|
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Sayson: Iverson stays with 76ers
By Homer Sayson
Secondovertime
CHICAGO — He is a seven-time All-Star and the league’s Rookie of the Year in 1997. He was named MVP in 2001, the same year he carried the Sixers to the NBA Finals.
And last season was his most productive in 10 years, averaging 33 points per game.
In the NBA workplace, those credentials normally provide security of tenure.
But normal doesn’t begin to describe Allen Iverson, and that is why the Sixers have put the superstar in the trading block the past few weeks.
At first glance, trying to rid of an asset like AI seems preposterous. But when you take a closer look, it isn’t such a bad idea. And here’s why.
Iverson is getting up there in age, and with 28,441 playing minutes logged, he isn’t your typical 31-year old. Suiting up for an average of 41.7 minutes in 682 games, he is more worn and torn than others, and because he is “tiny” at 6-feet and 165 pounds, the NBA’s physical play has walloped him with injuries from head to foot.
Iverson isn’t exactly what you would call a model citizen, either.
His rap sheet is almost as long as his jumpshooting range. He rebels against authority, a notoriety that was magnified when he bickered publicly with ex-Sixers coach Larry Brown. And the company that AI keeps; they aren’t the choir boy types.
When the Sixers hosted Fan Appreciation Night during the team’s final regular season game last April, AI chose not to show up.
It was an insensitive and irresponsible act that obviously angered management, creating more stress to an already-strained relationship.
That was the last straw.
But just yesterday, Sixers general manager Billy King announced through a press release that AI is likely to remain in Philadelphia.
“I’ve pretty much said that I expect him to be with us at the start of training camp.”
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Sixers is having a change of heart and are suddenly madly in love with AI again.
From my understanding of an ESPN report, the Sixers pulled Iverson from the trading block simply because there were no decent offers for him. Denver and Boston just didn’t come up with the right pieces to force the Sixers to pull the trigger.
The Sixers may not like AI, but they aren’t stupid to let him go for nothing. Sure, AI could be a pain in the neck. But when motivated enough to play his best, this wild child with a killer crossover is to die for.
What, there are no takers for Iverson?
That’s hardly surprising. AI is 31, more susceptible to injuries and he still shoots too often. But the real obstacle in acquiring him is his fat contract, a $90 million deal that’s good until 2009. AI got paid $16,450,000 last season, and with a 10 percent raise for this year, his next paycheck is over $18 million.
Is he still worth that much dough? Judging from how teams have shied away from him AI clearly isn’t worth $18 million a year.
(homsay@hotmail.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 29, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
