Orlando Magic May Be "The Answer" for Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson may have found the answer he's been looking for, and it's better than he could have expected.

Hours after the Memphis Grizzlies terminated Iverson's contract, Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. Nelson is not expected to return for at least a month.

The backup point guards for the Magic are not exactly spring chickens, nor are they truly solid options.

Jason Williams takes over as the starter on Wednesday night, his 34th birthday. Williams retired after the 2007-08 season and has just returned to action this season in Orlando.

Williams' first task is Oklahoma City, who features Russell Westbrook at the point. Westbrook lit up Nelson for 17 points and 10 assists. Jason Williams will have his hands full with the speedy sophomore.

Anthony Johnson, age 35, is a journeyman and perennial bench player. He is not likely to be especially effective spelling Williams.

Allen Iverson may be 34 years old, but he is also a surefire Hall of Famer, something the others can't boast. Iverson could step into the starting role and perform well in the Magic offense.

In Orlando, Iverson would be given the chance for a starting role he so desires, at least for a month. When Jameer Nelson returns, Iverson could slip into a beneficial sixth-man for a championship contender.

Orlando has already taken a shot on a disgruntled veteran by trading for Vince Carter in the offseason. The Magic are determined to return to the NBA Finals at any cost. Iverson could play a key role in making that happen.

The Orlando Magic would instantly draw comparisons to the 2004-05 Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers picked up Karl Malone and Gary Payton to complement Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

The plan in LA was to win a championship with two veteran superstars that had not won a championship in their illustrious careers. The Lakers came up short in the Finals to the determined Detroit Pistons.

This Orlando Magic squad features far more depth than the Lakers team. Furthermore, Iverson and Carter are not quite as "used up" as Malone and Payton were at the time.

If Allen Iverson wants to start and have a chance at a championship, Orlando is a perfect fit.

This is a possibility only if AI can show maturity and accept a pay cut and adjust to his role upon the return of Jameer Nelson. If he can make that happen, the Orlando Magic may be answer for Iverson.