Why is Allen Iverson not yet a Charlotte Bobcat?

I realize Allen Iverson has never been easy to figure out.

I also realize that when things should be simple with ‘The Answer’, they often become tricky, difficult, and complex.

However, his summer fling with the Charlotte Bobcats is taking the whole A.I. enigma thing to another level. Iverson is interested in suiting up for the ‘Cats. And Coach Larry Brown is interested in having Iverson suit up for the ‘Cats.

Team is interested in player. And player is interested in team. Seems simple enough, right?

Wrong. This signing, as demonstrated by all the false reports of a deal, has become far more complicated than it should be.

For the past week, various sites have gone back and forth with contradictory articles alleging that Iverson had or had not signed with Charlotte. Here is what we know: the two sides are talking and something could get done later this week.

That is it, though.

I believe the delay on Iverson could be linked to the possible sale of the team. For those living under a rock, majority owner and former BET founder Bob Johnson has been trying to sell the Bobcats for years. 

Over the summer, ‘Mr. 106 and Park’ stepped up efforts to find a buyer by cutting costs. For instance, Emeka Okafor’s long-term contract was swapped for Tyson Chandler’s shorter pact, while Ray Felton, a developing point guard and restricted free agent, hasn’t come to terms on a new deal.

The bottom line is once again the bottom line in Charlotte. Perhaps, Johnson will eventually sign Iverson, but only when the combo guard agrees to play for a minimum salary. Or, perhaps Johnson has already found a buyer and needs to check if they want the former MVP on the roster.

I’m not exactly sure why Iverson and the Bobcats aren’t a done deal. After all, there is mutual interest. I do know these negotiations have become unnecessarily tricky, difficult, and complex. However, this time, I’m willing to bet it’s not Iverson’s doing. 

Are you surprised Iverson hasn’t yet signed with Charlotte? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Image courtesy of Lies.