2009.
He’s a risk. A look in the mirror would tell him this.
Via FoxSports.com http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/10431194/Answer-me-this:-How-bad-does-Iverson-want-it
Awesome article and I do believe he will be back!
I agree with you on the aspect that it’s 2009 and not 2001 and it is a risk if Iverson is not willing to play a different role on a team. But come on now, teams like Memphis and Charlotte are not your typical winning teams and I feel Iverson didn’t want such low pay because I feel that he feels he’s worth more than that. You can question Iverson’s words but you can never question the heart of a player of Iverson’s calibur. Teams are only afraid or Iverson because they saw what Denver became after they traded him and that’s the bottom line.
I’ve been an NBA fan for nearly 50 years. I remember listening to the Laker games with players like West, Baylor etc. In all that time Allen Iverson is the toughest warrior on the court I’ve ever seen. We all think of his scoring, but he was a tiny man in a game of giants and got beaten up every game, always to return next game and always playing with an effort that was incredible. First ballot HOF’er. I hope he returns.
I totally agree with you. He wants to play, but the opportunity to play on a team that he wants to be on isn’t there right now. I can see him playing next year for sure.
Also Stephen A, where is your next sports job? I wish ESPN would bring you back. You get to the point and say what needs to be said.
Allen Iverson..is a MAN..a BLACK MAN at that! He will not allow anyone to disrespect him or all that he has ALREADY EARNED..which should be..Honor, Respect, Trust, & Faith! He is..and..always will be…”THE ANSWER”! If you want to win & aren’t a winning team…”the ANSWER”..to your problem is..Allen Iverson! So what..if your team doesn’t win it all! At least you will be a winning team..with Iverson! Now..if the Celtics, Heat, Spurs, or Cavs..”come to their senses”..& realize that Allen..will be “the key” ingredient(x-factor)in their attempt to be champs..I AM 100% CERTAIN..that a 6th man role…would never be a problem for him..BUT..if you are not either of those teams…HE’S PROBABLY YOUR BEST PLAYER..IF YOU SIGN HIM! So..why the hell would he allow himself to be treated like..”the 6th or 7th Best? NUFF SAID!!
I am a die hear allen iversob fan,hearing that he retire hurt me to my heart.I feel allen some much left in him and I feel he can go for 5 more years..You can see it in his eyes how bad he want to win and how much he loves the game of basketball..The man have never came off the bench but I don’t think he mind if their winning but if they are losing why not put the best lil man in the league in the game…I really pray he changes his mind…
Happy Thanksgiving Stephen A.!
I can’t believe it. I have always loved Iverson. I didn’t always understand him but there is something about him. I hope he changes his mind.
Allen wants it real bad. He’s one of the best guards that played the game.
Allen is loved by fans everywhere especially those of us from Philly. He is tough, resilient and one of the best ever to hit the court and it’s a shame these weak GM’s and executives with these horrible teams think their first year players can’t afford to sit for a year or two to watch Allen put up 25 a night. If anything, Philadelphia needs to look at their terrible team and those empty seats and realize how much many of us want him to come home… I’m in Los Angeles now and if he comes to the Clippers, I’d be at every game.
Great article
The Knicks are making a very big mistake not taking him. New York as a city would have loved to have a scorer like Iverson on the hardwood.Looking at there roster none of those guys are a threat.
Well, AI is great and with your take on it StephenA, he still has a lot to learn. Which makes this situation a perfect opportunity for him to. He has been spoiled in this league and now how do you take the spoon out of his mouth. At some point in life you have to play a supporting role and be a winner that way. So many people win in that role. We are part of a team and AI might need this time to figure that out. Work, Play, Win as a Team. Everybody needs one. I still feel sorry for the Grizzlies, they weren’t willing to teach him this and become the winners as a result.
Than you AI, you gave me the vision to play!
What a great article, Stephen. I totally agree with you. I hope and pray he comes back. That some team takes a chance on the amazing player that Allen is. I also think Allen def needs to look within and stop playing everyone else. I heard a whisper that the Sixers are interested in him again. That is where he needs to be to end hois career. In the city that he held on his back for 10 seasons. I’m still holding out hope for this “retirement.”
Allen who?
iverson should be in a uniform on most of these teams. memphis should have thanked him for coming and the knicks…. what chemistry? clippers? thunder? the only teams i see fine without him is the lakers and my celtics. but other than that give my man a starting job. basketball is my sport but the nba is not like it use to be. the luster is gone and they have just lost more cool points with me. YES! Iverson could start on the weak Lebron Cavaliers. U my man stephen a but ai is not a risk….. many coaches will be fired cuz they didn’ pick up #3 to help them win.
Answer me this: who cares, there are many guys who could be sixth or seven on some teams rotation not in the NBA who teams would rather work with based on continuity issues alone. Josh Childress is more desired by NBA front offices and is not in the NBA by his choice. So if A.I. wants to be the starter of a team there are other leagues he could go to where they would welcome him but he should understand no one cares about someone playing on there team, whether your a fan or a GM, who cares about being the focal point more than winning games. A.I. doesn’t care about bringing hardware to a city at the expense of his playing time…why should we care about him.
couldnt agree more… iverson needs to be on the court.. winning is winning.. starting or coming of the betch… iverson was the reason i started watching b ball.. he is amazing to watch play… ill never forget all the times watching him play in philly how he actually brought basketball back to philly.. he sparked our city of philadelphia like know other sports star.. i deff cant see him going out like this… i dont think he lost a step. but i do understand his fustration .. we all watched him give his all for 10 years in philly.. but didnt get that championship… we all know thats what he wants.. and personally id love to see him get it…but to only have the options of the grizzles or the bobcats ? we all knew that wasnt going to work.. iverson is a leader , a scorer , and wants to win… i think he was half hearted when he signed with the grizzles .. like play for a team that is gonna be happy if they can get to the first round… thats not what he wants… we cant faught him either.. look at all the other players that did it.. glen robbinson.. refused to play for the sixers.. what happens,, goes and gets a ring the following year and retires… chris webber does the same.. nobody makes a big deal about them wanting to have a chance of a ring.. its a shame theres about 6 teams that could really use allen… including the sixers lol they seem not to be able to win… I CANT WAIT TO SEE ALLEN BACK THO… HE WILL PROVE THEM ALL WRONG
Great article Stephen A. The Answer will be back. You know it, I know it, the NBA knows it, AI knows it.
Iverson discovered the same thing that Stephen A did…they’re both old and irrelevant….
This article hits the nail on the head. He is making the fans that support him and was vouching for him to punish the nba teams this year look bad. It is selfish of him to turn his back on us rather than show what he got and prove all the naysayers wrong. He cant redeem himself if he keep shooting his self and us in the foot. Its not all about scoring points he is too old for this nonesense. He knew there was no way in Hell that Memphis could win a NBA championship. The only teams he could get a ring on this year are L.A. Lakers, Boston, or Cleveland and he still would come off the bench on these teams. He is too old to go to any team in NBA and become their star. Cut the B.S. Iverson and play some grown man ball. If not then Kick rocks and contradict your statement about love of the game.
As a fan of basketball and someone who in his young age ball’d it up on the blacktops of southern Cali I have the up ost respect for Allen and what he has done in his college and NBA carreer.
That being said, Allens words and actions show me and the rest of the world watching just how sellfish someone can be, why sign with Menphis if you were not all in? And now the media is portraying you as an attention whore? Damn AI, NY don’t want you, San Antonio don’t want you? What does this mean? You getting the picture now G?
If you really love this game like you say, then you woulda just stayed with menphis, played your game and earned those minutes and that starting role, yah dig.
Nothng in this world is promised and when you gotta prove yourself again you must show and prove.
I love the Game you play AI don’t let your legacy die this way, show and prove baby!
Just my 2 cents from L.A.!
it is hard to feel sorry for someone that can’t see his own strengths and weaknesses. He has DEMANDED to start when at this stage of his career he could be a very good 6th man, just like Ginoble or JR Smith. The 6th man role would allow him to play his selfish AI game and be the scorer that he is and keep the starting 5 intact. I have a hard time feeling sorry for a one-dimensional player (scorer) that DEMANDS anything. What is the risk of coming off the bench for a contender, winning a ring, I’m just sayin’.
Damn you Stephen A.! You’re right…again. I am a huge A.I. fan and I hate the state of things with him right now. It’s a sad situation. As much as I hate to agree with you on this specific subject (I’m with you on most other stuff), I have to because it’s accurate. I guess I would be the corporate world’s A.I. and that’s the same world he’s dealing with now. Along with 3 others, I “wrote” my own position at one of the world’s most recognized corporations and got the “A.I.” treatment. We were sucked up in a vacuum and took the small credit that we were alloted. Not just that, one member was cut and we were pacified with minimal salary increases. I know the value we brought to the business and so did the company. However, the “league’s” leadership said we weren’t “starters”. I took the A.I. approach, so to speak, and got the A.I. treatment, but not waived…thank God! But anyway, I think A.I. will land another shot once he reads your article and realizes that if he wants to be a winner he has to think like one. I think I need to take the same advice.
Keep up the good work Stephen A.
Peace,
Leigh
wtf u diss him and he just retired and he is one of the best players ever….whatever you say he is a winner!!!!!!!
A.I. played 13 years in the NBA. His statistics speak volumes. The NBA owes him nothing. He owes the NBA nothing. He was paid quite well for 13 years. Hopefully, money will not become an issue in retirement. It happens to nearly everyone. At some point, your services are no longer desired for a price both sides can agree on. So, we will wait 5 years for his hall of fame induction.
Allen Iverson was, is and always will be a defining personaltiy in basketball, much of his rejection is not basketball related, but really has more to do with his lack of conformity to standards imposed by others. His influence on the younger stars of the game was always feared by those who saw him as a threat. Many of todays young players got there swag from A.I. Yes he needs to accept that his skills are not as sharp as they once were, however, let’s not pretend that the NBA offices are not happy to see him go. Real hoop fans are saddened at the thought that this great talent will no longer be a part of our sport.
There is no other pain as leaving any professional sport not having a championship under your belt. Despite the drive of wanting to win like Kobe Bryant does, Iverson, who knows his time in the NBA is slowly coming to an end he wants that ring as much as anyone else. He has played numerous games despite being badly injured. The guy has a heart of a warrior, he will go out and play regardless what the trainers say. How bad does he want it? He wants it bad. Stating that he is in plan of retirement doesn’t mean he is officially retired from ever touching another basketball. Iverson would have no choice but to come off the bench if any championship contender team were to ask him to play because those teams have most likely developed a strong starters lineup. He is not retired. He knows inside he isn’t ready to leave.
EXCELLENT article!
Allen Iverson was, is and always will be one of the most defining figures in sports. Those of us who love the game have truly been blessed to observe this great talent. Let’s not forget, however that there are those who hated A.I, hated his influence on the stars of today’s game, and hated his lack of conformity! Sadly there are mnay in the NBA offices that are happy to see him go.
Thanks for the exclusive on AI, but I know he’ll be back. He’s got to be first held accountable for his me first attitude. Iverson has a whole lot of soul searching to do and to realize that this was all his doing. I love this guy but he’s a quintessential butt-head! Selfish and yet oh so talented. He won’t go out like this. He may have to wait a while and show some remorse for his unwillingness to adapt to change but he’ll get a shot somewhere and then hopefully he’ll use it to redeem himself and his legacy.
If only he could get with a team with playoff certainty, come off the bench and shine…AI is a beast..
Allen has always been a talented basketball player. But teams no longer need him to score a bunch of points. Its time he change his game. And if not hes a done deal.
Allen is a great player – no doubt about it. He could be a starter in any team in the NBA. The teams arent showing justice to his talent. What they want is an obedient lad.
At the same time Allen has his own issues as well. He belongs the group of Mannys – great talent but less maturity. If Allen had maturity he could have been a big star in Phily.
Hope he will get back to the league.
AI should play. Go with Larry Brown. You will be so good they will payyou more when they realize you still have it.You mademe a fan of basketball.
Maureen-Philly
Don’t leave,please!We love you!!!Come back!
Said it before–I’ll say it again (and Stephen’s article bears this out beautifully) attitude affects altitude. Somebody get that man a compass and an altimeter. I’m done with this subject. Love me some AI but I’m done with emotional midgets of all genres and talents who think they stuff don’t stink. Missed the heck out of that crazy ass Dennis Rodman when he tanked, too. Despite his obvious enormous talent and rebounding gifts he was a pain in the behind to deal with. Allen needs some down down. Perhaps even some “practice” time to learn to deal with his emotions.
It’s big boy time for AI. He needs to go a size up in his boxers or either try wearing loser fitting briefs.
@anthony winters: @Steven:
Yeah well just like you can’t make nobody love you it’s likewise impossible to make somebody want you. He needs to make several adjustments in his outlook on life. No one wants anybody–regardless of how talented s/he is–when they’re all about self and less about team and role playing for the sake of all.
That’s Allen’s problem. He can’t see for lookin’! At himself, that is.
Great article Stephen A. Im with you 100%. Only Allen Iverson can answer the question of how bad he wants to be in the NBA. I hope and pray that he will take your advice and truly look at himself in the mirror. AIs fans are looking at him and supporting him. Is Allen Iverson looking at himself?
Happy Thanksgiving Stephen A.
You made some great points in the article. I like the point you made about winners “guarding their words,” because it’s clearly evident that there are some wolves out their in the profession of journalism that are waiting for any opportunity to rip his character to shreds. As a young boy growing up following the Sixers, I remember #34 raising hell on and off the court.
Oddly enough, I can’t remember him being treated like he was a “cancer” to the team. I think the unwritten story is how the hierarchy of the NBA has never fully accepted the image of A.I. He looks like alot of the guys in my neighborhood. He talks like alot of the guys in my community. I embrace his image, but those not familiar with his image have painted their own portrait of Iverson which may be based on their fears or prejudice.
So yes Iverson needs to reflect, but so does alot of others which include Journalist Skip Bayless, Anthony Cuaycong, and yesss, David Stern.
Iverson has made some errors in judgement(Memphis), but teams soured on Iverson because of the Detroit experiment. Joe Dumars selected Michael Curry to run the ship in Detroit which sank like the Titanic. If Joe D. had selected Avery Johnson as the coach, I’m not sure if this would be a conversation right now.
Iverson may not be able to do what he did in 2001, but I’m certain he can still put up the numbers from the years in Denver. He can still ball if given the opportunity.
First and foremost, Allen Iverson is undoubtably one the best to ever play the game of besketball. Not just with talent aand put a whole team nd creativiity, but with HEART. How many guys do you know will actually sacrifice all they have and put a whole team on their back. Allen in Philly though they had one successful run was not equipped in any other way to be successful besides Allen. Then he goes to Denver with much promise however he is already has injuries and controversy surrounding him. Then the biggest 2 mistakes Detriot and Memphis! Really?? Never had a chance How can an athlete with much talent and eagerness to compete and win a game do anything progressive with such negativity. I am just saying Allen never had a chance! I believe ball clubs have made significant sacrifices to build around their star players Kobe in LA, Dwight in Orllando, Paul in Boston, leBron in Cleveland, Tsim in San Antonio etc but never once was A.I.’s Teams willing or able to put people around him to make the team benificial instead they simply pled the blame game. My arguement is not dismissing any of Allen’s behaviors on and off court however, I believe he is a rock in a hard place. Any team willing to let an athlete of is caliber retire with such passion and talent is surely wrong….Any way, I do believe heshould go back to Philadelphia where he was most successful and end any animosity with them and complete his legendary career there. I mean really what do the Sixers haave to lose??? With a constant plague of injuries I believe Allen addition will be fulfilling for Philly fans and fulfilling for Allen. (Hopefully)
@Steven:
Dont forget what happened in Denver when AI left. All the other pieces came together. Key players eg Nene became healthy. Denver was doing fine with AI but couldnt break through because they needed the right pieces. Its simplistic to think that the team became better because AI left. It became better because their front court became healthy. JR smith did a little bit of growing and so did ‘melo. They also got a true point guard. Remember AI was at his best when he played 2 guard with eric snow at point. Imagine if denver had found a way to get a true point guard without trading AI, I dont think LA could have beat them.
@Omar:
I think the reason AI was not starting in memphis is because they wanted the players that they were developing to get decent playing time, so they can grow. That basically puts a glass ceiling on AI’s progression in the system. It seemd to be like he would always be on the bench, because players dont get developed in a few games, and then even if that were so, why would a team spend time and money to develop a player and then bench him. AI woulda never gotten a starting spot.
If it was ever a matter of earning a starting spot. All you have to look at the paat 14 years or even the few games AI played with memphis.
@<a href="#comment-4196@JON DONNELLY: hmmm…
Look at this page and come back with that comment about one dimensional.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01.html
“>DK:
Stephen A., I’ve always been a huge AI fan, and I wish he would listen to you!
Iverson is not a winner. He is a scorer. He was a great scorer…but he always destroyed team chemistry to get his points.
Iverson is not a winner…until he learns that life is not about him (an I hope he does…but doubt he will) He will never be a winner.
If Iverson has a brain in his head he will sign with the Celtics. With Iverson as coming off the bench the Celts would be the odds-on favorite to win the Championship. AI has a perfect opportunity to win a ring and complete his NBA career. Is he smart enough to make the right choice?
no team will ever sign steve nash, jason kidd, or john stockton and make them come off the bench.
this is just disrespect.
i herd today that the famous number 3 has retired? no way i mean i cant say i was suprised because the way things have ben going, but wait the same hungry allen iverson who crossed jordan his rookie year and became the symbol of heart and struggle and passion for philly? wow i mean so stoked when he played his first game , because it was supposed to be his rebirth as a player, lol ha and he came out and in my eyes was the best player out ther and seemed to score like classic A i .i mean that killer instink, that ruthless and raw skill , where, if you love him or hate hime ,all you can do is just sit back and say wow , clean, fast,easy, these are words i here when i watch him. He has will probably always be my favorit player , never seen a guy do the same moves the greats were doing , but like a whole lot faster ,i mean he won a champion ship game in highschool football and baskettball in the same year…. uhh what! have we forgot allready , peaple and coaches in bethal high school now say before ther was a michael vick, there was a alllen iverson… amazing punt return artist, and QB, he was unbelievable to watch as i chiled , ide like to call it god gifted, chiled protagy.speed of a jaguare and living in philly naturaly he had the eye of the tiger.i mean me being a baller myself i relate to hime a 100 percent, its not easy out here. it so easy to get cought up in everything out there …he has had his struggles and unlike every clean cut nba player , he was not ashamed to be real ,and hide these things that made him who he was, he was proud of his life and his tatoos they represted his journey in life and how he got out of a poverty. he is a voise to all the great street ball kids i philly and across the world , because he was the first one to stand up and say I AM… im here and you like the world cant stop me he put it all on the line and has nuthing to be ashamed of ,thank you allen for all the great moments , and nights on you tube where i can watch you amaze me yet again. as i come to my end ide just like to say dont let the tatoos the corn rows and gangster attitud daceive you , ARTIST thats what he was, like a roy jones jr , floyd mayweather, a talent that comes in once in a life time,i told myself it was always my dream to see allen iverson play one time in my life!!! when he got to memphis i bought a ticket to san antonio, spurs vs grizz sumtime in months to come, and they were right behind the grizzlies bench haha , never got to see him play, but still remember the lakers sixers game 1 champion ship when allen crossed that dude on the side lines, and then with hits the shot and steps over the guy. as to say i will not die today!!! i will love and miss you a i . hopefully you come back to us!!!! 1 last thing take this into consideration allen, jason kidd, jason williams , paul pierce ray allen , kobe bryant yeah i said it… these are guys not to long ago were out running and out hussiling, and with your heart and durable body you shoulked be out ther still showing off your pure skil.so many haters out there, but they dont understand the game or dont understand you….come back!!! i herd once that guarding you was like trying to hold water in the poum of your hand lol the answer is gone all we can do is sit back and remember….
DID YALL HEAR THAT ALLEN IS RECONSIDERING RETIRING..IM SO HAPPY
i hope the answer will be back
im shock when i heard that he will going to retire
i still believe that he will be back when ther’s one team needed him, THE ANSWER PLEASE DONT LOSE YOUR HOPE
WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST
YOUR NUMBER 1 FANS HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES
WE LOVE YOU
Stephen A, keep up the great work. I really wish this guy would forget most of the money and just play out career for the love of the game and to remember what this game did for his life. I have always liked his play and his bad boy image, but as he nears the twilight of his career i want to “forget” the bad and remember the good. Be an ambassador to the game AI. Motivate the young players and quit thinking of yourself. Who knows, you might get in right situation for a ring…
Stephen A.
Talk to the Brother, hey tell him to humble himself,go back, and talk to philly! Lou Williams is out for awhile and they need a leader,then he can retire from where he started his career!Holla at him put some sense into that stubborn head of his!
I Feel that Allen Iverson is being selfish. Had he came off the bench in Detriot that would have showed other the other teams that he was willing to sacrifice and play backup and not mess up the team chemistry. He’s not in Philly, so why would he expect more playing time than the players that teams need to develop. You’re right Stephen it is not 2001 and teams don’t want that one on one style that made him one of the best individual players in history. Nba franschises want players that make their teams better not just their individual statistics
I would love to see AI playing for my LA Lakers….He would be perfect coming off the bench playing the 2 spot giving us much needed points when Kobe is not in the game, or imagine AI,Kobe,Ron Ron,Pau,and Bynum, to close out a game. Tell me who could stop that line-up. First he would definitely have to humble himself and realize that this is KB24′s team, and realize that he would just be a piece to the puzzle to REPEAT as champions..It would be a perfect scenario for someone of his skill and age to come in and help win a championship with a team that has and will probably win anyway without him…If I was in his shoes it would be an easy decision..regardless of the salary..
Asking AI to come off the bench is like asking Kobe, KG, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Melo, and DWade to come off the bench. If Kobe was coming back from an injury the Lakers or other teams would’ve start him. When T-Mac comes back they would start him. He shouldn’t went to Memphis first of all but they are the only team that wanted him. Everybody talking about he should come off the bench. SHAQ should come off the bench, because he LOST IT.
I really don’t see the issue here. If Iversion were valuable, he would be picked up in a heartbeat. His “image” was never an issue before and I can’t see how its an issue now either. The only reason I can see why he isn’t getting the love he expects is because of the position he plays and his age. So far he has not proved he can win and there aren’t any teams out there willing to retool their entire team to fit an older undersized 2-guard or hinder the progression of their young talent to give AI all the touches he needs to keep his mouth shut. The reality is though that he could score 30+ this year if he was given the chance and he’d do it easier than he did in the past, but that doesn’t equal a championship and the only teams willing to hand over the keys are the teams with that goal in mind. Unfortunately for Iverson, each of these teams already has players who dominate the ball. Iverson can either adapt or become extinct. I hope he comes back.
Great article by a guy who knows Iverson well. The one thing I love about it, is that it’s fair. I swear me and my buddies talk about the media’s portrayal of Iverson and it makes me sick. And I’m not talking off the court, I think that’s relatively valid. But on the court. When he leads the league in scoring through double and triple teams, he is simply a “scorer” who can’t make players better. When Kobe Bryant scores 40 points on 38 shots, he’s the next Jordan. And I have to bring up Kobe because they came out the same year. I think Iverson knows his WHOLE career he’s gotten a bad rap. He knows that because of his “hip-hop” image, the casual, middle-age white NBA fans will find it easy to dislike him, and the media belabors that. BTW, I’m a white, mid 20′s guy from Bucks County, PA.
Anyway, like Stephen A mentions, Iverson has done stupid things. I had no idea the Bobcats offered him a contract, but to someone else’s point, it is insulting to offer him $2 million. Very insulting. I don’t even want to bring up the Brazilian for Cleveland who is getting close to $10 million or good ol’ Sammy Dalembert. I don’t care what the market or economy says. It’s painful to listen to people rip Iverson about Denver and Detroit who DIDN’T watch the games. I’ve watched basically every game Iverson was in since 98. I have the NBA League Pass. Denver was a very good team playing in a very tough conference. The West was as good as it’s been since the early 2000′s when AI made that run in 01. Billups had a healthy Nene, an injured Utah team all season, and played a weak NO and an overrated Mavs team. They won 4 more games in a weaker conference than AI’s Nuggets won (50) the prior year. My point is, when it comes to Iverson, people don’t want to look at those little things. It’s convenient to say, like the hater Charles Barkley (who used to be my favorite player ever before Iverson), “He doesn’t make players better.” That’s just a lie. As I mentioned before, Kobe was the same selfish-scorer until he threatened to leave LA until they got Pau Gasol. I heard Robert Smith talking about how Iverson should be more like Shaq? Yea, I guess he should just jump on the best perimeter players’ bandwagon, Wade, now LeBron when he doesn’t have enough in the tank. Yet, he goes to Phoenix, they get considerably worse, no one wants to really talk about it. Now they’re very good again. No one’s talking about how Shaq’s style of play can be overwhelming and possibly detrimental to a certain type of team. But Shaq’s the good old boy, who cracks terrible jokes to the media, the guy who has 350 nicknames for himself. It doesn’t matter that Iverson is better than Shaq at this point in his career, it matters only that Iverson has pride, an opinion of himself that’s higher than is getting recognized and is persecuted for it.
Here’s what I don’t get SA. When did AI fall off???? I never saw the fall off that people are critical of. So what he had perceived back problem. Tracy McGrady has had back problems for 4 years now. I don’t see the league banishing him. Ok, he left the Sixers for Denver. Gave Melo the respect that it was his team. Moved to a pass first mentality. Assist average went up and his scoring went down. He averaged about 24ppg and 7ast. Not so bad for Batman’s Robin. I think those numbers were comparable with most pgs in the league, if not better. Is it totally his fault that George Karl failed at using his assets?? It won’t be the first time that George Karl has wasted talent. You don’t have to coach Chauncey Billups because Billups is a leader in his own right. So I’m not giving GK credit at all for the Nuggets turnaround. Ok, i digress.
So again I ask, where was the fall off? In Detroit? His stats were 17ppg 5ast and 2 stls. Not bad for a guard on a team that had prince, rip, sheed, and a host of other young talent. And he played “uncomfortable”. I won’t say injured. AI was “uncomfortable” in detroit.
The big problem SA is that GMs have no idea what to do with the little guard. He’s a defensive liability in the West because most of the teams are built to match up with Kobe and 6’4″ guards. And he’s considered a defensive liability in the East because of the physicalness of the game. Which he dealt with very well for 10 years in Philly. Iverson HAS to be the floor general. That’s what he’s known since Bethel, Georgetown, Philadelphia. How can you take him out of that role? Nothing about his game lead me to believe that his game dropped off.
What superstar; and I do mean SUPERstar would accept a bench position behind 3 kids learning on a losing team?? Don’t compare him to sheed. I heard people saying.. “he should take a lesson from sheed”. bullshit. Memphis ain’t boston, cleveland, LA, Denver, or San Antone!!! Memphis ain’t even Atlanta!!! That is an insult. And dumbass coach down there “keepin it real” is like Chris Rock says, “keepin it real dumb”. Had I been the GM, i would’ve demanded that he start AI. How can you let a ticket draw like AI slip out of Memphis. If I bought season tickets to see him, i would be pissed off right now. I’ll ask you SA, would someone ask Pierce to do that? Tim Duncan? Nash? Hell, even Abdul-Rahim started until he was done i think! I could be wrong.
Last thing SA… I promise.. (this whole AI thing just pisses me off). But how many athletes sported a cornrow and a body of tats before AI came on the scene? How many now? The very thing that is hated about AI has become the NBA. You can put a sportscoat on it all you want, but the defining knickname of the NBA is BubbaChuck & Jewels. Because that’s where we’re at. Because of AI. Yes, you had your country club gentlemen like Kobe, but even he went out and got a tat after his rape/adultery charge. Street cred. That tat basically said, “do y’all have my back? F@#K that Ho”! He wanted to show that because he cried on TV about cheating on his wife that he was still a man and he wasn’t soft. so he said, let me go get a tat. Shit, AI even made it cool to cry on TV SA!! Dog, when he cried on your show, no one ever questioned his manhood or his street cred. People loved that interview. It’s a “quite frankly” instant classic.
GMs just gotta stop hatin’ and take a playa. It knocks me off my ass to think that he couldn’t work in Memphis.
CW
HUH? In the words of Ed Lover himself “C’Mon Son, git outta here with all that.”lol You sound like a true hypocrite to merely suggest that AI, quote on quote “Humble” himself and accept being a bench player. From my understanding you are the same guy who left EPSN because you didnt want to take a pay cut and humble yourself to some of their demands. I am not saying you were wrong if that was the case but just like you, he believes he has a certain worth. If he was going to phoenix, New Orleans,or Utah demanding to be the focal player then I would say he is asking for too much but the Knicks? We have been watching the sorry Knicks and Nets for 2 yrs and neither can truly justified not letting it play out this season with AI. That bogus excuse the knicks are giving is just a way of not wanting to admit to the fact that they should have gotten him last yr or this summer like I told you and everyone at ESPN. If there is one person who can truly say duhan would do a better job than AI, they need to go pick up a book and leave basketball alone.lol If anything AI could be used as an excuse as to why gallinari, hill, and douglass as not as great as advertised for another yr.
I end on this note, how does bryon scott get fired before lawrence frank or someone in nets management?hmmmmmm
I hope AI took your sage advice. If so, I pray he gets an opportunity to make things right. Too many of our men don’t get a second chance; they have to be saints or labeled as sinners. He’s hu-man; part virtue and part flaw.
Thanks for stepping up Stephen.
m.
I Hope AI has solved his Drinking situation. I was in Indiana For aPlayoff Game that Kicked off at 1pm CST Saturday. I arrived by Car around Midnight Friday! That Morning with My Sixer Hat the Conceirge Says You Guys are Gonna Lose!..Yeah Right I say! then He tells me matt Geiger and Iverson drank the Westin Hotel out of all the Dom Perignon.
They Lost… Look at the tape Sunday Morning on ESPN with Iverson Being one on one with David Aldridge. The Doo Rag was on along with Shades. AI Arrived back to his Room around 700am
This is after all night sessions on South Beach..That same season along with the Ubiquitious Missed Practice for Family Emergency’s I hope AI can finally Control His Alcohol intake! this may have help contribute to the Mood swings…of his Personalities
@Steven: Your article says it ALL! Yes, AI still has it..maturity now has to kick in. Retirement! Really! I have been following this young man since his Georgetown days and he loves this game! He is talented, competitive, but now I do question his “heart”. Forget the media, drama makes news, but his talent is God-given as many of our b-ball stars who have raised the bar for playing. The 76er’s era in AI’s journey evolved from great coaching, good GM leadership, and a team’s heart. This is a championship team’s formula. AI is a man that has to recognize he is a b-ball professional with a passion in a business world. He is still marketable IF he allowed his performance to speak for him instead of demanding respect he has already earned! Learning the significance of a role player is the missing element in developing his leadership qualities. Who is his agent? A good coach would not have an AI on the bench too long. Memphis & Charlotte was an opportunity to continue to pave his legacy in developing a win-win situation. Ring or no ring…there are many Hall of Famers without a ring. Retirement should never be an option if your passion and body are on the same page. “Humility” does not mean self-degradation. You have to be in it to win it. As a loyal Celtic fan, we could use him, but our franchise’s success is built on unity, performance, competitiveness, and love of the game…first unit or second unit…we are in it to win it. However, the fans love our players for their tenacity, passion of the game, and respect for each other. AI earned it in Philly because the equation was there. He should reconsider retirement, demand based on the passion for the game, embrace his talents; and allow a team to market him (like Memphis) to create their win-win business focus.
i agree with you coz allen still got unstoppable skill,which is better than nearly 90% guards in the league. and all of these results are the cause of misunderstanding. if allen will be back,his talent will be shown in another way,which is to say controlling the game by teammates,not only by scoring
Iverson made Stephen A look like a damn fool. If he used Smith’s website as his venue to announce a phony retirement, Iverson owes Stephen the courtesy of an exclusive when it comes time to make a formal retraction and un-retire.
You are right on Chris _Wright_. Iverson’s situation as it pertains to the publics view of him is based on the fact that the media (pro-Kobe/LeBron), has dismissed AI as irrelevant. He never fell off. And you’re exactly right, you can’t compare him to Sheed, or even Ginobili. He is a higher caliber player. He is a guy who was arguably the best player in the NBA for years. Quite FRANKLY, (pardon the pun), Iverson was in actuality, what the media is trying to _pretend_ Kobe is now. A player so skilled he could score like Jordan and dish like Stockton. I love it how we forget to mention Billy King’s role in Iverson’s career. I mean he is easily considered one of the worst GMs by far during his tenure, only comparable to Isiah. And to be honest, Melo was a lot better off the full year he played with Iverson. Check the shooting percentage. But you won’t hear that from the elite media types (not you Stephen A). Shooting percentage only matters when you’re talking about Iverson. They say, well LOOK MELOS REBOUNDING MORE NOW, HES A COMPLETE PLAYER NOW BECAUSE OF CHAUNCEY. No, not really. He was shooting 6% lower, and decided, in his 5th year, he might want to elevate his game to the LeBrons and Wades of the world. Not to mention Nene healthy, Jazz injured, etc, etc. The fact Iverson was double-teamed allowed Melo to get 1 on 1 coverage. But I guess that’s not making teammates better…just go ask Tubs Barkley. I could literally go on for days and rip anyones argument apart, saying Iverson should come off the bench. Unless he’s playing for SA (small PG Parker), or Boston, (Rondo playing great), Phoenix, (another weak defender Nash), I can’t see any reason he couldn’t start at the 1 or 2 for any other team. It’s funny too. You watch Iverson and he goes in the game and scores at will. Gets people wide open shots at will. He is not the same player that was simply hogging the ball from 96-00. If people have watched him play, he is more than willing to pass the ball. Someone please go check his stats from 05-08. He is in the top 10 in scoring and assists. Yet, while playing for a pathetic, and I repeat, pathetic coach, in Michael Curry, (still averaging 17 & 5, playing less minutes than deserved; yea I watched the Detroit games too), and going to Memphis, where Lionel Hollins gets hired for the 30th time with his .280 winning percentage and decides to start Mike Conley Jr….(I understand Iverson could’ve been more patient from coming off the injury), we’re supposed to assume that Iverson has simply lost what made him the best player on a 50 win team (Denver)? For anyone to say Iverson never has, or cannot make teammates “better” or would be a 3rd/4th/5th option a championship caliber team, simply hasn’t watched him over the last 5 years. Yea, he needs to D up a lot more, but his playmaking skills far outweigh any issues he would have playing defense. I beg people, please don’t listen to ESPN when they cover the NBA, they seriously are hell bent on making Kobe Bryant the next Jordan, all while, making Iverson the “bad guy”. The NBA product and media coverage is a joke and I for one will cancel my NBA League Pass if Iverson doesn’t get picked up. Just think for yourselves, because David Stern is depending on you believing the hype that Iverson is just a ghetto hoodlum who can only “score” the basketball like a Ben Gordon or Kobe Bryant. Yea, Kobe’s the guy that scores 81 and has 0 assists, while Iverson’s the guy who has 60 points, 50 points, with 8 assists, 35 points and 15 assists in playoff games (vs Detroit), has 16 assists vs. Toronto. Kobe’s the guy who takes 40 shots and scores 35. Things that Iverson was doing in his first couple years. Only difference between Iverson and Kobe, is that Kobe is a sociopathic wanna-be Jordan, who played with Shaq, Gasol, and was coached by Phil Jackson. Let’s be honest, Kobe has been and will always be the less dynamic player. He just got better talent around him. Iverson, Shaq, and Duncan are the 3 dominant talents of that era. Kobe was just a punk who got lucky and had stones enough threaten to leave if they didn’t get a great talent. Iverson simply had worse management, and too much loyalty for too long. Oh wait, I forgot, he had Keith Van Horn and Jerry Stackhouse. What’s wrong with that?
AS one of Allen’s “homeboys” from the 7-5-7, admittedly I am a little biased. But also as someone who has been following sports since I was 8, I can definitely see why he feels the way he feels from an unbiased perspective. AI coming off the bench? This dude is a 1st ballot HOFer. Once again, would (insert future HOFers name here) ever take that sitting down? I think not. At minimum the Grizzlies could have saved face, started him and coached there teams accordingly. The GM had the nerve to say in the papers he wasnt better than the top 6 guys on the Grizzlies. Are you kidding me.
Having displayed the talent Bubbachuck has wowed us with for so many years, you have to respect his bravado in believing he can still do it. This isnt Jordan in his early 40′s with the Wizards, or Dr. J with the baby fro. This is a 34 year old guy that physically looks to be in the same shape he was in when he was breaking ankles at Georgetown. Of course it is not realistic to believe that he is the same guy, but he is not retirement material either. With that being said, what I feel I know from watching him and his character in the NBA and the streets of Hampton and Newport News, VA., all that brother has ever wanted was to be respected and loved. That may sound corny by looking at the exterior of the brother, but I believe it is true. Just like it is true for alot of cats who were rocking cornrolls and tats before him and becuase of him.
Should he humble himself and take a lesser role to win a championship? He did that in Denver, only problem, it wasnt the right fit, and there is this guy named Bryant and LA that is determined to be ultimately be in the same conversation as MJ23 for all of basketball eternity. Detroit could have been a good fit, but they had an inexperience coach and had a next generation lead guard in Stuckey that Dumars needed to see what he was made of(contract year…I beleive). Iverson needs to be on the court with a big guard who distributes and can guard big 2′s like J. Kidd or Andre Miller, not a team with arguably the most dominant scorer in the league right now in Melo.
Ultimately Iverson is now a victim of his own immense talent. Hopefully the NBA and AI can come to a happy medium. Physcially, his run is not over, but neither was Jim Brown’s when he left the game either. Regardless NBA GM’s show the brother some love.
Okay, Miguel I could give two you know what where you are from, or if Iverson’s from your town. The fact you just compared Kobe Bryant to Jordan just shows you actually don’t understand basketball, Iverson, or the NBA. For real basketball fans who follow actual games, Kobe Bryant only affected games through scoring. Allen Iverson affected games through scoring and passing. Seriously bro, the Kobe argument is so weak you might as well be Marc Jackson. Just because the guy is 6’6 and tries his hardest to play like Jordan, doesn’t make him Jordan. In fact, AI and Wade are much closer to Jordan in terms of competitiveness, clutch play, and tenaciousness. Kobe Bryant doesn’t show up for big games, at all. It’s a disgrace the NBA has gotten to the point where a “great” player like Kobe (he is great), gets compared to one of the two best players (MJ & Wilt). It’s funny you compare Jim Brown to Iverson. Kobe Bryant is the Emmitt Smith of the NBA. Great player, but talent around him and surroundings. Stuck around long enough in a medium that loves to root for the Cowboys, just like the media loves to root for the Lakers. He’s not like Iverson (Barry Sanders), when you watch him, you know he’s the best player, playing with inferior teammates. It’s seriously the eye test. How many times have you seen Iverson play the Spurs when they were great, or the Lakers, and Iverson was EASILY the best player on the court, ahead of Duncan and Shaq (Kobe wasn’t in the conversation until 2006). So to act like Kobe is the next Jordan is a joke. He’s not even the next Iverson as far as I’m concerned.
Earl ‘the Pearl’ Monroe was the Allen Iverson of his day. Monroe was unstoppable with the Bullets but never won a title until he went to the Knicks and accepted a supporting role in order to win an NBA Championship ring. Iverson could learn a lot by talking to The Pearl.
Funny, we were just talking about AI this evening and as a fan, I stated how troubled I was about the way that he left the league, to which my son responded: He ain’t retired…he just completed the nations most public job application! In other words Mom, he’s letting everybody know that he’s ready to go back to work.
Fine, I also hope that he develops a bit more maturity when he does. Your article is the truth of a career that I have been an excited spectator. A.I. is definitely talented and the toughest player I can remember in modern basketball history. That said, he CANNOT honestly believe that anyone OWES him a position that he has not earned.
Allen: Read the love on this site and get your head right. Suit up and allow us to continue to enjoy the game with one of the fans most treasured players. Good luck to you Allen and thank you Stephen for calling it like it is.
@mrogi: mrogi, you’re a hater.
@AIadvocate: WOW AIadvocate!! Dead on solid points. What are these fools smokin? WOW. Good piece.
Thanks Chris. Iverson’s role in the NBA and the way he is portrayed in the media is something I’m really passionate about. I feel confident that real NBA fans like you and me could really debate how AI is viewed. The NBA is suffering now, not because of lack of talent or star power. It’s suffering because its coverage is trying its hardest to dismiss players with opinions and having a too politically correct agenda. And this all comes from David Stern. For anyone to think Iverson, even with all his faults, is not diminished by the powers that be (Stern) is fooling themselves. It started with Iverson saying he doesn’t want to be the next Jordan, Bird, or Magic. People in power do not forget those comments. Whether it’s all about AI’s attitude or not, you cannot discount the importance of the direction the NBA is trying to go. The NBA and especially ESPN is terrible in terms of breaking down games, players, and seasons. It’s a shame too, because one of the best shows that does that in Inside the NBA on TNT, but Barkley is an AI-Hater. Don’t listen to him when he says he loves AI, he doesn’t. He goes on this BS rant about how “Iverson doesn’t make players better”. That is the most overused phrase in sports. It defies logic. You can’t take players like Eric Snow or Aaron McKie, or Jumaine Jones to within 3 games of winning a title and not make them better. They get open shots simply because of Iverson. If E.Snow would have hit 10 more 15 ft. jump shots the Sixers might have been world champions in 01. Not only is the “making players better” argument weak, it’s overrated. Iverson _carrying_ a team, that even if he “made players better”, is more impressive because he took over games because he HAD to. Iverson isn’t a guy who won’t take any shots in the 2nd half of a playoff game because he’s angry (Kobe). He gives you everything he has and makes it a point that he is the best player on the court night in and night out. Iverson is polarizing because he is opinionated and wears his heart on his sleeves. And because he has tattoos and doesn’t always speak proper English. I’ll let you decipher my meaning. But for anyone to think this guy is not only a top player of his generation, but a top 20 player of all-time is simply denying facts. Don’t listen to the “expert” analysts who don’t have the time to watch all the games he’s played in.
Hey Stephen you are right A.I. is forgotten possibly by upper mgmt. You know aswell as I do that he can play. Problem is apparently he’s to much frosting for various teams cake. I personally thought that A.I. should have stayed with Memphis until his contract is up. So what you are not starting we all know what you can do. Continue to get your money A.I. reality will hit the owners in the face for doing you like this. Stephan A. He is a forgotten man. Someone will recognize his talent & put it into something great. Allen want’s better for his situation, but his situation doesn’t want better for him. Happy Late Thanksgiving Stephan I Holla yo boy Anthony Gibson.
Iverson is and always will be a selfish little boy trapped in a mans body.
His attitude off the court is 10 times worse than the outbursts we have seen on the court and now his playing ability has gone to hell as well.
Let me tell you all about the real allen Iverson.
he was at a resort/casino in San diego where I was a card dealer.
He treated the drink servers, waiters and waitresses like crap as well as the dealers and floor people.
He was rude, and was an all out racists saying how much he hated white people.
He had 7 thug looking wanna be gang memmbers with him.
They were trying to intimidate anyone and everyone they looked at.
I felt like losing my job that day by letting him know what a piece of trash he really is.
Dont let Iverson fool any of you.
His true love is for 3 card poker Not the NBA or playing ball.
But Allen knows he is not educated nor is he articulate enough to land a job in the media and his money wont last because of his $3,000.00 per hand gambling habit
Yes thats $3,000.00 per hand for 10 to 12 hour stretches at a time.
No one can afford to lose that kind of money.
Makes you think, all those easy layups missed by Iverson in the playoffs vs the spurs in the first round a few years ago.
Did he possibly fix those games to get out of a gambling debt?
The NBA has already lost credibility.
Nothing will suprise me anymore.
AMEN! STEPHEN A. Right you are.
Stephen A. Do you beleive that Allen Iverson Played his self by making the bone headed statement. “I would rather retire than come off the bench”? or do you beleive that he could be a great sixth man and make a decent team into a contender. get back with me on this one.
###
From SAS: I believe A.I. would make an exceptional sixth man. He could be like Ben Gordon. Look at Chicago without Gordon. That’s the kind of impact A.I. could have. He should’ve never said that.
I think that A I is too old to not have learned by now that to play professional sports is a privilege and a blessing . In this life you are going to have to do some things that you dont want to in order to be successful comming off the bench would have not been the end for Him in Detroit it would have been a new beginning because even at age 34 he is still unguardable for any starter let alone the second unit of the opposing team. He has exceptional talent still and yet he chooses to go against the grain. at this time AI Should have learned especially with all of the hardships that he has experienced in his life.
Having displayed the talent Bubbachuck has wowed us with for so many years, you have to respect his bravado in believing he can still do it. This isnt Jordan in his early 40’s with the Wizards, or Dr. J with the baby fro. This is a 34 year old guy that physically looks to be in the same shape he was in when he was breaking ankles at Georgetown. Of course it is not realistic to believe that he is the same guy, but he is not retirement material either. With that being said, what I feel I know from watching him and his character in the NBA and the streets of Hampton and Newport News, VA., all that brother has ever wanted was to be respected and loved. That may sound corny by looking at the exterior of the brother, but I believe it is true. Just like it is true for alot of cats who were rocking cornrolls and tats before him and becuase of him.
I thank that is right……
Substantially, the post is in reality the greatest on that deserving topic. I concur with your conclusions and will certainly eagerly look forward to your future updates. Saying thanks can not simply be adequate, for the exceptional clarity in your writing. I can directly grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Pleasant work and much success in your business dealings!
I bookmarked this web address a while ago because of the informative content and I have never been unsatisfied. Continue the quality work.