Allen Iverson not ’The Answer’ for Chicago or Miami

Breaking news mixed with analysis … 

Their News: "CBSSports.com has learned that the Bulls and Pistons may revisit Detroit’s agreement with Ben Gordon and instead investigate a sign-and-trade that would send Allen Iverson to Chicago." (CBSSports.com) 

"From a check of league sources Thursday, there is certainly mutual interest between the Heat and both Iverson." (Miami Herald) 

Our Quick Analysis: Sorry, he’s not ‘The Answer’. Not in Chicago or Miami.

After weeks of silence on the Allen Iverson front, the free agent combo guard has recently been linked to the Bulls and Heat. Both organizations have expressed interest in the future Hall of Famer as a reserve scorer.

While ‘The Windy City’ and ‘South Beach’ have good intentions, Iverson, at this stage in his career, is a bad fit for teams with developing players –like the Derrick Rose led Chicago squad or Miami with Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers.

Let’s be clear: nobody is saying Iverson, as a person, would have a negative influence on such young, impressionable players. But if he refused to split minutes and shots with a veteran Detroit Piston squad, then why would he agree to a secondary role on an up-and-coming squad?

Remember, Iverson isn’t used to following. With the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets, he was either the superstar or co-superstar. And when sharing the spotlight at All-Star games or international tournaments, it wasn’t with John Salmons, Chalmers, or any other unproven player. Also those teams had top coaches, not second year guys Vinny Del Negro and Erik Spoelstra.

Realistically, Iverson has two options: sign for top dollar with a struggling team in need of a marketing shtick and be the undisputed guy or take less money from an elite team and accept a lesser role.

Neither is ideal for ‘The Answer’. But both are better than playing second-fiddle for a middle-of-the-pack squad.

Where is the best team for Iverson? Get at us with ‘The Answer’ in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of thedanger23.