According to former ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, Allen Iverson intends to retire from the NBA after being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies. The New York Knicks showed interest in Iverson at first, but later retracted that interest, citing that Iverson would take away minutes from younger players. The Knicks, obviously building for 2010, decided that they wanted their young roster to develop instead of a few more wins this season.
Despite his troubles with coaches and front offices alike, Iverson was one of the most electrifying players the NBA has ever seen. He never seemed to think twice about throwing his slight 6-foot, 180-pound frame into the paint among players a foot (or more) taller than him. He averaged over 27 points and 6 assists a game for his career and is considered one of the best pound-for-pound players in NBA history. Unfortunately, Iverson will most likely not be remembered for his prodigous talent or warrior-like mentality. He will forever be remembered for his supersized ego and will always be synonymous with the word “practice.”
As much as I hate Iverson for what he did to a talented and cohesive roster last season (don’t let Hamilton fool you, Iverson wasn’t wanted in Detroit), I hope he pulls a Brett Favre and finds a team that to sign with. I would love to see Iverson have a change of heart and be willing to come off the bench, especially for a contender like the San Antonio Spurs, but I just don’t see it happening.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
