NBA: Allen Iverson's Return to Greatness

A legend now and forever, Allen Iverson's abrupt vacation from the NBA has cast a shadow not only on his impeccable career, but the league itself.

It's become a black-hole for speculation of ownership collusion, raising the question as to why the best 6'0" athlete in the game's history can't find a job.

This may be cliche, but he's become the Barry Bond's of basketball, minus the steroids.

Sure, Iverson has possessed some questionable character issues dating back to his bowling alley brawl in high school and infamous shoulder shrugs for team practices, but has the basketball community gone too far in exiling one of the most prolific and popular players of all time?

What kind of extreme league ties were cut that forced "The Answer" to flee to Turkey?

It seems hardly explainable even under the smallest of microscopes as to why his career ended the way it did.

Some would argue that his decline in athleticism and offensive aggressiveness unfortunately lead to his quick and impatient disposal from the league.

But we're talking about Allen Iverson here, not some soccer dad playing ball at the YMCA.

When's the last time you really took a second to step back, travel back in time, disregard what the media tells you and just watch his highlights.

His career was flawless.

Any guy that can cross up Michael Jordan and single-handedly take on Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA Finals should be guaranteed a roster spot until he's playing in a wheelchair.

This is about the time I'd usually list some ridiculously good career statistics, but it's not necessary. If you don't know how good Iverson was in the NBA for a 10-year span, take your head out of the sand.

In my opinion, Iverson is unmatchable.

Despite his sometimes unworthy off court antics, he never failed to produce on the hardwood.

A 6'0", 165 lb, combo-guard who had the best crossover around (maybe ever), outplayed some of the best players of his era, and displayed one of the biggest wills I've ever seen.

Disregarding his own health and safety, Iverson would drive the ball full-speed at 6'10", 260 lb forwards and centers, using his quickness and inhuman court vision to succeed where others wouldn't dare to try.

His play was the epitome of heart.

But beyond his career accomplishments and highlight reel showboating, Iverson and the NBA have been without one another for far too long.

A year and half to be exact.

Don't you think it's about time to reincarnate this legend?

I sure do and so does Iverson himself.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Iverson stated that he's ready to comeback to the NBA.

"Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

Despite a serious leg injury which led to his departure from the Turkish league, the 36-year-old still possess the will and confidence to play alongside some of the great talents of the basketball world.

So where does he go from here?

It depends. Iverson's career has been seriously tainted by his last few seasons, whether it's been his lack of play or a media portrayed locker room bad guy, but the fact remains that the former-MVP deserves a second chance.

He's earned it.

There's nobody out there that can discredit that. 

Iverson's mass appeal to NBA fans, his overwhelming threshold for making the impossible possible and his overall demeanor on the court make up for his long-lasting return to greatness.