Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 at 10:00 am  |  81 responses

Allen Iverson: ‘I Want to Return to the NBA’

A.I. took to Twitter last night to express his desire to make a comeback next year: “I want to return to the NBA this season, and help any team that wants me, in any capacity that they feel that I can help. I’m disappointed, and I owe my fans more than what they have seen of me the last couple seasons. However, now that my family is healthy and rock solid, I can about concentrate fully on doing what I do best!”

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  • zabba Posted: Jul.6 at 10:03 am
    A.I’s got a few more good years ahead. His ass should be on an NBA court.

  • Sean Posted: Jul.6 at 10:05 am
    Sounds like hes ready. I’d take him on the Bulls for the minimum as a back up gaurd behind Rose and (hopefully) Wade. That’d be a pretty interesting if not a lopsided backcourt!

  • Exile Posted: Jul.6 at 10:10 am
    Oh hell no. I love AI, but this get on the bus, get off the bus act can’t be the way he goes out. Further… based off the conduct on the past few squads he’s been on… who would take him? Young squads don’t want an old Alpha who doesn’t have the steps to cramp their growth and champion teams don’t want the drama.

  • george w. buckets Posted: Jul.6 at 10:11 am
    the knicks ears just tingled

  • k.o. Posted: Jul.6 at 10:12 am
    “…In a starting role for a contender” he didn’t necessarily add but was definitely thinking.

  • deano Posted: Jul.6 at 10:13 am
    definitely got some more years on him. I remember him still beating defenders of the dribble ease with his quickness during his time in Detroit. Allen was one of my heroes growing up and I really want to see him end it the right way and with a good squad, but after bailing out on Detroit, Memphis, and leaving Philly a few weeks after the re-union I can fully understand any teams skepticisms

  • Hussman25 Posted: Jul.6 at 10:17 am
    ::sigh::

  • Will Lee Posted: Jul.6 at 10:20 am
    i was his first fan before Georgetown and first one to leave him. His attitude doesn’t worth our attention.

  • Eduardo Posted: Jul.6 at 10:21 am
    If Chris Duhon can get a 4 year contract worth $15 Million, surely Allen Iverson can get a job somewhere in the NBA? NYK? Cavs? former MVP?

  • deano Posted: Jul.6 at 10:23 am
    @k.o. lololololololol… but in all truth after being forced to shoulder the load of a 5-man squad on his 5’11 160lb frame, 82 games a year for 11 seasons in Philly…with NOOOOO big-man help…you can see how he’s developed that mentality. Hopefully he’s shaken out of it a bit though

  • Scottie Pimpin Posted: Jul.6 at 10:27 am
    awwwww shizz, the answer wants to come back and do what the team needs him to do…..bulls better sign this bad boy up. but realistically , he would look good on the knicks now that they have amare…..actually he migh even look better on that orlando squad.

  • IAMORANGE4EVER Posted: Jul.6 at 10:36 am
    We sittin’ here talkin’ ’bout a Chuck comeback.

  • T-Money Posted: Jul.6 at 10:43 am
    I got love for AI but the fact remains that he bailed out on his last three teams (DET, MEM, PHI). That’s not hot. Of course he still has the talent to play in the L but I really have a hard time believing that he’d be willing to help teams “in any capacity”.

  • Sean Posted: Jul.6 at 10:47 am
    I dunno he seems to have said as much. I’d take him on his word and he complained about the 10 minutes per night he’d get then you could just send him packing!

  • Fat Lever Posted: Jul.6 at 10:49 am
    Hussman, well said. I’m tired of this. I love what he did for the Sixers, but he’s been given more than enough chances. This Boot Camp Clik line comes to mind when thinking about this: “But I’ll never fall victim to the ohkeedoke/It goes on and on and on and on/Keep on/And you don’t stop”

  • backboard Posted: Jul.6 at 10:50 am
    to this day i want to find out what mysterious ailment his daughter had last season! anyone ever find out?

  • The Philosopher Posted: Jul.6 at 11:00 am
    The 2nd biggest clown in NBA History.

  • tankg415 Posted: Jul.6 at 11:05 am
    the hawks need to look at bringin in a.i. and shaq…a.i. sounds better than bibby…or the bulls since they dont have hinrich anymore…itll work

  • The Nupe Posted: Jul.6 at 11:35 am
    He has talent, someone will give him a chance. Maybe the Celts, they are a contender enough strong personalities that may be able to motivate him even if coming off the bench. Doc and the team were able to make Starbury seem normal so they can certainly deal with AI.

  • buppie Posted: Jul.6 at 11:39 am
    practice. it’s just practice, man. practice.

  • The Seed Posted: Jul.6 at 11:55 am
    He’s in a New York state of mind!!!

  • Hussman25 Posted: Jul.6 at 11:57 am
    @Fat: That’s exactly what I said when I read the headline. He needs to find some peace, religion or a hobby (or all 3); but away from the court! (SN: Love the BCC reference)

  • Myles Brown Posted: Jul.6 at 12:40 pm
    Allen Iverson:”I need the money”

  • - Posted: Jul.6 at 12:45 pm
    TORRRRRRRRRRRONTO DO IT BRYAN

  • Trout Posted: Jul.6 at 1:14 pm
    Now would be a good time to let it go Allen. I’ve been an A.I advocate for a long time (even flew from London to Philly to see him play a couple times) but of recent his conduct and maybe his body is pointing to retirement rather than contender status. An chance of ending his career gracefully is just about done so no more drama … just call a day.

  • backboard Posted: Jul.6 at 1:38 pm
    so noone can tell me what disease his daughter had/has?

  • Overtime Posted: Jul.6 at 1:45 pm
    Put him on a team that can at least contend for playoff status, he’ll stick to it, put in the work.
    Put him on the Wolves or something, and probably not.
    ( and whatever his daughter had is irrlevant)

  • RayRay Posted: Jul.6 at 2:06 pm
    bring him to the Lakers, get rid of inconsistent J. Farmar and have him back up Fisher. He’s a good slasher, finisher, and can beat his opponent off the dribble. Have him attend 1 on 1′s with Artest & Kobe to learn solid defense, and make him practice with Kobe so he can learn the killer instinct, drive, will, and “practice 1st mentality” that Kobe has. Get up in the wee hrs of the morning be 1st to practice and last to leave. The zen master can tame him.

  • Alex Esquilin Posted: Jul.6 at 2:37 pm
    1) ATL
    2) Boston
    3) Charlotte
    4) NYK
    5) Clippers I love AI but I dont know if I want to see him back in the NBA. He keeps breaking my heart by making himself look worse and worse both physically and mentally

  • rainman10 Posted: Jul.6 at 2:48 pm
    Boston or Charlotte should be his top choices. Boston contender. Charlotte more playing time especially of Felton leaves.

  • Stillballin Posted: Jul.6 at 2:55 pm
    Ai I’m one of your biggest fan.. I love u, but after what happen in the pass two years. It’s gon be a long shot for any team to sign you.. But I still believe that if you get your chance, that your still “the answer” the every kids in the world idolize!! Good luck a.I.

  • 6marjons Posted: Jul.6 at 2:58 pm
    consider me bored

  • Jukai Posted: Jul.6 at 3:00 pm
    I think it’s his goal to bail on every team in the L.

  • Pardeep Posted: Jul.6 at 3:05 pm
    New York !!!!!! Amare, Bron, Iverson= Championship

  • tealish Posted: Jul.6 at 3:14 pm
    @Myles – Nice. And how many times did you guys put him on your cover to move magazines again?
    -
    In regards to this article, I’m not sure what to think.
    I don’t want his great career to end the way it did, but if the next couple years is more of the same, it’s best that he leaves it as is.
    That said, I always hold out hope for AI. I think given the right situation he can put in one last final chapter that basketball heads can respect. That situation is NEW YORK.
    He and Amare will light up MSG. They’ll secure a playoff berth and win a series or two (upset).
    No, they won’t seriously contend, but it’s not a bad way to go out for one of the game’s greats.
    As far as the “I’m willing to help in any capacity” line –we’ve heard this tune before. I’m not doubting his sincerity, but the bottom line is this: Allen Iverson is not a bench player. Nor is he a third option. Even if on a certain team he SHOULD be, he cannot flourish in that situation. That’s not his game.
    Send him to NY. It will a fun season to watch the Knickerbockers. I might even cop a jersey.

  • wayno Posted: Jul.6 at 3:44 pm
    the ghost of allen iverson join forces with the ghost of tmac and the ghost of amar’e's(?) knees

  • BETCATS Posted: Jul.6 at 3:48 pm
    He will be a Bobcat. Book it right now. We didnt finalize signing him last year because Larry didnt see him and Raymond being a good fit together in the backcourt. Raymond is gone now and the Bobcats want to keep improving. Iverson-Jackson-Wallace-Diaw-Chandler seems to be an improvement. Iverson, Jackson and Diaw can all facilitate the offense, and in Larry’s system not having a ‘pure’ point guard wont be as much of a problem because it requires lots of team work. While we would lose a little on defense without Ray, i see us averaging 10+ additional points per game.

  • tealish Posted: Jul.6 at 4:23 pm
    ^I wouldn’t mind that scenario either, BETCATS. I will have to rethink buying that jersey though, no offense.

  • Silverselectjd Posted: Jul.6 at 4:25 pm
    @Rayray where you been? Lakers already signed Blake. Where’s the need for AI. Although i would defo buy a Lakers AI jersey.

  • Silverselectjd Posted: Jul.6 at 4:26 pm
    in other news, LBJ just tweeted… yawn…

  • Pardeep Posted: Jul.6 at 4:30 pm
    AI in NY would thrive and Bobcats would great also

  • uptownbrownclown Posted: Jul.6 at 5:14 pm
    Allen Iverson will flourish in D’Antoni’s System… he’ll have a good big man in Amare which he never had in any team he went to. his game doesn’t work as a backup ‘coz i know he can still get defenses rambling in the NBA once he has the ball. so the knicks should grab this opportunity of signing allen iverson for the mid level exception… or even for a one year contract.

  • Shem Posted: Jul.6 at 5:25 pm
    TORONTO RAPTORS

  • Chris Posted: Jul.6 at 5:26 pm
    AI with Amare… hmmm. This guy has always been a headache, though… Perhaps more trouble than he may be worth…

  • cp3fan Posted: Jul.6 at 5:31 pm
    I would like to see AI change his game so that he can be a 6th man. Whether he is still good enough to be a starter or not, with all the drama that has surrounded him for the past few seasons, no one will have the stones to start him now. I hope he can just play somewhere for a full season without any incidents.

  • rey Posted: Jul.6 at 6:33 pm
    i miss iverson, not lebron or kobe i think he`s fit in boston,,, orlando,,,,or lakers.

  • bruskokid Posted: Jul.6 at 7:16 pm
    well, should have thinked last time out. surely AI will still be around but the Big Question is… Who would get his servies? gettin’ alot of ups and downs… basically it needs a lot hard rock solid decisions to make… all the best to AI…

  • hoodsnake Posted: Jul.6 at 7:25 pm
    With Iverson around maybe Amar’e can lead the league in rebounds! Imagine That.

  • Jukai Posted: Jul.6 at 7:31 pm
    ^^^^
    Awesome

  • ConeyIslander Posted: Jul.6 at 7:52 pm
    NYC needs AI.

  • rodman Posted: Jul.6 at 8:22 pm
    Of course he will get another chance in the NBA, and he will let another city’s fans down, and then he will get another chance, and let another city’s fans down…..get my drift.
    The NBA has created players like AI, players that live in dreamland and think theat the world revolves around them.
    In Australia he would have been chewed up and spitten out a long time ago. We dont tolerate posers and pretty-boys with massive ego’s and uncontrollable attitudes. Has turned the league into what it is today….An entertainment industry where the market($) is more important than the basketball, and the individual is more important than the team.

  • Michael NZ Posted: Jul.6 at 8:30 pm
    Why? Seriously why would any team in their right mind sign The Canswer? No one wanted him other than Philly (dead season, tickets, $$$ – which never happened, idiots) so how has that possibly changed now? He’s older and further removed from playing the game. He’s 36! Not 26. Hell, not even 32. Other than looking for yet another team to b!tch out on, this makes no sense.

  • GametimeWeezy Posted: Jul.6 at 8:43 pm
    Iverson still got more heart than any athlete in the game…not just NBA. That’s why it was hard for him to take a secondary role when this is the same guy that dropped all them 50 point games…as a rookie. We aren’t talkin about Brett Favre or Ken Griffey Jr, but he’s in the same mold…he needs to play at least one more year or somethings terribly wrong.

  • james Posted: Jul.6 at 9:12 pm
    dude if the man wants to play n can play then he should get a chance to play. sick of all these ppl tryna throw in thier lil two cents about him like it even matters.

  • ai come back Posted: Jul.6 at 9:58 pm
    this is why i chose my name

  • Nashty Posted: Jul.6 at 10:19 pm
    Just don’t ask him to come off the bench… We have heard all these crap from AI before, does anybody really think he’s gonna change?

  • T-Money Posted: Jul.6 at 10:45 pm
    betcats: not bad. lb “gets” ai.

  • ish Posted: Jul.6 at 10:59 pm
    will the real AI fans who have actually been paying attention to how things have unfolded please stand up and the rest of u idiots please leave the room. its amazing how everyone is talking about his attitude. so when was it a bad thing to come and play hard and leave everything on the court every game? how many guys in the league now does that? and if u are so swayed by what teh media has trained u to believe about this guy, u need not be commenting on this guy. all negative press on this guy came from the press. when was the last time u ever heard anything bad about hime from his team mates? he does more off the court than the league itself does to help people out and he doesnt do it for image purposes. just ask the lady he helped who’s car flipped on the highway. enuff is enuff, STOP HATIN ON AI AND GROW UP PEOPLE. people pay to see people play and this man can.

  • james Posted: Jul.6 at 11:54 pm
    @ish thank you!

  • ciroqobama Posted: Jul.7 at 12:27 am
    AI is washed-up! Call it a career dude…

  • IAMORANGE4EVER Posted: Jul.7 at 1:23 am
    That night life finally caught up with Chuck. He’s like a mini Sir Charles. Good luck to him though.

  • Hambone Posted: Jul.7 at 2:25 am
    u will not start,then throw your toys out the pram,then retire.repeat,good night,

  • Che-Son Posted: Jul.7 at 4:11 am
    Does anyone here think it’s possible that AI would actually benefit from simple encouragement, or even begrudging respect as he tries to make a comeback?
    Does AI read his own press, because if he does and he reads this stuff, it’s got to be a thorn in your side. I was going to chime in with my own ugly prediction or assessment of AI’s character, but then I started reading everyone’s comments that echoed my own stuff…The age of opinion might be a step backward.

  • rikson Posted: Jul.7 at 4:14 am
    But the NBA dont want you anymore! So please, PLEASE could you finally STFU and fade away with at least a little pride left…

  • rikson Posted: Jul.7 at 4:37 am
    ish is a douche! Did AI score 50 in his rookie season?

  • J Posted: Jul.7 at 5:02 am
    Bet: bobcats sounds good. but i thought augustine will be on the role? Larry and A.I. is good but with mike? hmmm….

  • slawson Posted: Jul.7 at 8:40 am
    “you know that you’re over the hill, when your mind makes a promise that your body can’t fill.” – “Old Folk’s Boogie” by Little Feat

  • PAPALOUKAS (click on my name) Posted: Jul.7 at 10:31 am
    THE WORLD’S GREATEST !!!!

  • AJBALLER Posted: Jul.7 at 11:40 am
    AI was great but hes not anymore if he goes back to the nba he will not b that good and he will get mad that hes not getting the playing time hes used to getting and he will probly just get injured so i dont think he should return

  • AJBALLER Posted: Jul.7 at 11:40 am
    AI was great but hes not anymore if he goes back to the nba he will not b that good and he will get mad that hes not getting the playing time hes used to getting and he will probly just get injured so i dont think he should return

  • AJBALLER Posted: Jul.7 at 11:40 am
    AI was great but hes not anymore if he goes back to the nba he will not b that good and he will get mad that hes not getting the playing time hes used to getting and he will probly just get injured so i dont think he should return

  • Jahi Posted: Jul.7 at 11:40 am
    The Answer was a hero in his prime for underdogs across the nation, but his prima donna tendencies and lack of commitment makes him a high risk for any team. However, for the minimum, I could see him coming off the bench for the Knicks, Clippers, Rockets, or some team in need of a 2nd string scorer.

  • rikson Posted: Jul.7 at 11:54 am
    I really think he could still contribute to a contender, but I doubt his mindset – and so do the GMs around the league… Did AI had a game of 50 points in his rookie-season?!

  • Lakers Nation | News From Around the League- July 6, 2010 Posted: Jul.8 at 3:41 pm
    [...] Allen Iverson wants to remain in the NBA. [Dime Magazine] [...]

  • dell harper Posted: Jul.9 at 11:44 pm
    yeah he had fiddy. the sixers let him go off like the last 10 or so games to get ROY. but i just gotta beleive he can give you 10-15 a night in 20-25 min worth of work. he crossed jordan… he stepped over tyrone lue… he was dancing with the east allstar starters on stage that allstar game way back… dammit it’s allen iverson!

  • AirAssault Posted: Jul.10 at 2:39 am
    Get AI to the Heat! he needs a championship now!

  • Joey, Manila Phils. Posted: Jul.10 at 4:34 am
    why not heat sign him and Shaq to form an EAST ALL STAR TEAM..my dream!!!

  • Miss Kia Posted: Jul.15 at 1:39 pm
    Listen…I’ve read some of these comments. Everyone is entitled to their own opionions,but who are we to judge – none of us are perfect. If Allen feels he’s ready to come back to the NBA, he has a right to try; despite what he previously did, or did not do. I’ll always have the best regard for him as a person.

  • Frank Sule Posted: Jul.19 at 8:03 am
    Heat,Lakers,Celtics. Give the guy a chance!

  • AJ Posted: Jul.30 at 8:28 am
    Now he’s had his mistakes hope he don’t ask for the ball to often. It’ll just make a momentum loose

  • xplor Posted: Sep.8 at 8:09 pm
    Boston should of gotten him instead of delonte. he would fit better with shaq nate and marquis Baby
    but he was never a great player like pierce allen rondo kg oneals or even perk

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