Allen Iverson and New York Knicks: A convenient mistake
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Currently, Iverson is like a boxer, who doesn't realize his championship days are over. To stay relevant and prolong his career, the combo guard needs to play a role on a contending team. Instead of New York, he should sell a top team on his ability to kill it as a second-unit game-changer. Iverson could then compete for Sixth Man of the Year, play relevant basketball during the playoffs, and, most importantly, re-invent himself ...
 Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …Their News: "The New York Knicks, winners of just two of their first 11 games, are seriously contemplating signing Allen Iverson if he clears waivers Thursday evening." ESPN.com My Quick Take: It would be a marriage of convenience. Allen Iverson’s career is in limbo after falling out with the Memphis Grizzlies three games into the season, while the 2-10 New York Knicks are desperate for a distraction until ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010’ begins in July. There is talk of a hook up, but this wouldn’t be in the best interests of Iverson or New York. Currently, Iverson is like a boxer, who doesn’t realize his championship days are over. To stay relevant and prolong his career, the combo guard needs to play a role on a contending team. Instead of New York, he should sell a top team on his ability to kill it as a second-unit game-changer. Iverson could then compete for Sixth Man of the Year, play relevant basketball during the playoffs, and, most importantly, re-invent himself. By sacrificing for a contender, the future Hall of Famer would silence his doubters and, in turn, create a demand for his services on the free agent market next summer. In New York, Iverson would only reinforce what we already know -that he can still score for a bad team. A season ago, executive Donnie Walsh and Coach Mike D’Antoni forced Stephon Marbury out ‘The Five Burroughs’, claiming the franchise wanted no part of his baggage. Today, with media and Madison Square Gardens tiring of their tank-it-until-2010 plan, they’re considering Iverson’s baggage. In the short term, this may work out. After all, Iverson would get his shots and Knick-nation would get entertained. The long-term is a worry, though. Next summer, contenders would still be leery of ‘The Answer’ and New York, with Iverson as a first-option, wouldn’t develop any talent to fall back on if they can’t sign an elite free agent. Yes, it seems convenient, but Iverson in New York would be a mistake. Hopefully, it doesn't happen. Got thoughts on The Answer in the NYC? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts. Follow Oly on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of coursond34. |
You make some good points. And I agree and mention in my piece that Iverson an d the Knicks will be fine with this partnership in the short term.
But what happens next after this season? Say NY doesn't get a top free agent or two -which is likely considering how poor they are. The Knicks won't have developed some decent young pieces like David Lee or Wilson Chandler! Their growth may well have been stunted playing next to Iverson, who will demand first-option status!!
Meanwhile, Iverson won't have re-invented himself and will be in the same position next summer. He should prove that he can be a sixth-man and re-invent himself, which will prolong and extend his career! Thanks for commenting