“Throwback Jersey Thursday” -First Edition
“Throwback Jersey Thursday” 1st Edition 3/17/11
Welcome to the first edition of “Throwback Jersey Thursday,” where each Thursday we’ll feature a throwback 76ers/Warriors/Nationals or Big 5 team jersey. Since this is the first edition, I dug up the first Sixers jersey I could find in my closet that I hadn’t worn in a while. So, I present to you all, 76ersCentral.com’s first “Throwback Jersey Thursday,” an Allen Iverson home jersey…… read more
Iverson Manager: A.I’s hurt, not retiring
According to multiple reports (heard first from Dan Gelston of the AP) from Allen Iverson’s manager Gary Moore say Iverson is not retiring. Moore says that Iverson “totally disputes” any reports that say he’s retiring.
Reports earlier today from a Turkish newspaper said that Iverson planned to retire.
Moore states that Iverson has a lesion on his leg. That it will require surgery, and Iverson will return to the United States for the surgery. No timetable was given for the surgery, only that it would be “soon.”
Allen Iverson expected to retire
According to SLAM Online, Allen Iverson is about to announce his retirement.
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/01/allen-iverson-to-announce-his-retirement/
According to a Turkish publication which was translated by SlamOnline.com, Iverson is expected to retire.
It’s no surprise to anyone, it wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when.
Is a retirement set in stone? For a guy like Allen the answer will almost always be no. Iverson still thinks he’s the best, and while he’s not shaming himself on the court, his skills have diminished.
It’d be a hard sell to believe that an NBA team out there would even consider bringing Iverson on board.
A.I may not want to hang em’ up, but he may be out of options. You can’t play if no one wants you. And with his recent history in Memphis, Philly for the second time, and finally a stint in Turkey, it’s unlikely he’ll get another opportunity.
Trading Iguodala: Why it must happen
Andre Iguodala’s days as a 76er are most likely numbered, it’s no secret. While Iggy may be a more than adequate player on the court, it is time for him to go. There are plenty of reasons, some very obvious, some not so clear. Also lost in this situation is the reality of how this is all going to conclude.
Let’s see if we can bring the main points to the forefront, and clear up some misconceptions of this Iguodala situation.
First and foremost, the Sixers have to deal Iguodala.
Why? Plenty of reasons.
It’s not hard to comprehend that a split would be beneficial to both parties. The 76ers foolishly signed Iguodala to a max deal, albeit with good intentions. Iguodala is confident, maybe to a fault, and that confidence rubbed the 76ers the right way. After parting ways with Allen Iverson, the failures of the Glen Robinson’s, Keith Van Horn’s, Kenny Thomas’ and Chris Webber’s of the world, it was time for a new direction. A fresh and positive direction. Iguodala, at the time felt like he could be the new face of a franchise that’s been searching for it’s identity for nearly a decade. He’s had his opportunity, now it’s time to start a new.
Some would argue Iguodala hasn’t had a fair shot at realizing his full potential and worth to the team. He has dealt with numerous coaching changes, which means change of philosophy, and change of personal. The problem is that throughout those changes, one thing remained the same, Iguodala’s game. He’s steadily improved in certain aspects of the game, sure. Though, no matter how you slice it, he’s still the same player. He’s reached his ceiling, he is what he is, whatever cliche you’d like to use.
Iguodala also has a false sense of himself. Is he talented? Undoubtably. Though, he sees himself as a superstar, something he simply is not.
The mixture of Iggy’s image of himself and his game on the court, has and will continue to be a hinderance to the younger guys the longer he stays in a Sixers uniform. To be effective, Iguodala needs the ball, which takes touches away from the guys who really need them. And if you are Evan Turner or Thaddeus Young, he’s taking away your playing time.
Iguodala above all people, should understand and embrace a move.
Chances are, Iguodala will be dealt to a team with superstars already established. He’d fit into a “role” and his skills would be used, perhaps for the first time, as they were intended. For the first time he’ll realize he’s not “the man” and doesn’t have to be.
What kind of return can the 76ers expect for Iguodala?
Certainly not what the fans might expect. “Stud” guys at any position, are scarce around the entire league. Expecting that one player that’s going to put the Sixers over the top isn’t going to happen. A young player with potential to maybe become an above average to good player or a draft pick to perhaps select a player like that? Probably more likely, that and perhaps a player with a nice expiring deal.
The key to the 76ers future already resides with the team. The likes of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, Jodie Meeks, and Marreese Speights are the future. Will they pan out? That’s yet to be seen, but the Sixers must give them a chance. Iguodala and players before had their shot. It’s time for the new class to get theirs.
Former Philadelphia 76er Allen Iverson’s Turkish Alliance
[picappgallerysingle id="7713151"]Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson has decided to take his talents to the Mediterranean Sea. Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Iverson has agreed in principle on a two-year deal worth $4 million dollars with the Turkish professional team Besiktas. The deal provides a player option for the second year.
After rocky rendezvous in Detroit, Memphis and Philadelphia, Iverson has decided to continue his career overseas. This is certainly not the exit that I envisioned for the talented shooting guard but, at least someone has picked him up. I wish him well.
