Allen Iverson returns to Philadelphia tonight for the first time since last year's trade. In my geographically removed humble opinion, there is no question about his legacy as a Sixer. He should receive a hero's welcome back to the arena where he filled seats and thrilled fans for 10 years.
There has never been a better little man in NBA history. Iverson is barely 5'11''. He's won an MVP as a Sixer. He led his team to many playoff appearances and victories, including a trip to the NBA Finals. He played with heart and courage. He put his body on the line every night and did whatever it took to win. Nearing age 33, he still leads the league in minutes. He was the first player in NBA history to finish in the Top 5 in points, steals and assists in one season. I could go on and on, but it's not necessary. Iverson's accomplishments on a court filled with men much taller and stronger than he speak for themselves.
The knock on AI is that he was a thug, or a punk. He didn't like to practice, and he didn't set a good example for his teammates. He hung out with the wrong crowd. I think Allen has matured to the point where he's able to take responsibility for some of the things he did earlier in his career, but we should view AI's career in Philly with some perspective. He was a kid when he joined the team as the #1 pick in the draft. I don't know about you, but when I was his age, I wasn't a role model for anyone. I could barely handle my own life, let alone set an example for others. And that would be the same if I could play basketball the way he did. Some much of the popular view on Allen is about how our society views athletes, and the expectations we place on them, but it's counterintuitive to the expectations we place on ourselves and our children.
So while Iverson was/is by no means perfect, we should celebrate what he's done on the court, and how he's grown off it. He's one of the most exciting and talented players in basketball history, and he does everything we expect our pro athletes to do on the court. He doesn't have many years left, so we should enjoy and cherish every last minute of his career.
There has never been a better little man in NBA history. Iverson is barely 5'11''. He's won an MVP as a Sixer. He led his team to many playoff appearances and victories, including a trip to the NBA Finals. He played with heart and courage. He put his body on the line every night and did whatever it took to win. Nearing age 33, he still leads the league in minutes. He was the first player in NBA history to finish in the Top 5 in points, steals and assists in one season. I could go on and on, but it's not necessary. Iverson's accomplishments on a court filled with men much taller and stronger than he speak for themselves.
The knock on AI is that he was a thug, or a punk. He didn't like to practice, and he didn't set a good example for his teammates. He hung out with the wrong crowd. I think Allen has matured to the point where he's able to take responsibility for some of the things he did earlier in his career, but we should view AI's career in Philly with some perspective. He was a kid when he joined the team as the #1 pick in the draft. I don't know about you, but when I was his age, I wasn't a role model for anyone. I could barely handle my own life, let alone set an example for others. And that would be the same if I could play basketball the way he did. Some much of the popular view on Allen is about how our society views athletes, and the expectations we place on them, but it's counterintuitive to the expectations we place on ourselves and our children.
So while Iverson was/is by no means perfect, we should celebrate what he's done on the court, and how he's grown off it. He's one of the most exciting and talented players in basketball history, and he does everything we expect our pro athletes to do on the court. He doesn't have many years left, so we should enjoy and cherish every last minute of his career.
