Breaking News: Allen Iverson to Retire Per Stephen A. Smith
Just a few minutes ago on ESPN 950 Stephen A. Smith said that Allen Iverson personally told him he is planning to retire.
Two things are very important to remember:
1- At this particular moment no team is interested in his services.
2- Everything can change if a contender later in the season (like Boston) calls.
I wouldn’t even call it a retirement, but more than him coming to the conclusion no one really wants him and as oppose to him feeling like the ugly girl in high school begging for a prom date, she decides to just stay at home and watch Lifetime instead of embarrassing herself by showing up alone.
Like I said on Twitter. If this is true it wasn’t Allen Iverson’s skills that force him into retirement it was his “ego”.
If he would have checked his “ego” at the door and wrapped his mind around the fact to be a winner doesn’t neccessarily mean you have to be the main attraction he would be on a contending team today.
AI HAS RELEASED A LETTER TO THE FANS VIA THE STEPHEN A SMITH BLOG:
NOV. 25, 2009
TO ALL OF MY FANS:
I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.
I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.
Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift.
I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.
I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!
To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart.
To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!
To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who’ve been a part of my career, Thank you as well!
I’d like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies’ organization all of the success that the game has to offer.
And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers’ uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.
God Bless all of you,
ALLEN IVERSON
I hadn't had a chance to send an email, but we still good for 7EST?
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Come back to Philly thats your home.
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Allen Iverson is an absolute Q-U-I-T-T-E-R. His game has never involved making other players better. His effectiveness as a basketball player is simply by scoring. He is not a leader. He is a gunner. He jacked up a lot of shots in his career, and the only way that he was able to win at a high level was for Larry Brown to surround him with defenders and rebounders. He was never able to effectively play with other offensively gifted players for a considerable stretch of time. Look at a player like Gary Payton, one of the great point guards of his era. He played on many good teams in Seattle. He went to the Finals in 1996 with Seattle, but lost to Jordan and the Bulls. He kept the dream alive of winning a championship. He took a supporting role with the Lakers in the 2003-04 season, but his dream was dashed in the Finals against Detroit. 2 years later, he takes another supporting role in Miami, and he ends up contributing to a world champion Heat squad. He was able to check his ego at the door in pursuit of the NBA title. Iverson was never able to do that. He came to the Pistons last year. He came to a very tight-knit squad with a certain way of how to do things. He was asked to come off the bench and he didn't like it there. Maybe former Piston coach Michael Curry could have handled the situation better, but Iverson could have handled it better as well. Allen has never been able to realize that maybe the best way to win a championship is to tailor your game around the pieces that surround you. He could have been instant offense for a 2nd unit off the bench. When a team goes small, you put Allen in at the 2-guard and watch him go to work. He always had to be the one with the ball in his hands. His stubborn nature is a detriment.
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Let his a$$ retire. Happy hunting. It's been a pleasure to see him play the game he says he love, but refuses to put his "BIG EGO" aside to continue playing basketball. He's selfish and arrogant. Never really cared for him anyway. Didn't want to play the point to give others a shot with the team such as Stackhouse, L. Hughes, Tim Thomas, etc. Guess i don't need to go on with names. I'm glad he's retiring. Don't have to hear him crying about "PRACTICE", now he can just get high and read the coaches plays off all his tattoos. He never was the answer, just a question of "how much am I willing to sacrifice to win".
I'm surprised to see all the Iverson haters. Iverson made lots of money for the teams he played for except maybe Memphis.He had every kid trying to be him, people started wearing braids because of him. The only negative side I saw of Iverson was his pride would not let him accept a lessor roll on a team. I truly believe he could be 6 man of the year right now.I think the Knicks made a big mistake not signing him. If they keep following Dumb @$$ Dolan they will never get anywhere. Iverson was a midget among towers and lasted about 13 years.How many of you guys think you can do that. I challenge you to find 1 NBA player to say he could'nt play.
ALLEN IVERSON is an amazing talent, he always gives100% in EVERY GAME. He is so entertaining to watch, always fearless, determined and very energetic.
He gave Philly his heart and soul, was good in Denver, disrespected in Detroit and caught up between the owner and caoch in Memphis.
The Celtics could be even GREATER with AI on their team.He would fit in perfectly with KG and Pierce.
IVERSON plays hungry like they do.
AI would be an incredible asset to any team.
The NBA would be boring without him!
I hope Mr. Iverson would come to Memphis and get himself togather. It was his big chance to start again. There should be no shame in his game. I think Memphis would have loved and supported him in a way he has not had before. It seems he felt we were not big enough and therefore did not give the team or the town what he should have. Thereby we could not give him what he needed to be jetted to the next level. God give us all down time Mr. Iverson, so that we can go to the next level. I wish and your family well. This does not mean you will not get there, only it will take longer.
A.I. is a baller, straight flowin touch shot player. He should run for mayor of Philly on the "Hell Yeah" ticket.