The Answer faces Big Question
Word out of Philadelphia is that Allen Iverson will not be returning to the 76ers this season. AI returned home to Atlanta where he and his family are caring for his ailing daughter Messiah.
While my thoughts and prayers go out to Iverson and his family, I would like to take some time to look back over AI's illustrious career.
Iverson got his start at Georgetown University. There he was mainly known for his scoring and defense, winning Big East defensive player of the year honors twice. His Hoya career was short lived as he entered the NBA draft in 1996. The 76ers made AI the first overall pick in that year's draft and he exploded onto the scene. Iverson was named rookie of the year; it was just the beginning of a prolific career.
AI was Philly's Answer for many years, capturing the scoring crown four times and making several all star appearances. The 00-01 season proved to be the zenith of Allen's career, when he was named league MVP and led the Sixers to the NBA finals.
That was as high as it got for Iverson in Philly. The team, deciding it was time to blow it up and build it back, dealt Iverson to the Denver Nuggets in 2006. Many thought a combo of Carmelo Anthony and Iverson, the then number 1 and 2 scorers in the league, could propel the Nuggets to the NBA finals. While the Nuggets did see some success, there proved to be too few basketballs in Denver for both AI and Melo.
Thanks to a Joe Dumars blunder, the Nuggets were able to get some value for Iverson when they traded him to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups. While Billups is still carving up defenses for the Nuggets, Iverson's stay in Motown ended after the 08-09 season. The Memphis Grizzlies thought AI was their veteran answer, inking him to begin the 2009 season. This marriage lasted but 3 days. Frustrated with his reduced role and minutes, Iverson came to an agreement with the Griz to terminate his remaining contract.
Few teams showed interest, but while Iverson mulled retirement, he was convinced he had something left in the tank. Enter the 76ers, a badly underachieving team in need of an attendance boost.
Now it appears Iverson's second stint with the Sixers has come to an end. If this is the end for the Answer, that leaves one question. What will his legacy be?
I would say Iverson is, pound for pound, one of if not the greatest players of all time. There is little doubt that he was an electrifying player in his prime, able to score at will. Many people also forget the presence he had on defense.
What are your thoughts on AI's career? How will you remember the Answer?
While my thoughts and prayers go out to Iverson and his family, I would like to take some time to look back over AI's illustrious career.
Iverson got his start at Georgetown University. There he was mainly known for his scoring and defense, winning Big East defensive player of the year honors twice. His Hoya career was short lived as he entered the NBA draft in 1996. The 76ers made AI the first overall pick in that year's draft and he exploded onto the scene. Iverson was named rookie of the year; it was just the beginning of a prolific career.
AI was Philly's Answer for many years, capturing the scoring crown four times and making several all star appearances. The 00-01 season proved to be the zenith of Allen's career, when he was named league MVP and led the Sixers to the NBA finals.
That was as high as it got for Iverson in Philly. The team, deciding it was time to blow it up and build it back, dealt Iverson to the Denver Nuggets in 2006. Many thought a combo of Carmelo Anthony and Iverson, the then number 1 and 2 scorers in the league, could propel the Nuggets to the NBA finals. While the Nuggets did see some success, there proved to be too few basketballs in Denver for both AI and Melo.
Thanks to a Joe Dumars blunder, the Nuggets were able to get some value for Iverson when they traded him to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups. While Billups is still carving up defenses for the Nuggets, Iverson's stay in Motown ended after the 08-09 season. The Memphis Grizzlies thought AI was their veteran answer, inking him to begin the 2009 season. This marriage lasted but 3 days. Frustrated with his reduced role and minutes, Iverson came to an agreement with the Griz to terminate his remaining contract.
Few teams showed interest, but while Iverson mulled retirement, he was convinced he had something left in the tank. Enter the 76ers, a badly underachieving team in need of an attendance boost.
Now it appears Iverson's second stint with the Sixers has come to an end. If this is the end for the Answer, that leaves one question. What will his legacy be?
I would say Iverson is, pound for pound, one of if not the greatest players of all time. There is little doubt that he was an electrifying player in his prime, able to score at will. Many people also forget the presence he had on defense.
What are your thoughts on AI's career? How will you remember the Answer?
