Jordan and team get ready for return of AI
-400.jpg)
Allen Iverson is returning to the Sixers and should play Monday at home against the Nuggets
Jordan and team get ready for return of AI
Bob Cooney
After this morning's shoot around at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, the main topic of conversation wasn't about tonight's opponent, the Thunder, but of course about the return of Allen Iverson. The team announced earlier in the day that the 10-time All-Star would be coming back to the team that he spent 10-plus seasons with and guided to the NBA Finals during his MVP season of 2001.
"We're looking at a couple options," said coach Eddie Jordan when asked about his rotation once Iverson is in uniform. "One of the options we're looking at is obviously, I would like him to start. I haven't talked to the team about it, but it's a thought process. When I make that decision I will talk to the team first and then will tell you guys. I'm really looking to see if he can fit into our starting lineup, but it's not etched in stone."
It would be hard to imagine Iverson not starting come Monday, particularly after his disdain of sitting on the bench led to his parting with the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season. Add to that what the fan reaction might be when he is announced, it certainly would be a nice change to what has been a very quiet Wachovia Center.
"I would like to, without really seeing him on the floor, I would like to compare him to Brett Favre, a guy who people think is too old to play, and he's almost having an MVP year. I think he could be that."
Jordan's Princeton offense will no doubt have to take a back seat now with Iverson being implemented into the lineup, but Jordan said Iverson knows the gist of the offense and that it shouldn't be a problem, with the help of teammates who are more familiar with the read-and-react system.
"I have confidence in my abilities to teach how to catch the ball and go iso (isolation)," Jordan kidded. "Isolation is part of our offense. I feel good. When I talked with him, he knows what we do. I'd like for him to know the minimum part of it."
It appears that Iverson won't be joining the team on this road trip for practices. After tonight's game, the Sixers travel to Charlotte for a game Saturday night. Presumably, they will practice on Sunday with a shoot around on Monday before the Denver game.
Both Willie Green and Andre Iguodala, who were teammates with Iverson during his first stint with the club, said today they had talked to Iverson recently and are confident and excited to have him come back to the team.
"I'm excited about it," said Green, "I actually talked to Allen on the phone a little bit (Tuesday night) and he's excited about it. I think the fans in Philly are excited. We look forward to it."
Said Iguodala: "I talked to him the other day, we had a phone conversation. We've been keeping in touch. I've been good with it the whole time. I'm excited to get him back, get him on the court. The biggest thing is to try to get him in the rhythm with us and get things moving as quickly as possible."
Ironic that Iverson could be returning Monday to play against the Nuggets, as that's who the Sixers traded him to in 2006. The next game for the Sixers will be at home against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The Nuggets, of course, traded Iverson to Detroit in 2008.
The 76ers are about as exciting as watching paint dry. Philly's favorite thug is back and now on the 76ers. This is gonna be fun !— schwerveness
He's a prima donna....
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- Again, why can't he be at shoot around or practice in Charlotte? Its only a 3 hr drive from Atlanta and less by plane. Its Wed. He can't pack and get ready in time for the Charlotte trip? What a joke! You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Sixers will get what they deserve.— Jay25
- I am shocked at the utter distain fans have exhibited towards A.I. The guy spearheaded one of the greatest periods in 76er history. Yes, he is 34. Yes, he likes to take a lot of shots. No, he does not like to come off the bench for a team like the Memphis Grizzlies. Your point? Here's what I know about A.I.: he is 6'0 but plays like he is 6'7. He has more heart and determination than any player in the NBA since Jordan. He is constantly driving to the lane w/no fear, leaves his body on the line, plays hurt, and puts 110% on the court. And while everyone is quick to jump down his throat for his ball hogging tendencies, look at the team he was playing with. Kobe did the same thing until he learned to trust his teammates and they won a title. Iverson had Aaron McKie, Eric Snow, etc.- all decent role players, but he never had the quality teammates. Don't think he can change? Look at how he plays in all-star games and when he is on the Dream Team. When he trusts players, he passes the ball and creates for others. When he doesn't, he tries to do it all himself. Now, am I comparing the current Sixers roster to the Dream Teams? Absolutely not. Maybe if this were Canada. But, despite how bad the Sixers look right now, they actually could be a good team with A.I.. Brand is quietly putting together a nice string of games. Igudola is and never was intended to be the go-to guy, but as a viable 3rd option? You bet. Add in the strong play of Maurice Speights, the emerging talent of Thadeus Young, and the defensive contributions from Willie Green and Dalembart, and this team could improve and potentially, potentially challenge for a playoff spot. Also, there is something to be said to the effect an energized stadium could have on these young guys- playing in empty arenas w/no fan support demoralizes a team.— IgglesPhitinPhils3
- Comment removed.
- AI-Weber-Korver is now AI-Brand-Kapono. Snyder gets AI for $600k and no guarantees, its an ego thing. Only thing AI does for this team is raise curiosity, which no doubt will bring people to watch the games and start following the Sixers again. The NBA is a horrible product!— Philly Dom
- I'm sick of you ignorant non basketball people. You guys are just puppets. Whatever the press tells you to think, well thinkking is a stretch. The team stinks TODAY people TODAY. True born & bred philly people want excitement now. Stop drinking the schulkyl water & you might find enlightment instead of the negative baggage.— bjones
- I'm sick of you ignorant non basketball people. You guys are just puppets. Whatever the press tells you to think, well thinkking is a stretch. The team stinks TODAY people TODAY. True born & bred philly people want excitement now. Stop drinking the schulkyl water & you might find enlightment instead of the negative baggage.— bjones
- The rest of the NBA figured out that AI will never change. But the Sixers are not that smart.— chops10
- 5-13 losers of 7 straight, wracked by injuries, going nowhere fast... how is this NOT an improvement? There is literally nothing to lose here. At worse, they cut him before January. At best, he's an upgrade over Lou Williams, even at 34 years old. Jordan will have to dump the PO scheme to accomodate AI, which is an even better upgrade. Seriously, can you name a championship caliber team that has run the PO? Isn't that the ultimate goal? If there were any reason to be excited for the Sixers before signing AI, I'd like to hear it, because having watched the games I'm certainly not seeing it.— psv
- I am increasingly becoming more proud of the city I have always loved, Philadelphia. People who have lost their bearing in other places are finding hope and healing in Philly. I so look forward to a similar experience upon my return in a couple years. I refuse to look at the negative going into the New Year. Anyway, I don't own the team, and Philly is not Greenbay. The front office of the Sixer organization believes this is a good deal for the team and the moral of the City. That's good enough for me. So, "Welcome home A.I. Welcome home!"— prodigalson
- I can't wait to watch Iverson dribble the ball for eighteen seconds at the top of the key and then throw up some garbage. The young guys are going to learn a lot watching that. Great move guys.— mk1956
- yes. could the sixers be any worse??
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
