We Reminisce: Allen Iverson Drops 54 On The Raptors
In response to somebody’s comment yesterday that no one has even mentioned Allen Iverson’s name in the early going of free agency, I sought out highlights from the Sixers playoffs series with the Raptors back in 2001. While Vince Carter would have himself 50 in Game 3, there was nothing he or any one else could do in Game 2 when AI went off for 19 of his career playoff-high 54 points in the fourth quarter.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:10 am
B.C. says:
Love what AI said on the FT line “23 retired, that s**t over, y’all still talking ’bout him?”
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:21 am
D A says:
KEON CLARK!
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
MSkittle says:
Legendary. Can’t believe that was 8 years ago already
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Lee says:
Would Jason Kidd have been the perfect player for Iverson to play with … could it work for a year in Dallas ??
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
reskiLLa says:
with alvin williams hand in his face most of the game…ridiculous…
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
bobby stew says:
A.I in Dallas would be crazy. I’m thinking he’s going Bobcats, 76ers, or Miami.
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Kudabeen says:
LOL…I was just watching clips on Iverson big games that he don’t get credit for. The 16 assist game where he was injured and the team was struggling. He had some big playoff games playing the right way as Larry Brown would say.
I am hearing all this ego crap and he refuse to come off the bench, but I’m like really? If I’m an All-Star (though very tainted this year) and a future HOF and still have game how are you going to tell me Stuckey and Rip are better starting material over me?
Yes Iverson doesn’t have to whine and all that, but much like Rip on the bench. You have to look at it like, so ya’ll really going to just go with this Rodney Stuckey thing right now?
I’m shelving the Detroit episode that was total dysfunction and chaos. They murdered Curry’s chances at another coaching gig. Every player on that team lost value.
I’m looking at the Denver Iverson. We all know he is not a leader or floor general. Got that. Accept that.
We do know that he is an attacker, disruptor and scorer. A good coach can work that in without losing no productivity of other quality players on his team. He played very well in Denver. Coach Karl talked about bad plays, but is that saying that devised clever plays that Iverson ruined? Those last three games vs LA showed how Karl doesn’t have answers. His stars struggle he doesn’t have an answer.
Wack ass Analyst was saying Tyrone Hill, George Lynch, Eric Snow, and Aaron McKie all sacrificed their games and bodies to make Iverson great. Really? That’s what you are going to say to refute the fact that Iverson had a special run?
Question:
Would these guys be relevant without going to battle WITH AI? Short answer is NO.
I understand the makeup of that Sixers team, but I also watched the games. They were a group of limited players that were able to do what they do best to shine. They each got paid WAY more than they would have not playing with an Iverson that masked their inability to score or force the issue. Hell Dalembert is the horrible contract he is today, because Iverson made his game pop. Korver is the player he is today, because Iverson very publicly encouraged him to drop the rookie reservedness and Shot any shot he wants, because he is a great shooter.
I only care, because I no the hate isn’t basketball related. Not the degree of hate at least. Volume scorers/shooters are what they are. He wasn’t 6′6″ when he was the best high school, college player, when drafted #1, when getting MVPs, scoring records, so to rip him now for limitations in size and his attacking mind set is lame as hell.
I like everyone else want to hear him say look I know I’m not going to be the #1 option and I’m fine with coming off the bench if it helps the team win…
But I don’t expect for him to grovel and beg for acceptance for being what he is, when clearly he will never be accepted on whole.
I hope he goes to the Bobcats, take less money and just ballw hard for the team. They have a very scrappy group.
I don’t see him landing with Championship contenders:
Cavs, Lakers, Magic, Celtics, Denver (although for a low price he would work next to Chauncey)
But he can help a young team become a dangerous. Bobcats have a great blend of vets, effort players, youth, great coach, and Exec with the bravado and mystique to stabilize any presumed ego tripping any player would do.
Portland has a strong coach, front office, and a star that is capable of being a star next to Iverson.
I’m done. I’m not going to argue about it. Just saying what I feel.
I feel better now…
Sorry for the novel.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Kudabeen says:
I also remember in this particular series that Lenny Wilkins did try to double Iverson, but he was making all the right plays and hitting guys for open looks. I will never argue that Iverson is the greatest setup guy ever, but I do feel like he was consistent in making plays for others after his first year playing with Larry Brown. When has Jumaine Jones had a better highlight package? Where is he now?
Not to knock him, but he was better with the Sixers. Ratliff, Snow, Mckie, Hill, Korver, Dalembert, Lynch, etc where better with AI. I don’t think that is seen as it should be. There aren’t very many guys in the L how can put up this type of performance on this type of stage multiple times.
If his career ends at 34 years old, unwanted, and casted off…He will still be a Hall of Famer. I think that speaks to his greatness more so than anything haters have been saying about him since High School.
Truly amazing to have witnessed his rise in the L up to 2008-2009.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Kudabeen says:
Point made about making lesser players better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEk3DmrzmXs&feature=related
When has Sam Dalembert been as highly regarded since. What Team will Korver ever be able to start on again?
I think Igoudala would have been better served from a scoring off ball sense, but probably not as a playmaker. Sixers tried to force that roll on him before he was ready…Either way AI was that dude for a nice stretch.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
POPPI GEE says:
Just hope Iverson can find a place where he can be relevant and have some type of glory, even if it ain’t winning it all.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
V says:
Ohhh I hope he doesnt end up in Memphis where the whole world will forget about him, that would be bad. Perhaps charlottle would work out for him, but hes not going to get a ring there… idk