5 NBA Teams That Could Use Allen Iverson
We have our Answer. After a few months of wondering whether Allen Iverson would really leave the game the way he did, stumbling to a 28-game season where he averaged just 13.8 points, it sounds like the former Sixer will attempt to play in the NBA next season. The Associated Press reported that the 2001 NBA MVP is in good spirits and wants to return for one more run:
Gary Moore, Iverson’s personal manager, says Iverson is working out and “absolutely” will try and play next season. Iverson returned to the Philadelphia 76ers in December and took a leave of absence in March because of family issues.
Moore also said that Iverson’s ill daughter is doing much better.
While there are no doubts about his actual abilities to still get it done in a more limited role, Iverson’s options come down to whether he is really willing to accept a bench position. Instead of his customary 35-40 minutes a game, anyone who signs him would probably use him in quick six to eight minutes stretches. Could Iverson agree to that? Who knows. He couldn’t in Detroit or Memphis and caused some rumblings during his last few months in Philadelphia.
Let’s take a look at five teams that could use the Answer if he was ready to suppress his ego:
Charlotte
For a while last season, the Bobcats were considered the most logical landing point for Iverson. From a basketball standpoint, the move makes perfect sense. Not only is there the Larry Brown connection, but the Bobcats were swept out of the first round this year because of offensive problems. Against the Orlando Magic in the first round, they averaged just 85 points a game and clearly lacked shot-makers on the offensive end. If Iverson came here, he would play significant minutes – with or without Raymond Felton – on a team who’s outstanding defense could offset Iverson’s shortcomings on that end. His warrior mentality would fit right in with guys like Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson. Plus, with a team that has struggled to maintain stability in the front office, Iverson would provide a needed boost for ticket sales and revenue. This team’s potential still isn’t very high, but with Iverson they would at least be relevant.
Atlanta
By most accounts, Iverson loves the ATL. He makes his home there in the summer and seems to enjoy the vibe of the city. The team is in a conundrum at the moment: they are good, but not quite good enough. Their second round meltdown against the Magic confirmed that. With Joe Johnson halfway out the door, the Hawks could really use someone who can create from the perimeter. While a tag team of Jamal Crawford and Iverson might create a lot of over-dribbling and ugly contested jump shots, it would give the Hawks another guy who can make a play at the end of the shot clock. This past season, that was strictly the domain of just two people: Johnson and Crawford. Iverson could also help sell some tickets for an arena that definitely needs a few extra butts in the seats. But honestly, Atlanta could bring MJ out of retirement and people still probably wouldn’t show up.
New York
At this point, the Knicks have just four active players on their roster. We really don’t have a clue what they will look like come training camp. They could sign LeBron and D-Wade and become a world superpower…or they could overpay Carlos Boozer and Joe Johnson and cry for David Stern to fix the next Lottery. Considering they have a gaping whole at the point guard spot and employ the type of system that he could thrive in, Iverson actually might make some sense. He would fit next to two wing players, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, who aren’t ball-stoppers. Head coach Mike D’Antoni’s system is obviously a huge draw as well. Who doesn’t want to see their stats take a huge jump? Iverson would need to be paired up with another point guard, preferably a bigger one, who could defend and hit outside jumpers. That way, they could spell one another to create a different dynamic. Iverson in New York? It really doesn’t sound that bad.
Orlando
For all of their talent, the Magic really missed Hedo Turkoglu’s playmaking in the conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Iverson was always known as a gunner, but has the ability to get his teammates shots. He could play with Dwight Howard, who would get his back on one end and finish his lobs on the other. The major issue with this move would be whether Iverson could stomach not only a bench role, but being the fourth or fifth offensive option. And I don’t know if Stan and AI could co-exist. But, he would make for a nice change of pace off the bench. And perhaps Iveron’s gritty attitude could help rub off on some of these guys whose toughness seemed lacking when they faced Boston. For a team like the Magic, it would be a low-risk move knowing that Iverson should come cheap and would never play a large part on their team.
Boston
Iverson was very close to donning the green via a trade during the 2006 NBA Draft. But at this point in both his career and in the Celtics’ current state, this might end up being the best scenario. This is a veteran team that would force Iverson to fall in line. Doc Rivers may be the best coach in the entire League at handling headstrong and egotistical veterans and Boston’s championship pedigree would draw the respect of Iverson. The one problem would be Rajon Rondo. Moving forward, this is his team and starting next year, it’s in the Celtics’ best interests to get his minutes up to around 37-38 a game. Is having Iverson around for those few extra minutes really worth it? The two tiny guards won’t be able to play together, so it’ll be hard to convince Bubba Chuck to take a vastly smaller role. Two years ago, Iverson would’ve made perfect sense here. Now? It’s a much more cloudy picture. The city of Boston doesn’t seem like a type of place where Iverson would fit in. But, they appreciate winners and hard workers in New England so who knows?
There are major cons with all of these situations simply because Iverson is such an unusual piece to add. The same qualities that made him ruthless on the court will hurt his chance at finding a new home to finish his career.
What do you think? What team would be a good fit for Iverson?
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June 18th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
control says:
Saying you want AI is like saying you want cancer.
I’d love Boston or NY to get AI, but I really hate both of those teams. I can’t imagine anyone who is a fan of their team would want their team to pickup AI. The guy is a selfish guy who won’t hesitate to cause drama and chemistry issues. He’s done, he should go join Starbury in China if he’s gambled all his money and needs a pay cheque.
June 18th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Chicagorilla says:
he’s done, let it go. Stick a fork in dude.
June 18th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Chicagorilla says:
LMAO@me and Control being the first two…man we hate AI
June 18th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
SJ says:
I have another team that can be put on the list, and, in my opinion, ahead of all the teams you argued for: Indiana. Think about it. They need someone who can run the ball and facilitate plays, even if he is more scorer than passer. The name alone would accomplish the #1 goal of the organization, which is to draw in more fans. I guarantee Iverson on the roster (starter, even) would bring 20-30% more people to Pacer games. He would take attention of Granger and allow the team to run off the pick-n-roll better (not as much double-teaming). It makes perfect sense to me. However, the Pacers have a knack for taking on “good guys”, and after all the shenanigans Iverson has been through, he can’t necessarily fall into this category. If he’s serious, though, and can prove this change, he could be just what the Pacers need, with immediate impact. You reading this, Larry?
June 18th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
boomshakalaka says:
Are you kidding me!?!??? NO team would benefit from AI.
Now, maybe i should have read the article, but i saw the title and had to shoot straight to the comments section because I’m sure whatever reasons you wrote for the 5 teams are ridiculous or just very wishful thinking.
LoL @ AI benefiting a team, give a break.
I hear a league in Puerto Rico is hiring washed up NBA players. Mexico too. Maybe a team in China could benefit from him.
June 18th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
boomshakalaka says:
How about this for a replacement article:
– 30 NBA Teams That AI Can Harm –
(list of nba teams here)
June 18th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
bobby stew says:
Miami, Indiana, Cleveland, Bulls
June 18th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Sean Sweeney says:
@SJ I thought Indiana would be a fit as well. But honestly, there’s like no way dude would ever go there.
AI is going to get looks from people…he’s one of the best players of the past couple of decades. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if someone signs him.
June 18th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
JAY says:
Toronto!!!!
Then again, Toronto could use anybody. From Charles Oakley to Rupaul (the real Rupaul not Bosh).
June 18th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
tellemhowitis says:
lol of course a bunch of ai haters. i agree he’s not the same ai as before but i think he still has a few flashes left. atleast 1 last years worth. shaq been done but he still gets his few points here n there. charlotte is the best fit. what other coach can get the most out of ai besides larry brown..
June 18th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
chamin says:
i think iverson would be a great piece of bait to keep lebron in cleveland.
he could start at SG/PG there and be happy and get starting minutes.
And he definetly will have a good shot at a championship with lebron.
*IVERSON AND LEBRON COMBO WILL BE DEADLY NOT EVEN KOBE CAN STOP*
But guys my point is it doesnt matter where iverson goes as long as he goes with lebron because at this point in a.i’s career the only thing that matters is a ring and lebron is the perfect sidekick to accomplish that goal.
Give me feedback
June 18th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Curt Flirt says:
No Boston.. Maybe NY. But Bobcats and ATL sound good to me. I just dont want to see lil Bubba Chuck’s career end like that. If he’s healthy and in shape he could really fit in those Cities..
June 18th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
NTstateOFmind says:
the washington generals wouldn’t even sign this dude
June 18th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Sean Sweeney says:
@JAY Funny you mentioned Toronto. That’s another good fit for him…but again, I would bet a lot of money that dude would never go live in Toronto.
June 18th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Promoman says:
The thing is that we’ve heard this all before and he didn’t do shit. If he went and worked out with Tim Grover hardcore, he’d be able to be a starter. Also, what about his family situation?
June 18th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
quest??? says:
I think last season’s Iverson demise was overrated. Iverson was never in game shape since he did not work out with an NBA team in the offseason, also add in the off the court problems and you have a disastrous season. This being said I completely agree with your list, and to me the perfect fit for him could be being the 6th man for the reloaded New York Knicks. However, if he went to Orlando, i’d jizz in my pants.
June 18th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Legend 33 says:
How about AI go team up with Marbury in China, I can see it now a drunk and a Vaseline eater! LOL
June 18th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Nah. He’s done. Philly was like the best fit for him and he still blew it.
Agree with Legend 33, AI in China would be fun.
June 18th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
ab_40 says:
just retire. his game does not suit the current style of the nba and his skill set and athletic ability are not up to par anymore with the great scorers and shooting guards of todays nba. Call shaq and join the globetrotters
June 18th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
eyes says:
Was I the only who heard the L.A. crowd boo the Commish. LOL. There’s nothing wrong wth A.I. its the league & Sterns puppets as much as Bubba. The league isn’t good enough for Chuck not to start. Maybe if he cut his hair again & got rid of his tatoos. Hey maybe he should go 9verseas & resurrect his career. There are guaranteed to be some players signed for no reason. Go & destroy European Lebron. RUBIO
June 18th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
WBE says:
AI is over. NEXT!
June 18th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
frmkt says:
sad part is that some stupid team is going to pick him up. lost respect for the dude after his childish rant about practice. he never got it. talent is just a stepping stone. talent must be nurtured, groomed and refined…not only during gametime, but in practice. yes, we’re taling about practice…practice man…practice. well a.i.: do you think practice makes perfect? check in with your financial planner and start making adjustments to your lifestyle because we know you don’t want to come back for love of the game. burger king won’t pay your bills and it’ll be hard to get a real gig with tatoos oozing out of your fucking nostrils!!! careful, or you will wind up like curry and walker. adios amigo – you wasted your talent now enjoy next year’s finals on your couch…again.
June 18th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
the cynic says:
None of those teams make sense, maybe New York
June 18th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Random says:
its crazy how most of these people making comments dont know nothing about a.i. and just started watching basketball
June 19th, 2010 at 4:27 am
OneZero says:
could it be…he’s coming to the..Lakers?!?!
what do u guys think??
June 19th, 2010 at 6:13 am
Josh says:
As much as i despise the lakers this would actually be a pretty good fit. D Fish doesnt require a ton of minutes, and i think AI would be content with the PT he got. Especially with Farmar and Brown set to become free agents. Not to mention he could get that ring.
June 19th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Ron says:
WOW we got a lot of AI haters.. I guess its kick him while he’s down.. People seem to forget just how great he is.. and no just because a player reaches his 30s doesn’t make him too old to play… in fact I would bet on an NBA team making it to the finals where at least 3 starters are in their 30s… sounds familiar? Everyone is caught up in the youth on a team. But in reality in the NBA it is rare for a team with an average group of players under 28 to make it to any NBA finals let alone win a championship. Look at the history of the NBA finals it was teams with vets starting who won the titles.
June 19th, 2010 at 11:28 am
@BklynDre says:
boston off the bench would have helped them win the finals, nuggets off the bench, starting for the bobcats, bench for orlando, starting at sg for hawks with bibby at pg
June 19th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
E says:
you obviously don’t watch enough bobcats basketball if you think that ai would fit in with stephen jackson and gerald wallace. no way. just retire before you wear out your welcome ai.
June 19th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Big Al says:
AI still has what it takes to be one of the best point guards around. He definitely deserves a starting role. There are 30 teams in the league and the number of great point guards isn’t even a third of that. It’s ridiculous he’d come off the bench. This man took the Sixers to the NBA Finals single handed and should now taste a ring. I’ve never seen a ball handler as fantastic and entertaining as The Answer.
It would be nice to pair him whichever team LeBron decides to go to. The King needs help and both deserve championship rings.
June 19th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Jugs says:
How about Miami, LA, or Houston? Maybe even San Antonio if Parker decides to leave… :/
June 19th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
dagwaller says:
I think that everyone was thinking the same thing LAST year. “He can’t hurt Memphis that bad, he’ll come off the bench, be a spark, mentor the younger players”. Then he wouldn’t come off the bench and pouted his way to Philly.
And it’s not like he got any better in the offseason. He is who he is at this point in his career, and he’s probably only lost a(nother) step.
June 20th, 2010 at 3:56 am
beezie says:
I think he AI should go to the LAKERS alone with Shaq,Redick, and Josh Howard
June 20th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Jesus says:
okay, I’m sick of this “bobcats are the best fit of the Canswer” gibberish, because he’s not. Newsflash, there is no “perfect fit” for iverson in this league. He’s 35yo chucking 5’11″ shooting guard. Bobcats already have the 6’8″ version of Iverson, and Larry Hughes sitting on the bench.
Stop it already, Iverson is done. Stick a fork in him and MOVE the f on
June 20th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Sean Sweeney says:
@E I’m pretty sure I watch enough basketball. If there is one team in the whole league that AI could probably be useful to- on and off the court- it is the Bobcats.
June 21st, 2010 at 2:09 am
Yeezy says:
Man bobcats should be the spot for AI because of the coaching situation… But the knick would be a great spot if they also got lebron the only thing is AI would have to step down and take the role man spot…
June 24th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
TruthBeTold says:
Let speak fact and not fiction AI is one of the greatest players to ever pick up the baske ball He’s the best player ever under 6 foot, clearly if you really new basketball you would of said AI could be a good fit with any team that is ready meantally and phisically to win it all surely I believe that AI knows he’s not the # 1 answer anymore but I also believe that he believe that he can be the answer to a team that was ready to win it all sometimes things in life pushes you in a different dirrection challenging you to humble yourself surely we all know the challenges AI has faced but that doesnt take away from the GOD given talent he was blessed with you cant denie greatness because in a life time you see if vert seldom