I never thought a story like this would come from me, and for good reason. Allen Iverson has been my favorite player ever since the Georgetown days. Once he got drafted by Sixers in 1996, he instantly became my favorite player in the league, surpassing even The G.O.A.T. Even to this day, nothing has changed. I say all that, so you will see this is a story coming from a fan of Iverson, not someone who can’t stand the sight of him, or someone who is just a plain hater. This is coming from someone who wants him to leave the game with his dignity intact, while he’s still a very productive player, and someone who doesn’t want to see him reduced to a jersey-seller, a seat-filler, but with no chance of winning the championship. Simply put, I don’t want my favorite player of all-time to be reduced to a basketball version of the UniverSoul Circus.
When people look at Allen Iverson, they see someone who is a team-wrecker, a diva, and someone who doesn’t care about winning. People choose to forget he has carried teams on his back for years, and was dealt the short end of the deck in others. Last season was a nightmare in Detroit, as everyone who witnessed was aware of. He was reduced to coming off the bench, publicly complained about the role, and was then deactivated for the rest of the season with a back injury. Last season also marked the end of his contract, which now makes him a free agent. This is where things really get interesting.
There’s no denying that Allen Iverson can still be productive. He can go somewhere and get his starting job, minutes, shots, get 20 points a night, and remind people why he’s still one of the best players in basketball. However, it will be on a team who has no earthly chance in hell of winning a championship, and even I, as an Allen Iverson fan, will be the first to admit that. I hear teams like Charlotte and Memphis, and all I can do is laugh. Charlotte is on the verge of being a playoff team with a mix of young players, a couple of veterans, and with Larry Brown running the show. Sure, Iverson could go there, but what will that really accomplish? They’re going to make the playoffs whether he’s there or not, so that scenario is out. Memphis is a million years away from being a contender, so that move does nothing either. The only thing he can gain from going to those places is a nice payday, and he’s had plenty of those. The primary objective should be to win a championship, period.
The only team I can see him playing for, while being a productive player, and having a chance to win a championship, is the Boston Celtics. Even with that, it’s about a big a pipe dream as can be had, simply because (a) he wouldn’t start, (b) he would have to become a true role player, and (c) he won’t get big money from them. For something like this to happen, he would have to completely buy into what Boston is doing. Granted, I think he’s better than Ray Allen, but I know he’s not a better fit than Ray for Boston’s system, so there would be, and should be, no change in the starting line-up. When I ask people why he couldn’t be a Ginobili, why he couldn’t become the best sixth-man in basketball, and simply be instant offense off the bench, they say the pride factor will keep him from doing so.No other real contender (San Antonio, LA Lakers, Cleveland, Orlando, Houston) needs him, so it’s either time to swallow some pride, or charge it to the game. He’s someone who knows he’s better than a lot of players at his position, but unlike those players, they know what their roles are, and there’s no extreme circumstance that will make them have to swallow their pride. With that said, if he chooses to retire now, not only will his legacy remain intact, he’ll be remembered as one of the best players of our generation. His fans, such as me, won’t be mad at him for it one bit. However, if he does choose to stick around for the payday, for the starting job, for the points, but with no realistic chance of winning a championship, that will be something that even I will no longer be able to defend.
-K. Masenda
www.edthesportsfan.com
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Comments
9 Responses to "It’s Time for Allen Iverson to Retire"I've looked at the Iverson situation a tad bit differently. I too would like to see AI go out with his dignity still in tact, but not after the way he went out last season. I think if he were to go to a team like Charlotte, who didn't make the playoffs, but are on the verge of making them, he can go out after another "I carried a team of over achievers on my back to the playoffs" season since him signing with a contender is completely unrealistic.
I just hate the way his season ended last year, and just don't feel comfortable with him going out with a "back injury" and complaining about coming off the bench. I think that's much worse than him potentially signing with Charlotte. I can see where you're coming from though.
Mama NOOOOOO!! LOL I really like AI, but I have to agree. Unless he goes to Boston or maybe Cleveland it may be best.
I do, however, agree with imsohideous in the sense of, he shouldn't go out on the same note from last season. He should try and pull a Favre, come back from a bad season and play at a high level.
I wish him luck. But hopefully he has at least one good year left in the tank
I agree, Iverson needs to retire now. He's not the same Iverson from years past. All those injuries and his age are possibly catching up to him now!!!
AI was gettin by on youth and determination. Philly took the latter and Father Time the former.
It's time.
Loved him like you since Georgetown. Rooted for him every step of the way after that. Admired his courage and determination, the small man going in among the big guys and getting it done, night after night.
I can understand your argument, that he should look for a situation where he can chase a championship, but if I'm AI, I don't want to go out on a note like last season. I'd want a chance to prove that I'm not a complainer. At some point, he may have to swallow his pride and take a reduced role, particularly if it means a title. He wouldn't be the first to do it, and definitely won't be the last.
No offense, but who are you or anyone else to tell the dude he should retire. Maybe he won't win a championship, but he's earned the right to go out however he sees fit. I love this site and all, but I get pissed when someone tells an athlete how to go out.
No one should be deciding what Allen Iverson should or should not do professionally except for Allen Iverson. Just my opinion there. Take it for what it's worth.
@ The Rev
You're absolutely right when you say he's earned the right to go out however he sees fit. I agree with you there, especially when it comes to Allen Iverson. However, if it's between going to a pretender or hanging it up, I'd rather him hang it up.
I understand that you'd rather see him retire than just play for money or stats or the sake of playing. And I'm fine with that. But don't tell the man he should retire just because we don't want to see him go out like that. All I'm sayin.
I would hate for Allen to call it quits, but I understand your points. The one thing that I wish he would do is to humble himself just a bit. Winners are still winners, whether they come off the bench or not. We all realize that he can still be a VERY productive offensive player and there is nothing wrong with being the sixth man. It's never about who starts the game, but it's more about who finishes it!
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