It looks like Philadelphia may have The Answer to get their season out of the gutter: Allen Iverson. The 76ers’ prodigal son returned last night after being traded three years ago when his relationship with the team soured. Now, it’s looking like the Sixers are Iverson’s last chance – and not at glory, but at just playing meaningful minutes in the NBA. What a sad fall from grace AI has been on since being traded to Detroit last season. This guy is a future hall of famer, one of the best players at, or under, 6-feet and can still play at a high level.
Last night, in his re-debut with the Philly, Iverson may have only had pedestrian statistics – 11 points on 4-for-11 shooting, six assists, five rebounds and only one turnover in 38 minutes – but it was his actions on the court, in front of the Philadelphia crowd, that spoke in volumes. Before the game, the man who once demanded a trade away from this team, kissed the logo of the 76ers on the court. If that wasn’t telling enough that Iverson knows this is his last chance, and that he better be grateful for it, then I don’t know what he’s thinking.
Oh yeah, and Philly lost to Denver, 93-83, but losing to one of the best teams is no shame.