NBA Free Agency: Allen Iverson

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

(Above: Can he still be "the guy" for someone?)

Let's face it, at 34, Allen Iverson's selfish antics aren't as cute as they used to be.

And no, we're not talking about "practice".

Iverson, while still quick and scrappy, is on the decline. This is the stage of a player's career where they begin to mold into a new role, a "team" player, while seeing reduced minutes.

But Iverson doesn't want the minutes to go away. But he's living in fantasy land.

He wants all the shots, the ball in his hands, and his name in gold when his team wins.

But he did have all that. He just blew it, is all.

He had it with Philly, couldn't take "doing it by himself" anymore, and demanded to be traded. He got his wish: the last thing he truly wanted.

He became second-filled to Carmelo Anthony, and then once that didn't work out, he was shipped off to Detroit to fade away.

But this isn't how it ends for our beloved AI, is it?

No, not for a 6'1 phenom who can break ankles, swish a shot, fall and break two ribs, and then steal the ball-all in one play, mind you.

While Iverson clearly isn't the player he was, there are still a few young teams that would take a chance on him, and yes, even as a full-fledged starter.

Memphis Grizzlies

With their trade and draft rumors surrounding Mike Conley, they probably wouldn't feel too sad about letting him sit on the bench in favor of Iverson.

With Zach Randolph added, the Grizzlies would now have a solid lineup with Iverson, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick, and Randolph.

Still, considering Memphis is generally a team that isn't too concerned with winning, the team may not appeal to Iverson.

But when nobody is calling, even 20-win teams look pretty nice.

Verdict: If Larry Brown won't take him, he really could stoop this low.

Charlotte Bobcats

Iverson has work history with Larry Brown, and despite their checkered past, they both appear warm to a reunion.

Iverson is lacking good coaching, as well as an attitude adjustment, so getting back to his roots with Brown couldn't hurt.

Brown also has begun to form the Bobcats into a solid Eastern Conference presence, and with a healthy and matured "Answer", they could vie for the 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs.

Verdict: Both sides seem comfortable. A likely landing spot.

Chicago Bulls

There have been Iverson-for-Gordon trade talks, but it only makes a little sense.

The logical assumption is that Chicago would be scrambling around for shooting guard help with the loss of Gordon, but Kirk Hinrich should be able to step up and not make the 34-year-old Iverson a necessity.

Then again, Hinrich could be on the trading block, too.

Verdict: If Hinrich is on his way out, AI could be on his way in.

Miami Heat

There have been reports that Miami has reached out to Iverson, while there are also reports that they are denying any interest, whatsoever.

Well, an Iverson signing could either have Iverson running the point, or allowing Dwayne Wade to man the point, and let AI roam free.

Neither scenario sounds too great for Miami, especially considering they already have their point guard project, Mario Chalmers, who has been doing quite well.

Verdict: Not unless Miami is down on Chalmers.

Three Crazy Ideas

Milwaukee, New York, and Phoenix

If the Bucks aren't comfortable with Michael Redd and his knee surgery, and simply want to get the best value they can for him, they could trade him.

Shipping him somewhere else could either give second round pick Jodie Meeks a sniff at the starting gig, or it could free up room for Allen Iverson.

Crazy, but possible.

New York isn't settled on Chris Duhon, and wasn't able to get the stud point guard they were looking for in the draft.

If they don't pull a trade for Nash, landing Iverson would at least be an interim upgrade.

The same goes for Phoenix, ultimately. In fact, a sign-and-trade in a three-team deal would actually be likely, mostly with New York and Phoenix.

Ultimately AI will be suiting up somewhere in the NBA. The question is: is he a role player for a contender, or a star for a bottom feeder?

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