"We DO/DON'T Want Allen Iverson" Thread (merged)

[Von_Waf4]

Honestly I don't see why Danny couldn't at least give him a call & see if he was willing to return. If he was danny would have to make sure he KNEW he wasn't starting, finishing, playing lots of minutes and playing tough defense all without being a cancer in the locker room. If he gave us those things then I'd be completely for bringing him here but it's very unlikely for him to do what shaq did for us. His ego's just out of control.

[greenhead85]

I thought of this idea too after we got eliminated by Miami. As the OP felt there is indeed a need for a PG who can create his own shot, AI could fit that role but my main concerns are (1) matching up against bigger and younger players (there were times Lebron played the PG spot and he might totally get dwarfed making him a liability too), (2) speed (can he still step on the pedal to run as quick as most other PGs?) and (3) stamina (can he play as quick as he used to even for 15 - 20 mins per game on a regular basis?).

Though he wouldn't be in there for his defense- he'd be in there as the scoring option with a bench mob or another guy that forces the D to spread the floor.

I don't think AI is 'done'. He's had a bit of time off to repair and he would be worth a gamble for a contender like us.
Given our limited money and the window we've got with our core, I would rather spend a million on him and hope that he brings a good attitude rather than put the ball in Bradley's hands when Rondo is off.

I concur. Maybe it will even help Rondo to keep on working on his jumpshots doubletime if AI performs really well.

[CelticsFanNC]

  These Celtics have been successful due to ball movement and defense so Iverson is the furthest thing from a good fit since he doesn't like to pass the ball and doesn't play defense.

[chambers]

  These Celtics have been successful due to ball movement and defense so Iverson is the furthest thing from a good fit since he doesn't like to pass the ball and doesn't play defense.

This makes sense in theory, but we currently have a second unit that moves the ball and does not score- with big baby taking 18 footers with 3 seconds on the clock.

People are raving about getting Jamal Crawford- does exactly what you said the team doesn't need. He doesn't pass, he's a far worse defender than Iverson, yet people are desperate for this guys 'scoring punch' off the bench.

[kingkus]

Hey Guy's, I live in Sydney, and Iverson has been linked to the Sydney Kings here in Australia when he finish's up in Turkey, so I don't think he's returning to the NBA, I wouldn't want him playing for the Celtics anyways, But I would love to watch him live here in Sydney....

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/more-sports/nba-legend-allen-iverson-keen-for-sydney-kings-finale/story-e6frey6i-1225974625261

[CelticsFanNC]

  These Celtics have been successful due to ball movement and defense so Iverson is the furthest thing from a good fit since he doesn't like to pass the ball and doesn't play defense.

This makes sense in theory, but we currently have a second unit that moves the ball and does not score- with big baby taking 18 footers with 3 seconds on the clock.

People are raving about getting Jamal Crawford- does exactly what you said the team doesn't need. He doesn't pass, he's a far worse defender than Iverson, yet people are desperate for this guys 'scoring punch' off the bench.

 Actually, due mostly to the black hole that is Glen Davis, our second unit was lacking the kind of ball movement that has been the hallmark of this team.   I don't want him back in Boston but I don't know that we have the resources to replace him and I don't see anyone else giving him the kind of money or role he desires so he may end up back here.

  Personally I am not overly interested in Crawford either for the same reasons but at least Crawford is still in the prime of his career not five years past it like Iverson. 

[housecall]

I think its time to take the AI posters off the bedroom wall and tuck them away next to the Motumbo poster.

[CelticSince83]

That article (regarding Australia was from December).  He said this via twitter on January 14th- "An MRI has revealed a lesion that is in my right leg and pressing against the bone.  I am coming home for further examinations and possibly surgery.  I have never said anything about retirement nor have I said goodbye to the game of basketball. I love this game! That is why I went all the way to Turkey to continue playing and once I get past this, my plan is to continue playing at the highest level possible.  So don't put me in my rocking chair just yet.  Hold on, I'll be back!  Stay tuned."

He would absolutely jump at a chance to play for anyone.  I think he could probably contribute as well.  Saw some tape on him in Turkey, shot looked good, obviously has lost a step but still moves around decently well.  He also seemed to be content being more of a distributor than most of us were used to seeing during his NBA days.  Let's be honest, when he wanted to pass the basketball, he was an elite distributor, easily capable of double digit assists on a given night.

I think he could help take the burden off Delonte (who was having to back up both RR and RA in the playoffs) and that they could play very well together...........

I wouldn't really about the defense either, is anyone really worried about losing a game because Allen Iverson can't lock down someones back up pg?

[wdleehi]

There is a reason AI is playing overseas.


He no longer good enough for NBA team to look past his flaws.  (lack of practice, refusal to come off the bench, the me first attitude and lack of defense)


Teams can find volume shooters that do not play defense equal to AI at this point without the baggage. 

[Finkelskyhook]

Attitude/off court problems aside,

If you cast those two things aside there's nothing left.

[CelticsGuy34]

depending on what the celtics do with the MLE and what they adress with it i wouldnt be opposed to signing him for the minimum and using him as a backup sg/pg

[Chris]

I am not convinced he is any better than the average vet minimum gunner at this point in his career.  I don't think the talent outweighs the chemistry problems anymore. 

[Fafnir]

I am not convinced he is any better than the average vet minimum gunner at this point in his career.  I don't think the talent outweighs the chemistry problems anymore. 

Not to mention the media pressure and other dreck that his pressence would bring with.

[Chris]

I am not convinced he is any better than the average vet minimum gunner at this point in his career.  I don't think the talent outweighs the chemistry problems anymore. 

Not to mention the media pressure and other dreck that his pressence would bring with.

Plus, he is another guy with old legs, and I think in his last couple of seasons, all the years of taking hits, and playing through it have caught up to him, and he is no longer a guy you can count on being on the court and healthy.

[pearljammer10]

At this point we need to get younger and more athletic. I dont think adding a 36 year old, ball dominating, veteran who is playing seas is the answer to filling our needs. We need to get young players who can fill roles now and expand their roles for our future, not another one year contract guy who will either be hurt most of the season or cause problems in the locker room about lack of playing time.