Iverson To Become Prodigal Son?

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Rumors, SDC COMMENTARY

Allen Iverson

Folks, you can file this under “Strange But True”, but the word according to Stephen A. Smith over at Fox Sports is that *gulp* the Philadelphia 76ers are seriously considering bringing back former Sixer Allen Iverson into the fold. That’s right – Iverson may return to the “City of Brotherly Love.”

Unnamed sources are saying that have had internal discussions in reference to a Philly return for Iverson and that coaches and 76ers brass apparently like the idea. Meanwhile, an Iverson confidant says that Iverson is “interested”; what degree of interest the problematic guard has in returning to Philadelphia is speculative at this point.

According to a 76ers official before the team lost to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday:

“It’s being seriously considered. We know the history. We know the ups and downs. But we’re also aware of what (Iverson) can do and that he’s needed here. We simply can’t just ignore the upside he’d bring. Not with our situation.”

Smith further added that Iverson would start alongside rookie Jrue Holiday and would remain in the lineup when Louis Williams (broken jaw) returns.

You see, here’s the thing. It isn’t like the 76ers have a guard shortage as it has been proven that Andre Iguodala and Willie Green can fill in while Williams recovers. Yet they, for reasons only known to them and God, are considering bringing Iverson back. And let’s not forget the excess baggage that he would bring to the team.

It is that baggage that sent Iverson out of Philadelphia in the first place; one would think that the team would have learned their lesson. Come to think of it, Iverson also burned bridges not only in Philly, but also in Denver, Detroit and Memphis. That should explain why there is this lukewarm interest in Iverson; I would like to think that the two Eds – Snider and Stefanski – would reconsider this possibility and use perfectly good replacements already in place on their roster. A 5-11 win-loss record isn’t an excuse to look for the cure-all for their temporary slump. There’s plenty of other teams that have worse records than the Sixers who aren’t drooling at the prospect of adding Iverson; Philly should join that list if they know what’s good for them, both short- and long-term.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Iverson To Become Prodigal Son?”

Greg on November 28th, 2009 9:32 pm

Stephen… i’m from Philly my man. It’s obvious why they want him back. The fans in Philly. Myself included! LOVE AI! Fans would actually come back and buy SEATS! This franchise is struggling in this town. They are the 4th pro team in Philly and it’s not even close. The Flyers sell out the house every night and the Sixers can’t even get 10k to show up. Iverson reminds us of what could have been in 2001…. let us enjoy the memories one more time! Stop ripping on my AI. your just a hater
Stephen Rhodes on November 28th, 2009 11:07 pm

Actually I’m not a AI hater at all, Greg. You yourself have to admit that Iverson drove himself out of town. And it is on record that he is a “me-first, team second” player.

The Sixers have a decent core of players and signing Iverson would impede the development of the team. And it certainly would not be fair to Louis Williams when he returns to be coming off the bench because of AI’s signing.

Bottom line – AI puts some butts in the seats, nothing more than that. If you remember one thing from this Greg, remember this: Denial is much more than just a river in Egypt.
Greg on November 29th, 2009 1:19 am

Answer me this riddle? Why is it that everyone wants Philly to suck so they get a lottery pick? I AM TIRED OF LOSING IN BASKETBALL in Phily!!!! I’ll take a .500 club that gets in as the 8 seed in the playoffs. At least I can go to a PLAYOFF game in Philly. I realize we aren’t gonna win a championship but AI would give us some playoff aspirations. It will get butts in the seats you are right! My butt would be included. At least the Sixers would be relevant again! I’m tired of having to route for every team bu my own!!!!