Allen Iverson Could Be The "Answer" For The Orlando Magic

It is being reported that the Orlando Magic along with the New Orleans Hornets are interested in Allen Iverson. Although reports later came out that they did not really have Iverson on their radar you know that isn't true, since when does a team say they have interest and three hours later change their mind? The Magic and Hornets probably just didn't want Iverson's name to be a distraction to the team, they are planning on quietly brining Iverson in for a workout and going on from there.

Iverson would probably be coming off the bench for both teams, unless he earns a starting spot in training camp which he is capable of doing. If the Hornets and Magic both offered Iverson a bench role he would obviously take the Magic's offer because they are a serious contender and Iverson's amazing resume is missing a championship, with the Magic he would have the best opportunity to get that championship. Many people may even question the Magic signing Iverson but if you think about it Iverson would give the Magic everything they are missing.

Last season the Magic were capable of winning a title, they had it all. They had the best center in the league in Dwight Howard, they had a great bench, they had a great starting five, they had great shooters, they had a great defense, though he was streaky Vince Carter was a good scorer to have. But the only reason this team failed last season was because they had no mental toughness and heart. Orlando just choked when they ran into Boston's defense, they couldn't handle the pressure and after they lost a couple of games they looked scared.

This is where they needed a player like Allen Iverson, Iverson is arguably the toughest player in the history of the NBA, he has never played a game scared, not once has he choked under pressure. Still to do this day he has more heart than anyone in the league has ever had. Even last season playing with a bad knee Iverson was diving all over the floor for loose balls, he was still throwing his body into the stands trying to save the ball from going out of bounds, he was still playing his hardest till the game ended.

That heart and effort is what the Magic were laking last season, but what sticks out the most is last season playing in a extremely slow Princeton Offense Allen Iverson got to the line 5 times a game, other than Dwight Howard that is more than any Magic player did last season. 

AI could come off the bench for the Magic and give them 15 points in his sleep, the Magic don't run a half court system which would give Iverson freedom to attack the basket and get to the line. Coach Van Gundy would never disrespect Iverson by holding him back like the past couple of coaches he has played for have. If Iverson outplayed Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson Van Gundy wouldn't hesitate to give Iverson that starting spot. 

Iverson is a better scorer then Vince Carter and could even turn out to be the Magic's go to guy, he could close out all the games and would give the Magic a player that can take the game over. Last season Jameer Nelson averaged 12.6 ppg and 5.4 apg in 29 mpg for the Magic and he wasn't forced to play in a Princeton offense like AI, Iverson averaged 13.8 ppg and 5 apg last season in 29 mpg. Iverson who has been a specialist at throwing lobs to big men his whole career would have a lot of fun attacking the lane and hitting Dwight Howard for 5 alley oops a game. 

Coach Van Gundy would love AI, he could attack the basket and score, he could attack the basket and kick out to one of the open shooters or he could throw lobs to Dwight all game. The Magic would be the hardest team to defend in the league, this season the Magic were the hardest team to defend and they didn't have that player that could attack the basket any time. Iverson would give the Magic a different dimension, the Magic could go inside to Dwight and let him go to work, Dwight could kick out to the open shooters or Iverson could break down the defense and would have many options.

Dwight Howard called his team out last season after they lost to the Celtics, he hated how everyone was so careless and how nobody played with that passion and heart. Who has more passion and heart then AI? Iverson is only asking for the veterans minimum and would accept a bench role, it was reported that he is training harder then ever and maybe he could even earn a stating role in training camp. The Magic wouldn't have to worry about Iverson being a distraction because he wouldn't dare cause any problems on a team this talented and he would never mess with a respected coach like Stan Van Gundy.

Iverson's jersey would be a hot seller and the Magic fans would love the heart and passion AI brings to every game. Maybe GM Otis Smith has thought about all these things, Iverson would certainly give the Magic everything they are missing and the Magic's chances of winning a championship would be as high as ever. 

Allen Iverson is "The Answer" for the Orlando Magic.