CRU THIK? Or just “thick” in general?
Allen Iverson is officially a Philadelphia 76er... Again.
The Sixers announced today that the 13 year veteran will once again take the court at the Spectrum.. err, I mean the Wachovia Center. Sorry, I'm just feeling really retro today for some reason.
It doesn't feel that long ago that Allen Iverson was carving up the Lakers in Game One of the NBA Finals, or winning that first round Playoff series against the Hornets deadly quartet of Jamal Mashburn, Kenny Anderson, Stacey Augmon and Elden Campbell.
Oh dear! *sigh*
The last time Allen Iverson actually won a Playoff series was 2003. This makes me feel a little jaded that AI has returned if I'm a Sixers fan. Basically all that's happened is Iverson has had a disagreement with my franchise, taken his declining game and hungry wallet to 3 other cities over the past 3 years to get paid. He has disrupted or destroyed every team he's been a part of in that time and shown nothing that suggests he won't do it again if he gets benched at any point.
The last time AI won a Playoff series was the same time this guy was considered a better option than Dwyane Wade, Carmello Anthony and Chris Bosh amongst others. Ouch.
His journey away from "home" has not been an enjoyable one and he has now walked back into Philly looking for some cheap retro- love and some band-aids. I see the current Philadelphia 76ers situation much like this:
You and your high school buddy both have normal everyday jobs. You always catch up at your local bar for a drink on Thursday nights. Just two guys that are having a good time, no frills, always having fun. However, one day you and your buddy get into an argument because you say it's his turn to get drinks. He won't budge and punches are thrown. A few days go by and you then learn that your buddy has won the lottery! Instead of patching things up and coming to see you, he bolts for the high-life and forgets you entirely. No postcard or celebration... you have been left behind. In fact, as he leaves he gives everyone in the bar the one-fingered salute and walks out in his three-piece suit to his newly purchased Ferrari. Months or years later, after all of the money dries up, he walks back in to that same bar, with nothing but a $20 bill in his pocket and the shame associated with his "journey". He sits down in his old spot and attempts to strike up a conversation with you and your new friends like nothing happened. Everyone moves seats and re-locates to another table.
Right?
Not if you're the the Philadelphia 76ers. They've metaphorically sat down next to their deserting high school buddy and told him how important he is, how special he is and how he can be an integral part of their group going forward. This is one of the strangest things I've seen, due mainly to how the Philadelphia/Allen Iverson marriage ended in late in 2006.
I believe the only way AI can truly be of any benefit in Philadelphia is to adopt a "mentor" attitude. He needs to lift these under-performing yet high potential Sixers to the Playoffs. He needs to mentor Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams and give them the edge to take them to the next level. He needs to inspire Samuel Dalembert and Elton Brand to greatness. He needs to realise that this is a different AI's team now. He needs to understand that Eddie Jordan is the boss and that the Princeton offense is now Allen Iverson's job.
He did it in 2001 with a lineup that's no too different to the one he has now. Iverson's skills may have diminished but I doubt his heart has. The main difference from the 2001 lineup is age. Not only for Allen but for the squad itself. This team is a lot younger and it'll be up to Allen Iverson to be the veteran leader and allow the young pups to steal the show.
I think anyone who believes he will do any of these things is deluded and probably still has Mashburn, Augmon and Elden Campbell posters on their walls. Like Rocky Balboa, Allen Iverson is back in the spotlight in Philadelphia with something to prove. Only he can genuinely stamp a legacy in Philadelphia that will live on in a positive light.
Saddle up people of Philly! The NBA's version of the Italian Stallion is back in the City of Brotherly Love.
*cue the music*
Philly fans, do you really want this?
Why on earth would the 76ers be looking to bring back a decrepit Allen Iverson? Not only is he no longer capable of carrying a team (at his best he was an inefficient scorer, now he's brutal) but why retard the growth of promising rookie PG Jrue Holiday to bring in a relic of the past?
The two stated goals in an Iverson signing are:
- Win
- Sell tickets
I'm not sure Iverson helps address either of those.
Winning? Denver became markedly better with him gone and the Pistons were certainly more settled without him around. He didn't exactly help Memphis either.
Tickets? Philly fans and residents, are you going to flock to 76ers games to gawk at an aging ball hog who can't help your team? At least at the moment you can take pleasure from the significant building blocks of Marreese Speights and Jrue Holiday and the unique Andre Iguodala. With Iverson back all of that goes in the can.
This is the home repair equivalent of the Sixers signing Allen Iverson
The only possible positive that can come from this situation is that Iverson shows himself to have a tiny amount left in the tank and then Philly can sign and trade him in the offseason to a contender for a small amount. In short, use Iverson to gain a 2-3M trade chip during the offseason free agent bonanza that is expected.
Other than that, this will be a nightmare season.
Happy Holiday?
Opportunities are rare in life. Some people receive all the chances in the world to shine and just don't grasp it. Others battle on valiantly, always working hard awaiting their one opportunity to arise. The same happens in the NBA as an injury or a bad relationship with Management can seal an NBA players doom if handled poorly.
Jrue Holiday now has an opportunity.
Philadelphia's current starting point guard Lou Williams has been sidelined for what ESPN predicts to be eight weeks with a broken jaw.
Having only played in 8 of the Sixers' first 14 games, Holiday was averaging 4 points and 1 assist per outing. Far from tearing the roof off but again, it's all about opportunity. It's hard to tear that roof off when you're playing less than 8 minutes per game, if you play at all!
But with Williams out, he started for the first time on Wednesday night in a loss against the Celtics. Holiday's line of 10 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds was offset by 5 fouls and 4 turnovers but that is to be expected.
Will Jrue Holiday seize the opportunity? Philadelphia fans sure hope so.
The Sixers are currently 5-10 after that tough defeat in Boston. Their upcoming schedule is tough but the young Holiday will get some valuable experience.
- vs Atlanta
- @ San Antonio
- @ Dallas
- @ Oklahoma City
- @ Charlotte
- vs Denver
Matching up against the likes of Mike Bibby, Tony Parker, Jason Kidd, Russell Westbrook and Chauncey Billups will definitely give the 6'4", 19 year-old some valuable lessons.
Royal Ivey is the only other point guard currently on the Sixers' roster, so Jrue Holiday has a tremendous opportunity to cement himself some serious playing time by Christmas.
Happy Holidays.
Tuesday Predictions…
There's 9 games on the books today in the NBA and I'm in the mood for some predictions. So here's my take on the games for November 3rd. Now you might raise your eyebrows at a couple of my suggestions, but I'll explain my reasons as we go.
Washington @ Cleveland: There's a big rivalry between these two teams and this game will be no exception. The Wiz are on their way upwards while the Cavs are finding their feet. Prediction: Cavs by 4. Result: Cavs by 12.
Denver @ Indiana: These two teams played each other in China during the pre-season. I think if Indiana get to within 10 points, they can consider it a win. Prediction: Nuggets by 14. Result: Nuggets by 18.
Boston @ Philadelphia: The Celtics aren't going to lose this... there is no way. Philly have some nice emerging talent but the Celtics are WAY too deep and will win easily. Prediction: Celtics by 18. (Side bet: Rondo to have a triple double by 3/4 time to celebrate his contract heist!) Result: Celtics by 31.
This is Rajon showing you how many millions he's going to be earning per year from now on. Also, how many points, rebounds and assists he's likely to get tonight.
Orlando @ Detroit: The Pistons have had an indifferent start and the Orlando Magic are trying to look as deep as Boston. They're not doing a bad job thanks to Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I think Ben Gordon will be the only thing that keeps this close for three quarters. Prediction: Orlando by 14. Result: Pistons by 5.
Phoenix @ Miami: A hard one to pick in my opinion. Both teams have a perfect 3-0 record and I really wouldn't have said either of them would be 4-0 to start the season. One of these teams has to be however and I'll have to go for the Heat but only because they are at home. Prediction: Miami by 3. Result: Suns by 8.
Milwaukee @ Chicago: United Center. Where Derrick Rose will happen. Prediction: Bulls by 10. Result: Bulls by 2.
The Bulls need a BIG night from Derrick Rose tonight...
LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City: The Thunder do look exciting and there's a few reasons to predict an OKC victory here but I'm sticking with the Lakers in a close one. Russell Westbrook has the opportunity to score 25 on Fisher and Farmar. I'm most interested to see if Artest guards Durant, and if so... the results. Prediction: Lakers by 8. Result: Lakers by 3.
Utah @ Dallas: I couldn't care less about this game but in the spirit of equality and objective journalism, I will predict a 15 point win to the Mavericks. Mainly because of Okur's gimpy foot. Result: Mavericks by 11.
Atlanta @ Portland: In my opinion the most exciting game of the night. I definitely predict a shoot out. If Oden and Aldridge can have a large impact, I see the Blazers doing it fairly comfortably. However, that is not a certainty. This one is ultimately a flip of the coin for me and I think it'll go overtime. Prediction: Portland by 4 in OT. Result: Atlanta by 6.
Here's to another entertaining day in the NBA!
Orland-OH!
If you've read this blog at all, you'll know that I'm not a massive fan of Orlando. In fact, I don't like them. I'm not 100% sure why but it's mainly due to their fortunate run in last year's Playoffs accompanied by an existence of mediocrity. I can hear you thinking "Hey, they were pretty good when Shaq and Penny were there!" and you would be right. But we all know that if Michael Jordan hadn't retired, the Magic would've been making their first NBA Finals appearance last June, not their second.
In my perfectly happy little world, Orlando would've been pushed by Philadelphia last night and suffered an embarrassing loss or a marginal, nerve racking, hollow victory.
Not to be.
Orlando violated the Sixers in a way that I for one certainly didn't expect. By half time they were shooting over 60% from the field with 10 three-balls for a more than impressive 70-47 lead. Jason Williams was playing more like his Sac-Town days than a 34 year-old fresh out of retirement.
By 3/4 time the Magic had opened up a 31pt lead and never looked back. At this stage they were 14-23 from downtown. Samuel Dalembert was no match for Dwight Howard inside committing 5 fouls and only clocking 7 minutes at that stage as a result.
A good friend of mine Oaks recently dropped Marcin Gortat in our Fantasy League in favor of Ryan Anderson. I supported him on the surface but secretly laughed and processed a Waiver claim. It seems after one game at least, Oaks' move had been well vindicated by Anderson's performance, and I may be the goose.
The Magic, whilst running the standard "we don't want anyone getting hurt" lineup to finish off the game, eventually closed out the Sixers 120-106.
Dalembert didn't log another minute.
This was about the only time Philadelphia was infront Orlando all night.
This performance tonight serves as just as bigger statement as Boston made last night in Cleveland. The standard of the opposition was different, (although the Cavs going 0-2 with their collective tails handed to them in Toronto wouldn't suggest it) but the message was the same. We are here and we will contend.
It's early days yet, but a statement is a statement. And Orlando made a clear one tonight.
King 10 off suit…
With the upcoming season looming and nothing at all to really look forward to in Sacramento, I pose this question on a slow news day. Will the Kings break the record for least wins in a season? The current record is held be the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers who finished their season on 9-73.
Will the Kings reach the magic 10 win mark?
I've got them slotted in at 15 wins in my 2010 predictions but who knows what the future has in store for a team that relies so heavily on Kevin Martin and Spencer Hawes! *ouch*
They're going to need much more than a little "more cowbell".
2010
As far as predictions go, I realize this is practically impossible to get 100% correct. A full scale prediction of every team's win-loss record for the upcoming season. And worse yet, it's only September! However, I thought this would be interesting to look back on in June 2010.
Eastern Conference W L
Western Conference W L
Cleveland 60 22
Boston 56 26
Orlando 54 28
Atlanta 50 32
Toronto 45 37
Chicago 43 39
Miami 42 40
Charlotte 39 43
Indiana 38 44
Washington 37 45
Detroit 34 48
Philadelphia 32 50
Milwaukee 28 54
New York 27 55
New Jersey 24 58
LA Lakers 62 20
San Antonio 56 26
Dallas 54 28
Denver 50 32
Portland 50 32
Utah 48 34
New Orleans 42 40
Oklahoma City 41 41
Houston 38 44
Phoenix 37 45
LA Clippers 36 46
Golden State 35 47
Memphis 31 51
Minnesota 28 54
Sacramento 15 67
In making these predictions, I've taken into account all roster changes up to and including the 13th of September 2009. As soon as a blockbuster deal goes down, I may have to edit these figures.
I'm excited to see what Blake Griffin can do for the Clippers, what Allen Iverson can bring to the Grizzlies and how Amare Stoudemire will handle being stuck on a 37-win team. But most importantly, it will be interesting to see who can secure home court advantage throughout the entire Playoffs. This one fact alone may determine the Champion this year.
As always, time will tell and bring on the upcoming season!!!
More Questions than Answers…
Flashback to June 6th, 2001...
Allen Iverson is THE MAN.
Iverson has recently been named the 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player. The Philadelphia 76ers have just shocked the Basketball world by beating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the NBA Finals... In LA and in Overtime! Iverson has just been named to the All-NBA First Team for the second time, has led the League in scoring AND steals.
The NBA is his oyster.
Since that day we have seen Allen Iverson's teams go for a combined 313-345 record... and a .475 winning percentage. Now I know there has been injuries to go along with the numerous examples of a "can't be bothered" attitude that is sometimes displayed. But facts are facts, the product is the product. If the Memphis Grizzlies are about to sign the guy who has a shiny high-chair reserved for him in the Hall of Fame.. then they need to know what they're getting.
Now let's look at the Memphis Grizzlies...
Obviously on June 6th 2001, this franchise was in off-season mode. Strangely enough, the entire franchise was also packing its collective bags for Memphis. The Grizzlies had left the city of Vancouver behind... along with the haunting memories of Blue Edwards, Bryant Reeves, Alvin Robertson and some uniforms that made Dikembe Mutombo's only signature shoe look stylish.
Since that day of "rejuvenation", the Memphis Grizzlies have experienced the following:
- A combined 263-393 record. (.400 %)
- Six coaching changes
- Two uniform changes
- Five lottery selections
- 70 registered players
- 3 Playoff appearances (all first round exits)
So what will the possible marriage between Allen Iverson bring that is not completely predictable?
We have a former superstar who is on the final years of a large decline, and we have a perennially retarded franchise that has more direction changes than a broken GPS system. It figures to be another season of folly as this Memphis team not only harbors young new talent, but also has to find a way to convince players in their final year of contract that another 35 win season is "building towards something".
If I'm Rudy Gay or OJ Mayo.. I'm getting my agent on deck NOW... working the phones and trying to find me a new home as soon as possible.
And as for Mr. Iverson, well it doesn't appear that there's much else out there for him.
Memphis are still looking for a King for their Graceland... but unfortunately it looks as though the most exciting thing they're getting is Mrs. Iverson in a Grizzlies jersey. For now.