Basketball has relevance in Philadelphia again. At least for this week the Sixers are the topic of discussion on sports radio. It is the first time they have had the headlines since the Elton Brand signing (and we all know how that has worked out). Allen Iverson aka “The Answer” is back with the team where it all started. Ya’all know I’m from Philly and I am a HUGE fan of AI. Here in Philly we have another nickname: “Bubba Chuck.” Bubba Chuck is back to right his image and prove that he can still play at an NBA “starter” level. There is no doubt in my mind that AI can play. But opinion in Philly has been mixed. The majority of radio hosts on 610 WIP say it was a ploy to bring back AI. The afternoon show in particular says that it was just to sell tickets and that it does not improve the team.
I agree with their opinion in part. Yes, the Sixers are dead last in attendance in the NBA. In a city where the Birds, Phils, and Fly Boys dominate the sports media the Sixers are DESPERATE for attention. Let’s face the facts: The Sixers have been ignored in this town since the exodus of AI. Except for a brief redemption in 2008 when they lost in the playoffs to the Pistons.
AI now has a chance to repair his image in Philly. To return the excitement that this town felt in 2001. A year in which AI gave me hope that the 76ers were back to NBA glory. The 76ers had it all going on or at least we thought. Larry Brown, Pat Croce, and Billy King had the entire city convinced that we were back to the greatness we experienced under the Dr J/Charles Barkley era. Boy was the city duped after a string of horrible signings, Larry Brown abandoning ship, Pat Croce leaving the Sixers, and AI pouting his way out of town. All that occurred in 3 yrs and left the Sixers in a state of disarray in which fans like myself gave up on the team.
It is well documented that I went to West Coast Ball to find my enjoyment. Over the past 3 years I have written piece after piece about Portland, Denver, Golden State, and this year the Sacramento Kings. Except for Golden State which took a step back those teams have kept my interest in the NBA. They have made good moves and kept their fan base interested. One can’t say the same for the 76ers until today.
Why you may ask am I rehashing all this history? Because AI now has an 8 week tryout to regain his glory and feel wanted. In Philly we know AI has always been a bit misunderstood. National Media has always portrayed AI as a “me first” player. AI wants to succeed, he wants to win, and he wants to be known as one of the greats. Perhaps the best pound for pound player EVER to play in the NBA. Sports media may think this is just a stunt. I disagree! “Bubba Chuck” can help the 76ersorganization rebound and show some pride and basketball relevance. With AI on board the Sixers now have 4 legitimate end of game scores: AI, Iggy, Young, and dare I type Brand! If AI can give 75% of what he had during his prime then I predict that the Sixers make the 7th seed in the East and bring some pride back to this storied franchise that has lost its way with the “City of Brotherly Love.”
AI deserves to have his number retired with the other 76er greats. In Philly the City where Rocky fought we always root for the underdog. AI is the underdog being shunned from the NBA because he felt that he could still play at a NBA starter level. This is his chance to prove his critics wrong! I’m on the record as a believer and I predict AI to regain his dominance and lead this team to the playoffs! Dare I say they may even get out of the first round and give Orlando and Boston fits. If the Sixers accomplish this they may have won back my heart. For a prorated 1.3 million this is perhaps the best decision the Sixers have made in their history and I applaud Ed Stefanski for having the guts to see it through.
Of course the cynic in me thinks the Sixers are keeping up with the Jones. Look at the other franchises in Philly. The Eagles gambled on Vick. The Phils took a shot with Cliff Lee. The Flyers rolled the dice with the “nutcase” goaltender Ray Emery. Looking at this year’s history 2 out of the 3 have worked. With those odds AI is a good bet! For once keeping up with the Jones might be a good thing in Philadelphia professional sports.
With Iverson Back Things May Be Looking Up For Sixers!
Basketball has relevance in Philadelphia again. At least for this week the Sixers are the topic of discussion on sports radio. It is the first time they have had the headlines since the Elton Brand signing (and we all know how that has worked out). Allen Iverson aka “The Answer” is back with the team where it all started. Ya’all know I’m from Philly and I am a HUGE fan of AI. Here in Philly we have another nickname: “Bubba Chuck.” Bubba Chuck is back to right his image and prove that he can still play at an NBA “starter” level. There is no doubt in my mind that AI can play. But opinion in Philly has been mixed. The majority of radio hosts on 610 WIP say it was a ploy to bring back AI. The afternoon show in particular says that it was just to sell tickets and that it does not improve the team.
I agree with their opinion in part. Yes, the Sixers are dead last in attendance in the NBA. In a city where the Birds, Phils, and Fly Boys dominate the sports media the Sixers are DESPERATE for attention. Let’s face the facts: The Sixers have been ignored in this town since the exodus of AI. Except for a brief redemption in 2008 when they lost in the playoffs to the Pistons.
AI now has a chance to repair his image in Philly. To return the excitement that this town felt in 2001. A year in which AI gave me hope that the 76ers were back to NBA glory. The 76ers had it all going on or at least we thought. Larry Brown, Pat Croce, and Billy King had the entire city convinced that we were back to the greatness we experienced under the Dr J/Charles Barkley era. Boy was the city duped after a string of horrible signings, Larry Brown abandoning ship, Pat Croce leaving the Sixers, and AI pouting his way out of town. All that occurred in 3 yrs and left the Sixers in a state of disarray in which fans like myself gave up on the team.
It is well documented that I went to West Coast Ball to find my enjoyment. Over the past 3 years I have written piece after piece about Portland, Denver, Golden State, and this year the Sacramento Kings. Except for Golden State which took a step back those teams have kept my interest in the NBA. They have made good moves and kept their fan base interested. One can’t say the same for the 76ers until today.
Why you may ask am I rehashing all this history? Because AI now has an 8 week tryout to regain his glory and feel wanted. In Philly we know AI has always been a bit misunderstood. National Media has always portrayed AI as a “me first” player. AI wants to succeed, he wants to win, and he wants to be known as one of the greats. Perhaps the best pound for pound player EVER to play in the NBA. Sports media may think this is just a stunt. I disagree! “Bubba Chuck” can help the 76ersorganization rebound and show some pride and basketball relevance. With AI on board the Sixers now have 4 legitimate end of game scores: AI, Iggy, Young, and dare I type Brand! If AI can give 75% of what he had during his prime then I predict that the Sixers make the 7th seed in the East and bring some pride back to this storied franchise that has lost its way with the “City of Brotherly Love.”
AI deserves to have his number retired with the other 76er greats. In Philly the City where Rocky fought we always root for the underdog. AI is the underdog being shunned from the NBA because he felt that he could still play at a NBA starter level. This is his chance to prove his critics wrong! I’m on the record as a believer and I predict AI to regain his dominance and lead this team to the playoffs! Dare I say they may even get out of the first round and give Orlando and Boston fits. If the Sixers accomplish this they may have won back my heart. For a prorated 1.3 million this is perhaps the best decision the Sixers have made in their history and I applaud Ed Stefanski for having the guts to see it through.
Of course the cynic in me thinks the Sixers are keeping up with the Jones. Look at the other franchises in Philly. The Eagles gambled on Vick. The Phils took a shot with Cliff Lee. The Flyers rolled the dice with the “nutcase” goaltender Ray Emery. Looking at this year’s history 2 out of the 3 have worked. With those odds AI is a good bet! For once keeping up with the Jones might be a good thing in Philadelphia professional sports.
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