Allen Iverson will rank among the top scorers in the NBA again this 2009-2010 season, mark it down in your calendars now. Not only that, he will help carry the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs in a Western Conference that drops off significantly after the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets. What makes the situation even more entertaining is that:a) He stated at his Grizzlies' introductory news conference today that it's going to be a personal year for him, basically serving as his rookie season again. (Check the rookie footage below.) That alone says it all, but wait there's more...
b) Iverson finally landed a team that will give him a chance to start.
c) He's receiving only a 1-year deal worth $3.1 million. (An incentive to maybe earn one final multi-year deal before calling it quits.)
What makes me so confident in my rationale?
It's quite simple actually. When Allen Iverson has something to prove, there's absolutely nobody and no force capable of stopping his drive to leave doubters second guessing themselves. Even at the ripe old age of 34. Think of back to his playing days in Philadelphia. I'm going to take you back in time on the Allen Iverson Journey Trail...
"He was a Warrior, in every sense of the word, battling for the hearts of Philadelphia's fans..."
A.I. was a tremendous athlete even in high school, capable of playing quarterback for Bethel High School's football team, which he eventually led to the state championship. Clearly, he was a better basketball player above all else, which brought him to Georgetown University to play under coach, John Thompson. Thompson was like a father figure to young Allen and ultimately kept him in check to eliminate any distractions that could have potentially affected his play at the college level. Iverson was a standout once again, but this time in the college game, where he earned two Big East Defensive Player of the Year Honors. In addition, he ended his tenure at Georgetown as the Hoya's all-time leading scorer in ppg with an astounding 23 ppg for his career.
Then came the real glory days.
"This gives Iverson ample opportunity to play a lead role in reviving a city, a franchise, and most importantly, leaving a lasting imprint on the final chapter of his career."
"The Answer" was the nickname he earned during his playing days with the Philadelphia 76ers. The name says it all. He was the answer to all of Philly's woes after The Great Dr. J left the game. Iverson had Philly on his back and he liked it that way. He liked being the center of attention, as attested by his persistent knack to play through even the worst of injuries. He was a Warrior, in every sense of the word, battling for the hearts of Philadelphia's fans, and for one reason alone, he was getting recognized in return for his efforts. Recognized for his unparalleled dedication to the game. He was the smallest player ever to earn MVP honors for crying out loud! To put it blunt, the feeling was mutual between A.I. and Philly. Philly loved him and he loved it back.
Enter Memphis.
In Memphis, the Grizzlies have had their own setbacks. They play in a city starving to bring basketball back on the map after relocating from Vancouver. This gives Iverson ample opportunity to play a lead role in reviving a city, a franchise, and most importantly, leaving a lasting imprint on the final chapter of his career. Sound familiar? *cough* Philadelphia all over again. He's, once again, a man on a mission. C'mon now, who wouldn't want to witness, what will be, a remarkable comeback by the NBA's all-time greatest little man? Better yet, who wouldn't want to watch him play like a rookie again? Yes, he won Rookie of the Year, in case you're wondering...with stiff competition like: Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Stephon Marbury, Steve Nash, Marcus Camby, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jermaine O'Neal, and Antoine Walker. Did I mention he's a 10 time All-Star and 4-time scoring champ?
Problem: The Grizzlies' Record and Underperformance
"Answer:" Allen Iverson
0 comments:
Post a Comment