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.