Allen Iverson eyeing NBA comeback

[seasoned vet]

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson wants to keep his passport at home.

Ten years after he ruled the NBA as the cornrow-wearing, ink-stained MVP who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the Finals, Iverson has his eyes on a comeback. He is determined to end a career possibly destined for the Hall of Fame in the NBA, not in some faraway country where brief YouTube clips are the only way to stay updated on the four-time scoring champion.

Iverson, who turned 36 this week, played only 10 games in an injury-filled stint in Turkey after a lack of NBA interest forced him to seek employment elsewhere. In his most recent NBA season in 2009-10, Iverson left the Sixers in February.

That's not a lot of basketball for an aging veteran.

So what gives Iverson confidence he can still play anywhere near his former elite level next season?

"It's me," he said, laughing. "That's what gives me confidence. I know what I can do. Everybody in the world knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do on the basketball court."

Every fan knows how the 25-year-old Iverson could dazzle on the court. Like in the 2001 NBA Finals, when he buried a jumper over Tyronn Lue, then highstepped over the fallen Los Angeles Lakers defender in Game 1. The iconic moment ranked slightly behind his rookie year crossover vs. Michael Jordan as the most memorable of his 14-year career.

Iverson's added few plays to that list the past few years. He played for four teams in his last two NBA seasons, then left the Turkish club Besiktas with a leg injury.

A painful calcium mass developed on his right calf and he returned home opting for rest instead of surgery. Iverson's manager, Gary Moore, said Iverson has yet to receive the green light from Dr. James Andrews to resume contact drills. Iverson was not expected to get cleared until mid-July.

"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

He might have a long wait. Throw in a possible work stoppage with NBA owners and players far apart on a new labor deal, and Iverson might again be forced to look outside the NBA for a team. He signed a $4 million, two-year contract with Besiktas. But Iverson, who also has played for Denver, Detroit and Memphis, made it clear in a phone interview late Wednesday night, his first priority is the NBA.

"If that doesn't happen, I just want to play basketball, so I've got to weigh my options and do what's best for me and my career," he said. "If that doesn't happen, I don't want to not play basketball. I don't have any more years to be wasting."

Iverson has been dogged by rumors of personal problems -- his wife filed for divorce and a daughter battled serious health problems -- but he said his life these days is great.

All that's missing is basketball.

"The only thing that I give a damn about is that the people that care about me know that I'm all right," he said. "All I want is my real fans to know I'm fine, my wife is fine, my kids are fine. I'm fine and I'm looking forward to getting back on a team and being productive like I have been my whole career."

Iverson insisted he enjoyed his stay in Turkey.

"It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life," he said. "They were great to me. They embraced me like I would never think. Everything was great as far as that experiment."

 
 
 
........good bye and good riddance.
 
 
 

 

[seasoned vet]

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson wants to keep his passport at home.

Ten years after he ruled the NBA as the cornrow-wearing, ink-stained MVP who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the Finals, Iverson has his eyes on a comeback. He is determined to end a career possibly destined for the Hall of Fame in the NBA, not in some faraway country where brief YouTube clips are the only way to stay updated on the four-time scoring champion.

Iverson, who turned 36 this week, played only 10 games in an injury-filled stint in Turkey after a lack of NBA interest forced him to seek employment elsewhere. In his most recent NBA season in 2009-10, Iverson left the Sixers in February.

That's not a lot of basketball for an aging veteran.

So what gives Iverson confidence he can still play anywhere near his former elite level next season?

"It's me," he said, laughing. "That's what gives me confidence. I know what I can do. Everybody in the world knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do on the basketball court."

Every fan knows how the 25-year-old Iverson could dazzle on the court. Like in the 2001 NBA Finals, when he buried a jumper over Tyronn Lue, then highstepped over the fallen Los Angeles Lakers defender in Game 1. The iconic moment ranked slightly behind his rookie year crossover vs. Michael Jordan as the most memorable of his 14-year career.

Iverson's added few plays to that list the past few years. He played for four teams in his last two NBA seasons, then left the Turkish club Besiktas with a leg injury.

A painful calcium mass developed on his right calf and he returned home opting for rest instead of surgery. Iverson's manager, Gary Moore, said Iverson has yet to receive the green light from Dr. James Andrews to resume contact drills. Iverson was not expected to get cleared until mid-July.

"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

He might have a long wait. Throw in a possible work stoppage with NBA owners and players far apart on a new labor deal, and Iverson might again be forced to look outside the NBA for a team. He signed a $4 million, two-year contract with Besiktas. But Iverson, who also has played for Denver, Detroit and Memphis, made it clear in a phone interview late Wednesday night, his first priority is the NBA.

"If that doesn't happen, I just want to play basketball, so I've got to weigh my options and do what's best for me and my career," he said. "If that doesn't happen, I don't want to not play basketball. I don't have any more years to be wasting."

Iverson has been dogged by rumors of personal problems -- his wife filed for divorce and a daughter battled serious health problems -- but he said his life these days is great.

All that's missing is basketball.

"The only thing that I give a damn about is that the people that care about me know that I'm all right," he said. "All I want is my real fans to know I'm fine, my wife is fine, my kids are fine. I'm fine and I'm looking forward to getting back on a team and being productive like I have been my whole career."

Iverson insisted he enjoyed his stay in Turkey.

"It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life," he said. "They were great to me. They embraced me like I would never think. Everything was great as far as that experiment."

 
 
 
........good bye and good riddance.
 
 
 

 

[doublejs07]

If he can check his ego and realize that he absolutely is a bench player at this point in his career (in the NBA), then I don't see why he can't make a comeback. Dude can get buckets. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd love to see him get a ring.  My favorite player and one of the best to ever play in the league.  If they re-did the list of  the 50 greatest players in NBA history, he'd be in there. 

 

[doublejs07]

If he can check his ego and realize that he absolutely is a bench player at this point in his career (in the NBA), then I don't see why he can't make a comeback. Dude can get buckets. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd love to see him get a ring.  My favorite player and one of the best to ever play in the league.  If they re-did the list of  the 50 greatest players in NBA history, he'd be in there. 

 

[got shoes]

better play his role as a Jason Terry 2.0

 

[got shoes]

better play his role as a Jason Terry 2.0

 

[ldj]

Originally Posted by seasoned vet

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson wants to keep his passport at home.

Ten years after he ruled the NBA as the cornrow-wearing, ink-stained MVP who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the Finals, Iverson has his eyes on a comeback. He is determined to end a career possibly destined for the Hall of Fame in the NBA, not in some faraway country where brief YouTube clips are the only way to stay updated on the four-time scoring champion.

Iverson, who turned 36 this week, played only 10 games in an injury-filled stint in Turkey after a lack of NBA interest forced him to seek employment elsewhere. In his most recent NBA season in 2009-10, Iverson left the Sixers in February.

That's not a lot of basketball for an aging veteran.

So what gives Iverson confidence he can still play anywhere near his former elite level next season?

"It's me," he said, laughing. "That's what gives me confidence. I know what I can do. Everybody in the world knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do on the basketball court."

Every fan knows how the 25-year-old Iverson could dazzle on the court. Like in the 2001 NBA Finals, when he buried a jumper over Tyronn Lue, then highstepped over the fallen Los Angeles Lakers defender in Game 1. The iconic moment ranked slightly behind his rookie year crossover vs. Michael Jordan as the most memorable of his 14-year career.

Iverson's added few plays to that list the past few years. He played for four teams in his last two NBA seasons, then left the Turkish club Besiktas with a leg injury.

A painful calcium mass developed on his right calf and he returned home opting for rest instead of surgery. Iverson's manager, Gary Moore, said Iverson has yet to receive the green light from Dr. James Andrews to resume contact drills. Iverson was not expected to get cleared until mid-July.

"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

He might have a long wait. Throw in a possible work stoppage with NBA owners and players far apart on a new labor deal, and Iverson might again be forced to look outside the NBA for a team. He signed a $4 million, two-year contract with Besiktas. But Iverson, who also has played for Denver, Detroit and Memphis, made it clear in a phone interview late Wednesday night, his first priority is the NBA.

"If that doesn't happen, I just want to play basketball, so I've got to weigh my options and do what's best for me and my career," he said. "If that doesn't happen, I don't want to not play basketball. I don't have any more years to be wasting."

Iverson has been dogged by rumors of personal problems -- his wife filed for divorce and a daughter battled serious health problems -- but he said his life these days is great.

All that's missing is basketball.

"The only thing that I give a damn about is that the people that care about me know that I'm all right," he said. "All I want is my real fans to know I'm fine, my wife is fine, my kids are fine. I'm fine and I'm looking forward to getting back on a team and being productive like I have been my whole career."

Iverson insisted he enjoyed his stay in Turkey.

"It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life," he said. "They were great to me. They embraced me like I would never think. Everything was great as far as that experiment."

 
 
 
........good bye and good riddance.
 
 
 


Last i saw him he was looking smoked out and outta shape. He is running low on funds and realize he has burned bridges. He said he wants to try and play for the heat aka ring chase.
  

 

[ldj]

Originally Posted by seasoned vet

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson wants to keep his passport at home.

Ten years after he ruled the NBA as the cornrow-wearing, ink-stained MVP who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the Finals, Iverson has his eyes on a comeback. He is determined to end a career possibly destined for the Hall of Fame in the NBA, not in some faraway country where brief YouTube clips are the only way to stay updated on the four-time scoring champion.

Iverson, who turned 36 this week, played only 10 games in an injury-filled stint in Turkey after a lack of NBA interest forced him to seek employment elsewhere. In his most recent NBA season in 2009-10, Iverson left the Sixers in February.

That's not a lot of basketball for an aging veteran.

So what gives Iverson confidence he can still play anywhere near his former elite level next season?

"It's me," he said, laughing. "That's what gives me confidence. I know what I can do. Everybody in the world knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do on the basketball court."

Every fan knows how the 25-year-old Iverson could dazzle on the court. Like in the 2001 NBA Finals, when he buried a jumper over Tyronn Lue, then highstepped over the fallen Los Angeles Lakers defender in Game 1. The iconic moment ranked slightly behind his rookie year crossover vs. Michael Jordan as the most memorable of his 14-year career.

Iverson's added few plays to that list the past few years. He played for four teams in his last two NBA seasons, then left the Turkish club Besiktas with a leg injury.

A painful calcium mass developed on his right calf and he returned home opting for rest instead of surgery. Iverson's manager, Gary Moore, said Iverson has yet to receive the green light from Dr. James Andrews to resume contact drills. Iverson was not expected to get cleared until mid-July.

"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

He might have a long wait. Throw in a possible work stoppage with NBA owners and players far apart on a new labor deal, and Iverson might again be forced to look outside the NBA for a team. He signed a $4 million, two-year contract with Besiktas. But Iverson, who also has played for Denver, Detroit and Memphis, made it clear in a phone interview late Wednesday night, his first priority is the NBA.

"If that doesn't happen, I just want to play basketball, so I've got to weigh my options and do what's best for me and my career," he said. "If that doesn't happen, I don't want to not play basketball. I don't have any more years to be wasting."

Iverson has been dogged by rumors of personal problems -- his wife filed for divorce and a daughter battled serious health problems -- but he said his life these days is great.

All that's missing is basketball.

"The only thing that I give a damn about is that the people that care about me know that I'm all right," he said. "All I want is my real fans to know I'm fine, my wife is fine, my kids are fine. I'm fine and I'm looking forward to getting back on a team and being productive like I have been my whole career."

Iverson insisted he enjoyed his stay in Turkey.

"It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life," he said. "They were great to me. They embraced me like I would never think. Everything was great as far as that experiment."

 
 
 
........good bye and good riddance.
 
 
 


Last i saw him he was looking smoked out and outta shape. He is running low on funds and realize he has burned bridges. He said he wants to try and play for the heat aka ring chase.
  

 

[Smorgasbordgie]

I'd like him see him back for one last run. The Answer is very much appreciated

 

[Smorgasbordgie]

I'd like him see him back for one last run. The Answer is very much appreciated

 

[deuce king]

I hope he gets another shot at it.  I would love to see him back in the league.

 

[deuce king]

I hope he gets another shot at it.  I would love to see him back in the league.

 

[ldj]

Originally Posted by Deuce King

I hope he gets another shot at it.  I would love to see him back in the league.

hed have to clean himself up and humble himself something serious and even then it maybe farfetched.

 

[ldj]

Originally Posted by Deuce King

I hope he gets another shot at it.  I would love to see him back in the league.

hed have to clean himself up and humble himself something serious and even then it maybe farfetched.

 

[ohyeah10]

Id like to see it but I dont think he can allow himself to come off the bench any where. I could see him ending up like a mike bibby now kind of player

 

[seasoned vet]

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

If he can check his ego and realize that he absolutely is a bench player at this point in his career (in the NBA), then I don't see why he can't make a comeback. Dude can get buckets. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd love to see him get a ring.  My favorite player and one of the best to ever play in the league.  If they re-did the list of  the 50 greatest players in NBA history, he'd be in there. 

...cats kill me with this BS. AI has been asked 3 times to check his ego and he REFUSED. so much so, that he's resorted to cursing out and verbally disrespecting head coaches in front of other players.
 
 

Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.


 
- who gives a !#+$? im so tired of this excuse when it comes to cats like AI and T-Mac.....
 
 
 
- i cant say it loud enough:
 
GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!
 
 
 
....maybe now we can get back to real basketball and a new trend in pure PG's. you can get your AI fix by watching Derrick Rose.
 
 
 

 
 
  

 

[seasoned vet]

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

If he can check his ego and realize that he absolutely is a bench player at this point in his career (in the NBA), then I don't see why he can't make a comeback. Dude can get buckets. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd love to see him get a ring.  My favorite player and one of the best to ever play in the league.  If they re-did the list of  the 50 greatest players in NBA history, he'd be in there. 

...cats kill me with this BS. AI has been asked 3 times to check his ego and he REFUSED. so much so, that he's resorted to cursing out and verbally disrespecting head coaches in front of other players.
 
 

Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.


 
- who gives a !#+$? im so tired of this excuse when it comes to cats like AI and T-Mac.....
 
 
 
- i cant say it loud enough:
 
GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!
 
 
 
....maybe now we can get back to real basketball and a new trend in pure PG's. you can get your AI fix by watching Derrick Rose.
 
 
 

 
 
  

 

[ohyeah10]

Id like to see it but I dont think he can allow himself to come off the bench any where. I could see him ending up like a mike bibby now kind of player

 

[the wizard]

I'd love for the Bulls to give him a try. If he can accept a 15-20 min role as a backup.

 

[the wizard]

I'd love for the Bulls to give him a try. If he can accept a 15-20 min role as a backup.

 

[ldj]

Originally Posted by seasoned vet

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

If he can check his ego and realize that he absolutely is a bench player at this point in his career (in the NBA), then I don't see why he can't make a comeback. Dude can get buckets. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd love to see him get a ring.  My favorite player and one of the best to ever play in the league.  If they re-did the list of  the 50 greatest players in NBA history, he'd be in there. 

...cats kill me with this BS. AI has been asked 3 times to check his ego and he REFUSED. so much so, that he's resorted to cursing out and verbally disrespecting head coaches in front of other players.
 
 

Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.

 
- who gives a !#+$? im so tired of this excuse when it comes to cats like AI and T-Mac.....
 
 
 
- i cant say it loud enough:
 
GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!
 
 
 
....maybe now we can get back to real basketball and a new trend in pure PG's. you can get your AI fix by watching Derrick Rose.
 
 
 

 
QFMFT. He has lost his most valuable asset in his physical gifts. He doesnt have his quickness/speed which means his game is gone. As much as i liked him as a player, he is a done deal.
  

 

[ldj]

Originally Posted by seasoned vet

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

If he can check his ego and realize that he absolutely is a bench player at this point in his career (in the NBA), then I don't see why he can't make a comeback. Dude can get buckets. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd love to see him get a ring.  My favorite player and one of the best to ever play in the league.  If they re-did the list of  the 50 greatest players in NBA history, he'd be in there. 

...cats kill me with this BS. AI has been asked 3 times to check his ego and he REFUSED. so much so, that he's resorted to cursing out and verbally disrespecting head coaches in front of other players.
 
 

Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.
Dude can get buckets.

 
- who gives a !#+$? im so tired of this excuse when it comes to cats like AI and T-Mac.....
 
 
 
- i cant say it loud enough:
 
GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!
 
 
 
....maybe now we can get back to real basketball and a new trend in pure PG's. you can get your AI fix by watching Derrick Rose.
 
 
 

 
QFMFT. He has lost his most valuable asset in his physical gifts. He doesnt have his quickness/speed which means his game is gone. As much as i liked him as a player, he is a done deal.
  

 

[crumbs]

interested to see if any team shows any interest.

 

[crumbs]

interested to see if any team shows any interest.

 

[bostonmarc]

Too bad the NBA isn't eyeing him