Allen Iverson: Me First, Team Later

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Just when you thought the "me first" culture in New York Knicks basketball was changing, post-Isiah Thomas era, THINK AGAIN!

Knicks president Donnie Walsh claims his team will at least look into signing the recently-waived guard Allen Iverson. Yes, A.I.'s tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies is done already. Go figure.

Sure, on the surface, New York looks to be a good fit. Iverson would have a great coach in Mike D'Antoni and a nice cast of young guys that desperately need a spark at 1-9. But here's the thing: New York is a good fit for A.I., yet the future Hall of Famer is NOT a good fit for the team.

Why, you ask?

His tenure at Memphis barely lasted a couple of weeks. His stint in Detroit last season was embarrassing to the game, considering the fact he openly complained about coming off the bench.

I mean if he was a backup to say, Acie Law, then I could understand. But the guy was backing up Richard "Rip" Hamilton, a.k.a. former NBA champion. A.k.a. the leader of the Pistons, who last time I checked has been to a lot more Conference/NBA Finals than Iverson has in his entire career.

How about Iverson's time in Denver?

Iverson always complained about not playing with a true superstar. He got his wish when he was traded a few years back to the Denver Nuggets to play with All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony. The result? A team that couldn't distribute the ball properly and underachieved.

Now like I said, Allen Iverson is a Hall of Fame guard. He's also one of the most selfish players in recent memory—at least for his caliber of play. Keep in mind, this is the same Allen Iverson that contemplated retirement if he didn't find a starting job in the NBA! Newsflash: it's a young man's game.

And if A.I. does sign somewhere as a starter, the only place that would make sense is Charlotte, where his old Philly 76ers coach Larry Brown is currently at.

Let's be real here. There's a reason why this guy is not on contending teams such as the Spurs, Celtics, Lakers, Blazers, Magic, and Cavaliers. The reason is because he is Allen Iverson: great player, who still, at the age of 34, can't understand the concept of team. Perhaps, he should ask Manu Ginobli if he'd rather start or win championships.

So maybe I'm a bit biased at the moment. No, not because Iverson played in Philly. No, not because I hate A.I. (I don't). I'd rather not have one of the teams of my youth be further plagued by someone selfish. Sure, he's nowhere near of a jerk as estranged guard Stephon Marbury, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't cause problems.

And while Iverson would be a huge upgrade from Chris Duhon, I doubt he'll distribute the ball much or trust his teammates. If anything, it seems like nothing's ever good enough for him.

He wants to win and has a chance to join a contender, but spurns them due to a sixth man role. He wants to start in Detroit and when he starts losing, it proves that the man was a bad fit—guess what happens?

"Hey coach, I have issues. See ya later!"

I know the Knicks are "straight up trash, homey," but if Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni truly want to build a winning culture in New York, Allen Iverson is NOT the answer.

See, folks. ESPN2's Skip Bayless can be right. And his old assessment of A.I. could never be more true.

Even to this day, A.I. is still all about Me, Myself, and I-Verson.

Fred "The F-Bomb" Richani is a columnist for The Sports Courier , 411Mania.com , and everythingyntk.com . Richani founded The Sports Courier in 2009. His work has been featured on CBS Sportsline , Pro Wrestling Torch , GOOGLE News , and USAToday.com .

He has also interviewed Platinum-selling bands Blue October and OneRepublic . Richani currently resides in Freehold, N.J., just an hour from New York City and Philadelphia.

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