Allen Iverson: Career Officially Over?

The past few weeks, many reports and rumors came out of the Dallas Maverick’s front office.  These reports and rumors have to do with a possible NBA comeback for Allen Iverson.  Does the Answer still have a chance at a comeback, or is he gone for good?

2 years, 344 days ago, Allen Iverson walked off the NBA hardwood one final time.  The date was February 22^nd and he left the 76ers indefinitely to attend to his 4 year old daughter’s health issues.  8 days later General Manager Ed Stefanski declared that Allen Iverson would not be returning to the team he earlier built his legacy with.  Since then, rumors have been swirling around and around of possible signings, contracts, interest in teams, and comebacks.  All of these countless rumors amounted to nothing.  News leaked that the Dallas Mavericks were interested in signing the 37 year old guard, if he proved himself worthy of a spot on their roster by playing in the NBA Development League for a short time.  When approached by the team, Iverson declined the offer.  Gary Moore, Iverson’s manager said “While he appreciates the interest the Dallas affiliate has shown in him and that option was there for him if he wanted to take that route, he's not going to that route,”

It seems as though since the day he left, Allen Iverson has been vigorously trying to make his way back into the league he was once the star of, but every time and opportunity arises he turns it down, never without a great reason, but then continues to tell the media how badly he wants to come back.  Last year a similar event occurred, the Los Angeles Lakers offered him a spot on their D-League counterpart, and just as he did with every other time, he rejected it. 

As a fan of Allen Iverson, it is very difficult to ask the following question, but based on the rollercoaster ride of Iverson rumors the past few years, and the fact that he still isn’t back in the L, it must be asked.  How badly does Allen Iverson actually want this?  I believe he wants to come back, very badly.  But not bad enough.  In order for him to come back he will have to put his honour and pride aside and do whatever it takes for a team to give him a contract.  Not playing in the D-League and not giving a reason seems as though he believes he is above that, and should do something with more honour in it to find a way back.

As much as I respect Allen Iverson, and as big a fan as I am, the answer to the question on everyone’s mind, is yes;  the Answer’s career, is officially and completely, over.

Allen Iverson Delivered the Game Ball at a Philadelphia 76ers Playoff Game in 2012 and Had and Emotional Reunion With His Most Loyal Fans.

Rondo-less Celtics: Playoffs or Not?

During a Post-game Interview With Doris Burke, Paul Pierce is Told of Rondo's Torn ACL.

The look on Paul Pierce’s face as he learnt of his teammate’s injury sums up perfectly how all Boston Celtics fans, Rajon Rondo fans, and NBA fans felt when the news was broken that Rondo had torn his ACL.  Pain, heartbreak and loss of hope.

With Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo out for the season with a torn ACL, the Boston Celtics will inevitably become a weaker team.  With the league leader in assists per game now out, and Avery Bradley, Leandro Barbosa and Jason Terry manning the point guard, the Celtics championship window appears to be closed.  For good.  Avery Bradley is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, but his ability to play point guard is questionable and untested and Jason Terry while able to play the 1, is more accustomed and suited to play shooting guard.  That leaves Leandro Barbosa, who while a solid contributor and scorer coming off the bench (won the 2007 Sixth Man of the Year Award), is not the man I would want filling in my perennial all-star’s spot, not to mention his eagerness to be traded away from the green and white.

This brings up the next issue.  The Playoffs.  As of today, the Celtics are sitting in the 8^th spot in the Easter Conference with a disappointing record of 22-23, and are 2-0 without Rondo, but I do not expect them to be able to hold up without him for much longer.  One spot behind them in the standings are the Philadelphia 76ers, who are 19-26.  Led by young and rising point guard Jrue Holiday, a first time all-star this year, and with All-NBA big Andrew Bynum’s return on the horizon, the core of youthful and promising players may bump off the Celtics and take the final playoff spot. 

While both of these teams are sub-par this season, the chase for the final playoff spot will be tightly contested.  Who makes the playoffs depends on 2 factors.

1.   Boston Celtics blowing up their roster and starting a rebuilding process, or trading aging veterans for young up-and-comings.

2.  Philadelphia 76ers centre Andrew Bynum’s return.  The sooner, the better the chance of post-season action.

If Boston can pull off a trade for a young all-star, they may gain an edge over the 76ers, but if Philly’s big man can come back fully healthy, soon, and adjust to the system change, they will get the upper hand.  For the time being we’ll just have to wait and see.