Allen Iverson Is Proving He Is Still a Great Player

Since last season in Detroit, it is obvious Allen Iverson's reputation took a major hit. The Allen Iverson haters, whether they be fans or media members, waited for their chance to destroy Iverson, and after last seasons disaster in Detroit they had their chance.

Iverson was put into a a situation a player like him could not succeed in. A scorer as good as Iverson was not what the Pistons needed. Iverson was so good you could give him the ball, tell everyone to get out of his way, and he would win you games. The Pistons played team basketball and moved the ball around using the good players they had. Iverson went there and was asked to change his style of play. 

The Pistons did not want Iverson to be Iverson. Asking Iverson to play different is the same thing as asking Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan to play differently. It was a dumb move by Joe Dumars to trade Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson. The trade ruined Iverson's image and ruined the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons failed to work Iverson into the system.

Iverson tried sacrificing, and the numbers prove that. Iverson was shooting a career low 14 shots per game and his usage rate was as low as ever. Iverson went quarters without even touching the ball. This led to Iverson averaging a career low 17.4 PPG and 4.9 APG. Iverson was averaging 26.4 PPG and 7.2 APG while shooting a career high 46 percent the season before in Denver, and the media and haters were saying Iverson was washed-up. 

By the end of the season Iverson was forced to come off the bench, and he did not like this. The legendary Allen Iverson who was still capable of leading a contender and leading the league in scoring was being asked to come off the bench for Rodney Stuckey. Iverson complained about his role with the team and claimed he would rather retire than come off the bench for any team. Iverson and the Pistons parted ways before the playoffs. Iverson was unfairly being blamed for the failed season by the Pistons, and the media was destroying him day by day. 

Iverson went into free agency with his value as low as can be. He was falsely labelled a cancer and a selfish player with bad attitude which disrupts and destroys team chemistry. His value was so low that the Memphis Grizzlies signed him.

But the problem was the Pistons organization had taught the league something about Allen Iverson. They taught GMs and coaches around the league that it was okay to bring Iverson off the bench despite the legendary career he has. They taught the league that Iverson should just be a role player rather than the main option. Teams learned this, but Iverson refused to do these things because he knew he was much better than that.

Iverson was ready to prove doubters and GMs across the league wrong. It was supposed to be the year Iverson comes back averages 25 PPG and 7 APG while leading the young Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs. But even the Grizzlies brought him off the bench. This obviously did not sit well with the future Hall of Famer, and after just three games of coming off the bench, the Grizzlies and Iverson agreed to a buyout which put Iverson on the waivers.

After that everybody knows what happened. Louis Williams broke his jaw and the Sixers were in need of a guard. On Dec. 3, the Sixers signed their legend. Allen Iverson was back on the team where he became a legend and became a household name. The city of Philadelphia was buzzing, and the ticket sales in Philadelphia were going up day by day.

Iverson knew that this was his last chance at proving he can still play and knew it was his last chance to show everybody he is not cancerous to a team. It was simple—all Iverson had to do was fit in with the team, be the leader, and keep his mouth shut. 

Iverson did just that. Iverson is embracing his new role with his team. He is the leader of the Sixers, and he doesn't have to average 25 to prove that. Iverson is a vocal leader and a cheerleader when he's not on the floor, and when he is on the floor, he is the best player.

Iverson is averaging a career-low 15 PPG and 4.7 APG but is really sacrificing by only shooting 11 shots per game. Iverson is shooting a career high 46 percent from the field, and his jumper is better than ever. Iverson is not showing signs of slowing down too much because he is breaking down defenses like always and getting to the line about six times a game. Iverson's stats are starting to go up because Eddie Jordan is giving him more freedom to do what he wants, and this is also helping the team get wins.

The Sixers are a dangerous team, and it is because they have Allen Iverson on their team. He gives these young guys confidence and despite career low on shot attempts, a arthritic left knee, and only 33 MPG, Iverson is still putting up good stats. 

Iverson is proving owners and GM's wrong all across the league by showing he does not disrupt team chemistry and can be a valuable asset to a contending team if given the minutes. Iverson is proving that if given the freedom, he can average 25 PPG and help the team win games because in limited minutes, shot attempts on the Sixers. Without forcing any shots up, Iverson is putting up great stats, and it makes you wonder what he can still do if given the green light.

Iverson is a player who can get 25 points in his sleep and all you have to do is give him the green light and he will do it. But forget that. Iverson's done that and he has proven he is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and has proven he is one of the best players in league history. Even now he is proving he can still score if given the green light to do so. 

Iverson is sacrificing for the Sixers this season, and it is clear. But the Sixers are still struggling because they just can't close games out. The Sixers have lost more close games than any team in the league this season and lead the league in games lost by six points or less this season. If they had won even half of those close games this season they would be a seventh or eighth seed in the East this season. 

The way Iverson is playing reminds me of a guy who would be on the Boston Celtics. A superstar player who has done so much in his career and is ready to sacrifice to win a Championship. Iverson would fit in perfect with this 20 PPG, six APG and 34 MPG role with any contender in the league. Imagine Iverson paired with LeBron or Iverson in Boston.

How about A.I. taking his talent to a team like the Raptors? They could use a 20 PPG scorer, and Iverson would be fine with playing 35 MPG and not taking minutes away from the youngsters.

How about the Atlanta Hawks? Once Joe Johnson leaves this summer, they are going to need a shooting guard. Or maybe a team like the Pacers, Danny Granger and Allen Iverson would make a great combo that could go to the playoffs.

But what would be better than Iverson staying in Philadelphia and retiring a Sixer? The Sixers love the way Iverson is playing, and he is fitting in perfectly with this team. The Sixers could keep Iverson as their main guy and change the rest of the team by trading players like Andre Igoudala and Louis Williams for other great young talent that could help Iverson win a ring. 

But one thing is for sure. Once this season ends ,Allen Iverson will have teams knocking at his door. Whether it be a contender that needs that go-to option or second option. Whether it be the Cavaliers trying to get LeBron a legit second option, or a team like the Pacers or the Raptors who are in need of perimeter player that can take games over and drop 20 points easily.

There are many teams that can use Allen Iverson next season. But at this stage of his career, Iverson wants to be happy and wants to be contending for a championship, and now that he has proven he can fit in and lead at the same time, he will have a great off season.

Amazing what going back home can do for you.