The Artesticle Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 (edited) Allen Iverson not only may come out of retirement in a matter of days. But he also could very well return to the franchise where all of his glory began. Numerous team sources confirmed on Friday that the 76ers' brass has already talked — and talks will only escalate this weekend — about bringing Iverson back to Philadelphia. Possibly as early as next week. "It's being seriously considered," one Sixers official said before his team lost to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. "We know the history. We know the ups and downs. But we're also aware of what (Iverson) can do and that he's needed here. We simply can't just ignore the upside he'd bring. Not with our situation." As of Friday night, coach Eddie Jordan was on board with bringing Iverson back, according to sources. So were officials within the club's hierarchy, along with the team's executive adviser, Sonny Hill. The rest of Jordan's coaching staff is amenable to Iverson's return, including assistant and former Sixer Aaron McKie, one of Iverson's best friends, as well as assistant coach Randy Ayers — the former Sixers coach who had his share of run-ins with Iverson, ultimately lasting just 52 games before he was dismissed by former president and GM Billy King in 2003-04. The Sixers say they are aware it will cost them less than $3 million to get Iverson — "possibly less than $2 million, according to another team source — and have every intention of acting on it, probably as early as Tuesday. With the Sixers' scheduled to play San Antonio on Sunday, then Dallas on Monday, sources said it's entirely possible Jordan will fly from Dallas to Atlanta to meet with Iverson on Tuesday. That also happens to be the day Iverson is scheduled to meet with his former coach at Georgetown, John Thompson. As far as the Sixers are concerned, it's almost a no-brainer. Entering Friday night, the Sixers were ranked 29th in league attendance, averaging 11,820 fans. Only the Memphis Grizzlies are worse. Jordan is said to be incredibly frustrated with everything from Elton Brand's work ethic to Andre Iguodala's inability to make plays off the dribble. The one player he absolutely loves, guard Louie Williams, is out for eight weeks with a broken jaw. "Eddie needs a playmaker," another source said. "He needs an identity. Something to create some excitement." To add to the misery, the Sixers are 5-11, averaging just 97.6 points. Their only bona fide shooter is Jason Kapono. So there's no question Iverson is appealing to the Sixers at the moment; even to team chairman Ed Snider, who screamed, "We're gonna trade him," before actually shipping Iverson (averaging 31.2 points per game at the time) to Denver in 2006. The question remains, however, whether the Sixers would be appealing to Iverson. "Scratch that," one of Iverson's confidants told me last night. "He's interested." One thing's for sure: If Iverson returns to Philadelphia, he will be a starter. Team sources confirmed on Friday that Iverson would be a starter because Jordan had planned on starting Williams with rookie Jrue Holiday anyway, just to put some excitement and more ball-handlers into his Princeton-style offense. So even once Williams returns from injury, he'd be in the starting lineup with Iverson. That means Iverson will return as a starter. He'll be back in Philadelphia. And with the talent the Sixers already have on their roster, he could be the missing piece that propels them back to the playoffs. Assuming, of course, the Sixers are willing to pull the trigger. Under normal circumstances, considering the manner in which Iverson departed, the Sixers wouldn't do this. "But let's face it: We're very, very boring right now," a team source said. "We have absolutely nothing to lose by bringing Iverson back. Nothing at all." http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/10440372/Sixers-appear-ready-to-bring-back-Iverson Wow this is BIG. I loved AI as a Sixer. I'd seriously be elated if he returned to Philly to finish off his career. This is a guy who can still score the basketball and bring excitement for the city. As the article mentions, the Sixers are second to last in the NBA in attendance (which is pathetic considering how big of a metropolitan Philly is, and how passionate the fans are), and to put it bluntly, probably the most boring team in the NBA. There is just no excitement. Bringing back AI will generate some buzz for the city and help put more butts in the seats. Man, I seriously cannot wait for this to happen, I want this to happen sooooooooooo bad. As already stated in the article, the Sixers have nothing to lose. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/107763319_dbbb27519c.jpg Sixer for life. Bring back the little dude! PG: IversonSG: IguodalaSF: YoungPF: BrandC: Dalembert bench: Speights, Williams, Kapono Not bad on paper, too bad Eddie Jordan is coach. Edited November 28, 2009 by Willie Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Personally...I'd experiment with: C- Dalembert(Speights when he returns)PF- BrandSF- IguodalaSG- IversonPG- Lou(when he comes back)/Holiday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Just get him signed up. This season is beyond a disaster at this point, just do something to fire up the fan interest a bit. After sitting in yet another quarter-full arena tonight I would absolutely love to see that place packed and actually caring about basketball again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Well the article stated Lou would probably start as well as Ivo once he gets back so that sounds interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted November 28, 2009 Owner Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Gives me a reason to root for the Sixers in most of their games, and maybe my brother will start watching basketball again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Artesticle Posted November 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 (edited) I'm seriously excited for this. I really hope it goes down. My opinion of AI has really soured in recent years, but I won't forget everything he gave to the Sixers and the city of Philly. I really hope this gets done. He still has it in him to play quality basketball. This is a guy who averaged 26 ppg on 46% shooting two years ago before the whole Detroit/Memphis fiasco. He can still play! This will also help me get back into Sixer basketball again. lol It's been so boring in recent years. Edited November 28, 2009 by Willie Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Haha, I just signed him in 2k10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog17k Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 I think this move would be pretty cool for Philly fans. At this point might as well. I also agree with Smitty playing him at SG a few times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest N4S Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Personally...I'd experiment with: C- Dalembert(Speights when he returns)PF- BrandSF- IguodalaSG- IversonPG- Lou(when he comes back)/Holiday My thoughts exactly. I'm liking this though. And I say let the beast loose. Screw passing. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Feelgood Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 I agree with everyone here, this needs to happen. I would honestly start AI over Lou and have him come off the bench to lead the 2nd unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWaLL Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 I doubt he would run the point, this is how I would see it: PG: LouSG: IversonSF: IgoudalaPF: BrandC: Dalembert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MainEv3nt Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 the thing i dont understand. ai was at his best when he ran point why does he wanna run sg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
His Greatness Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I really don't want this to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren2ThaG Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I really don't want this to happen. Same, for his sake. Don't want his stress even higher by losing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Damn, what if AI returns and leads them to the playoffs? I hope he does return to Philly and retire as a Sixer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Regime Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 This is some pretty exciting stuff, AI back in a Sixers uni that is going to be sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfish Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I actually want to see this that would be pretty sweet, do you guys think it will happen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWaLL Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I actually want to see this that would be pretty sweet, do you guys think it will happen?Probably not, the Sixers even said their main focus was on improving defense, so I'm sure any available players to trade for who are more defensive-focused have a much higher priority to them over Iverson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfish Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Probably not, the Sixers even said their main focus was on improving defense, so I'm sure any available players to trade for who are more defensive-focused have a much higher priority to them over Iverson.When you arent selling tickets and desperately need to put people in the seats, Iverson becomes your best option. It will make the franchise at least somewhat exciting, and they could use Iversons scoring and distributing ability right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWaLL Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 When you arent selling tickets and desperately need to put people in the seats, Iverson becomes your best option. It will make the franchise at least somewhat exciting, and they could use Iversons scoring and distributing ability right now.He's definitely a good possibility for them, but he isn't on the top of their priorities due to their strong need for defense. He would definitely help ticket prices no doubt. Fans coming to see their old hometown hero return for one more year, what Philly fan wouldn't miss that lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amare320 Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 This really has to happen, it would defiantly benfit the team no doubt about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La Bomba Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Well make sure the second you sign him (if it happens) you play him all forty minutes because if not he may complain and [expletive] about playing time and in the process he'll piss off his teammates and coaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HornyWetPenguin Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 LakersCavsMagicand Sixers for the Chip if it happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 LakersCavsMagicand Sixers for the Chip if it happens. LOL Random HWP sighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobb Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Would love to be this happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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