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

[Bahku]

Does anyone have a specific link or links to quotes or news articles over the last few years about AI not wanting to come off the bench? I've never met the man, but I'd find it hard to believe that he is that selfish to not want to play a specific role for a contender.

I know that there was speculation over the last few years about situations he was dealing with, but from his mental side or desire to win can anyone question that?

I just find it hard to believe some of the things I've read about him over the last several months.

Just wondering.

After "The Decision", I trust ESPN reporting a little less nowadays.

I nominate you for "most optomistic man in the world."  From Rasheed to AI to other jerks, you think they are all great guys.

I like the optimism, myself ... and whether we need AI or not, I think GreenFaith is just implying that AI has a larger target on his back than he deserves, and I agree.

The guy has made many bad moves, and is certainly not at the level he once was, but he's far from a total wash, and is incredibly gifted when it comes to basketball, by anyone's standards.

The majority of our team isn't in the shape it once was, either, and Iverson has received enough bashing to last anyone a lifetime or two ... some deserved, maybe, but not needed, and completely pointless.

He's become the NBA's poster boy for "Kick Him When He's Down", and I'm a bit tired of it. (TP, GF).

Well half of the people probably consider it kicking him when he's down.  The others see half of the people giving too much credit to a player who is no longer useful.

Yeah, I guess so, Moiso ... just tired of the bashing at this point. Everything bad that can be said about him, has been ... to the max. Energy better spent on things constructive, IMHO. But I have no illusions ... it will go on, and what I think matters not.

[houlana]

would love to have him on the team.

even if he doesn't have it any more, he is still better than half the guards in the league. our big 3 are not what they used to be, but could could still compete at a very high level.

[Celtics4ever]

Not anymore google his stats and post them.

[anthony83]

would love to have him on the team.

even if he doesn't have it any more, he is still better than half the guards in the league. our big 3 are not what they used to be, but could could still compete at a very high level.

Absolutelly,Iverson can still be a great scorer, better than 80% of the guards in the league, it is incredible what is happening with AI, I think there is a conspiracy against him by the press and Stern.
It is a shame, I'd love to see him as a fan of AI and play in the Celtics win the ring against the Lakers,would be my dream.

 WE ARE THE BEST    BEAT LA!!!!

[lovely_20]

would love to have him on the team.

even if he doesn't have it any more, he is still better than half the guards in the league. our big 3 are not what they used to be, but could could still compete at a very high level.

*shakes her head no emphatically*

[nickagneta]

Yeah, I guess so, Moiso ... just tired of the bashing at this point. Everything bad that can be said about him, has been ... to the max. Energy better spent on things constructive, IMHO. But I have no illusions ... it will go on, and what I think matters not.

By the same token, Bahku, those that are critical of Allen Iverson are not starting threads just to criticize the man. I can't think of one thread since he quit on Memphis that was started with the express rationale of criticizing one, Allen Iverson.

But what does occur fairly regularly are threads like these where posters declare their love to see their boyhood hero in Celtic Green because he is

"a great scorer"
"just what we need"
"better than half the players in this league"
"better than 80% of the guards in this league"
"better than anyone we have coming off the bench"
etc.
etc.
etc.

The misconceptions and just utter falsehoods that many who desire Iverson as a Celtic really get under the skin of those of us that see Iverson in a different light and so, we try to set the record straight. Could it be considered bashing? Maybe. Could it be called looking at things more realistically? Maybe. But the fact remains that if these bring AI to the Celtics threads weren't being consistently started and restarted, there would be NO Allen Iverson bashing.




Except of course for whatever owner in the CB Draft elects to select Iverson, in which case that dude is going to take a beating.

[Q_FBE]

Nate Robinson is in the fold and is a better player than AI at this point. Nothing further, your honor.

[misha]

I wasn't a fan when he was on top, so surely now I don't want to see him here. Not just that Iverson can't be half useful offensively like he used to, his current form emphasizes his defensive weakness. Also his mentality won't allow him to be an effective role player. C's just don't need a play like him and all the problems he brings with him.

[Bahku]

Yeah, I guess so, Moiso ... just tired of the bashing at this point. Everything bad that can be said about him, has been ... to the max. Energy better spent on things constructive, IMHO. But I have no illusions ... it will go on, and what I think matters not.

By the same token, Bahku, those that are critical of Allen Iverson are not starting threads just to criticize the man. I can't think of one thread since he quit on Memphis that was started with the express rationale of criticizing one, Allen Iverson.

But what does occur fairly regularly are threads like these where posters declare their love to see their boyhood hero in Celtic Green because he is

"a great scorer"
"just what we need"
"better than half the players in this league"
"better than 80% of the guards in this league"
"better than anyone we have coming off the bench"
etc.
etc.
etc.

The misconceptions and just utter falsehoods that many who desire Iverson as a Celtic really get under the skin of those of us that see Iverson in a different light and so, we try to set the record straight. Could it be considered bashing? Maybe. Could it be called looking at things more realistically? Maybe. But the fact remains that if these bring AI to the Celtics threads weren't being consistently started and restarted, there would be NO Allen Iverson bashing.




Except of course for whatever owner in the CB Draft elects to select Iverson, in which case that dude is going to take a beating.

As I said, I'm under no illusions ... at least about the AI subject.

A far stretch, to say the least, (because we have no need at his position), but what fascinating fodder for discussion it would make, should he actually end up in green ... fireworks aplenty).

[Finkelskyhook]

I think Iverson is got a lot of undeserved bashing over the past few seasons.

But, I do not want to see him come to Boston. Not with the roster we currently have. There is no need for him. We need a C and a SF. That is it. Unless we trade a current backcourt player for one of those positions, there is no reason to add another undersized, one-dimensional guard.

I really don't believe he would be a bad locker room guy at this point in his career. I hope he gets a shot somewhere, just not here.

Undeserved?  Are you kidding?  He's alienated every NBA coach he's ever played for.  He tanked in both Philly and Detroit.  Other than cheating the occasional passing lane, he hasn't played meaningful defense since he played for Larry Brown.

I hope he gets a shot, too.  Three great venues that I'd like to see him at...Miami, Orlando, and LA.

[GreenFaith1819]

Does anyone have a specific link or links to quotes or news articles over the last few years about AI not wanting to come off the bench? I've never met the man, but I'd find it hard to believe that he is that selfish to not want to play a specific role for a contender.

I know that there was speculation over the last few years about situations he was dealing with, but from his mental side or desire to win can anyone question that?

I just find it hard to believe some of the things I've read about him over the last several months.

Just wondering.

After "The Decision", I trust ESPN reporting a little less nowadays.

I nominate you for "most optomistic man in the world."  From Rasheed to AI to other jerks, you think they are all great guys.

Haha (TP4U) - the "Jerk" Sheed almost took us to Banner 18 just a few months ago. And his Game 2 heroics in the CLE series were uplifting as well.

Sheed (and AI) are not perfect players - and were not even in their heyday. But Both of them were very important to their teams that they were on, and seemed to be loved by their teammates.

To me, someone like AI should deservedly go out with a ring. In Philly, he practically left himself on the floor in the early 2000's - gave his all and then some. I still loved Boston back then, but man, seeing him go to the basket with reckless abandon seemed almost Celtic-Like. He would get knocked down, and got up every single time.

The sad thing is that no team was going to beat a Shaq-led LA squad with Shaq in his prime.

Right now, I like our roster as is...I think Shaq (hopefully) is the final piece of that puzzle. But God forbid any injuries to our bench guards, then maybe...just maybe................

[GreenFaith1819]

I think Iverson is got a lot of undeserved bashing over the past few seasons.

But, I do not want to see him come to Boston. Not with the roster we currently have. There is no need for him. We need a C and a SF. That is it. Unless we trade a current backcourt player for one of those positions, there is no reason to add another undersized, one-dimensional guard.

I really don't believe he would be a bad locker room guy at this point in his career. I hope he gets a shot somewhere, just not here.

Undeserved?  Are you kidding?  He's alienated every NBA coach he's ever played for.  He tanked in both Philly and Detroit.  Other than cheating the occasional passing lane, he hasn't played meaningful defense since he played for Larry Brown.

I hope he gets a shot, too.  Three great venues that I'd like to see him at...Miami, Orlando, and LA.

But I thought Larry Brown loved him in Philly - and even tried to get him to come to CHA last season I thought?

[Celtics4ever]

I have nothing against Iverson as a person.  I simply think he is a player in decline who could not crack our line-up.   Finley couldn't either last year. 

This isn't kicking him when he is down, its simply seeing the facts for what they are.  He is old and his game was based on speed which he cannot demand from his body like he used too.  He has not been as productive the last few years and his career is clearly in decline.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Allen iverson on the celtics...are you kidding...hahhaa, you are, good one.

  The Celts play their best when they pass a lot to everyone, AI plays his best...when he passes to no one.....hmmmm...could be a prob there......! He is a notorius ball hog, he shoots 40 shots a game...and not counting the turnovers....you think we had a chemistry prob before..which was pp...not getting his way enough..so what do you think will happen now..add shaq, who also wants the ball..= NO MORE TEAM BALL..!!!

[GroverTheClover]

I think I'd rather get herpes from a toliet seat.