From Being a Former MVP to The Unemployed Line: Allen Iverson Deserves Better

It comes to no surprise that future Hall of Famer Allen Iverson has yet to sign with a NBA team for this upcoming season. Last season, Iverson retired while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and then returned to the Philadelphia 76ers. After a brief stint with the 76ers, Iverson left the team due to family issues.

There have been several reports that Iverson may play in China or Turkey. Yes, you read that right and it is not a typo. No disrespect to the players in those leagues, but this is the Allen Iverson we are talking about.

Iverson boasts career averages of 26.7 ppg, along with 6.2 assist a game. Not only has he been selected to 11 All-Star games, he is also a former NBA MVP. Iverson also has four scoring titles, along with being selected All-NBA First Team three times.

During the earlier part of Iverson's career, he may have been arrogant and all of the above, but he does not deserve the treatment he is getting now. "AI" may be the greatest small guy in NBA history. Iverson's impact was bigger than basketball; he was a cultural icon.

There were millions of people across the world wearing No. 3 jerseys with cornrows and tattoos. NBA executives are taking out their personal feelings on Iverson, because during his 14-year career, he raised hell on the court.

In the past, Iverson stated that he would not be comfortable coming off the bench unless it was for a contender. If a player had the basketball resume' that Iverson has, they would probably say the same thing. Sometimes being real can come off as being selfish, and that's what it looks like in Iverson's case.

Iverson deserves a farewell tour during his last NBA season. Every other Hall of Famer had the opportunity to play and get cheers from the opposing teams' crowds, because they knew it was the final curtain call. There are a few teams that can use Iverson. I know for a fact if Tyrone Lue can latch on a team Allen Iverson, should be on a NBA roster.

From a basketball fan's standpoint, it would be sad to see A.I. play his final basketball games across the water. Memo to younger players who are playing in the game today: Never take anything for granted and enjoy your success in the NBA. If not, you may have a chance at becoming a Turkish millionaire. Just ask your former NBA icon Allen Iverson.