This columnist says it's time to trade Allen Iverson and end the soap opera. I don't see it happening because there's no other reason to buy a ticket to see them. And what value could they get in return anyway? Look what happened to the Sixers when they traded Barkley.
(Edited to change subject)
[ March 15, 2004, 08:38 AM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
Full Version: 76ers and Iverson at odds again
Iverson does fill the seats and that is why he has stayed here though many years of turmoil. The Sixers new coach appears hell bent on enforcing rules that others have not. The coach is usually the first to go if there is a rift between himself and a star. In this case though, it would not surprise me if Billy King decided that it's time to end one era and start a new one.
They're at it again...this time because Iverson refused to play when he was told he'd be coming off the bench for his first action since being out for 3 games with a knee injury. Somebody put this team out of its misery, please...
More & more it seems that Iverson will be gone at season's end but where will he wind up? And, is he able to play for any coach in the current NBA environment? Coaches know that they're more expendable in pretty much any conflict with a star player. AI has solid skills--and is clearly willing to put up the shots--and I'm sure some team will see him as their foundation, but at what price?
~Adam
~Adam
Iverson has really created a media circus over his not playing yesterday. He thinks that because he is a star he should start every game regardless of whether he adheres to rules or not.
In a last night's local sports news, Howard Eskin does see an end to the Iverson era when this season is over. He also speculated on the possibility that the 76ers may go after Kobe Bryant in the offseason.
In a last night's local sports news, Howard Eskin does see an end to the Iverson era when this season is over. He also speculated on the possibility that the 76ers may go after Kobe Bryant in the offseason.
QUOTE
phillyrunner:
In a last night's local sports news, Howard Eskin does see an end to the Iverson era when this season is over. He also speculated on the possibility that the 76ers may go after Kobe Bryant in the offseason.
The 76ers may be interested in pursuing Kobe Bryant, but I can't believe he'd be willing to play in Philadelphia. Let's not forget the vitriolic booing he received by Philly fans when he was there for the 2002 All-Star game. Kobe was so traumatized by the experience that he skipped the last Lakers game in Philadelphia in order to avoid a repeat performance! Kobe would play in Denver before he'd go to Philadelphia.In a last night's local sports news, Howard Eskin does see an end to the Iverson era when this season is over. He also speculated on the possibility that the 76ers may go after Kobe Bryant in the offseason.
I also don't see Philly fans accepting Kobe either. Kobe has never been loyal to what should be his hometown and Philly fans have never forgiven him for that. They've always viewed him as a turncoat for making it clear that he didn't want to play anywhere other than LA.
I don't think the Sixers have any real interest in Kobe. I think they'd rather start with someone without any baggage if they're going to start over in rebuilding.
After this season of "As the Lakers Turn," I think what the team needs is less sturm und drang, not more of it. Bringing Iverson to the Lakers would only increase the soap opera.
~Adam
~Adam
Now here's a REAL superstar...learn the lesson, Allen Iverson:
QUOTE
Tim Duncan long ago proved his worth as a starter in the San Antonio Spurs lineup. On Thursday, he showed he could come off the bench, as well.
Duncan, nursing a sore left knee, scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds in his first game as a reserve to lead the Spurs to a 106-86 victory over Minnesota. Duncan, who missed nine of the Spurs' previous 10 games, had started all 506 games of his NBA career before Thursday.
\"It was a choice I made to limit the minutes,\" he said about not starting. \"I couldn't play a week ago against the Clippers. I obviously wasn't ready. So it was about getting into live action and seeing how (the knee reacts).\"
Tony Parker, who finished with 16 points for San Antonio, said it doesn't matter when Duncan gets into the game.
\"Everybody knows he's the man, even if he's coming off the bench,\" Parker said.
Duncan, nursing a sore left knee, scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds in his first game as a reserve to lead the Spurs to a 106-86 victory over Minnesota. Duncan, who missed nine of the Spurs' previous 10 games, had started all 506 games of his NBA career before Thursday.
\"It was a choice I made to limit the minutes,\" he said about not starting. \"I couldn't play a week ago against the Clippers. I obviously wasn't ready. So it was about getting into live action and seeing how (the knee reacts).\"
Tony Parker, who finished with 16 points for San Antonio, said it doesn't matter when Duncan gets into the game.
\"Everybody knows he's the man, even if he's coming off the bench,\" Parker said.
On the Mike and Mike show this morning A.I. got the just shut-up award. Mike Golic went over the "What superstar" tirade Alan Iverson spewed early in the week for not coming off the bench. He went down the checklist of 6 items Iverson mentioned from MVP to Olympian and gave Tim Duncan a 5 out of 6 checkmarks. Only the 3 time scoring champion was missing. Someone should call Alan and answer his question.
One big difference (beyond Tim Duncan being a class act, team player) is that Duncan--as quoted in the article Joe in Philly cited--made the decision to come off the bench himself. I'm sure Rudy T. checked with Duncan beforehand to make sure he would be willing to come off the bench. Iverson was being told by the coach to do it--no direct involvement in the decision-making. Players should go the extra mile for their teams & follow their coach's orders, but in today's game, superstars have to consulted on such moves. They have the power. Coaches who don't understand this act at their own peril.
~Adam
[ March 19, 2004, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: Adam ]
~Adam
[ March 19, 2004, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: Adam ]
But Iverson gave no indication that he was able to play that day until he just showed up and got into uniform. Ford was under the assumption that Iverson wasn't playing until just before game time. There was no time to do such a consultation because there was no communication beforehand.
I assume this was planned before recent events. 
The 76ers are having a giveaway for kids of Gumby in a 76ers jersey. So they got the Gumby creators to film a commercial with Iverson and Gumby playing "horse" (no, not Pokey). It's historic, apparently, becasue they say it's the first time Gumby has ever appeared with a human on film.
He's Gumby, dammit!
The 76ers are having a giveaway for kids of Gumby in a 76ers jersey. So they got the Gumby creators to film a commercial with Iverson and Gumby playing "horse" (no, not Pokey). It's historic, apparently, becasue they say it's the first time Gumby has ever appeared with a human on film.He's Gumby, dammit!
Gumby certainly gets around. Four years ago, the Kings had a Gumby giveaway, with the green guy wearing a tiny Kings sweater. Mine resides on top of my computer here at the office. I never understood the connection. He's obviously a two-sport athlete.
Does Gumby have to start for the 'Sixers or will he come off the bench?
~Adam
Does Gumby have to start for the 'Sixers or will he come off the bench?
~Adam
Hey I say Gumby starts, he's pliable and he bends but doesn't break like Iverson. He can dunk with the best of them because of the bounce in his legs. Best of all the Sixers can save millions cause he will play for free. 
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