Don't Trade Allen Iverson, Ever

As you may have been able to guess from this picture, I was at the Wachovia Center for the Sixers v. Wizards game.  There was a nice buzz in the arena which was heightened by a few of Iguodala's thunderous slams.  The Sixers had lost to Washington twice previously this year, but in a win Friday night A.I. was simply sick: 47 points, 12 assists, on 17-28 shooting.  At one point late in the game, Iverson crossed up Antonio Daniels so badly that Daniels fell to the floor as A.I. laid up an easy basket.  It brought the entire Wachovia Center to its feet.

At some point in the game I found myself feeling guilty for previously thinking the Sixers needed to trade Iverson in order to start rebuilding.  I now think I would rather have them play mediocre basketball for the remainder of A.I.'s career and have him go out on his terms, beloved by Philadelphia, as a Sixer.  Last time I checked, I still haven't witnessed a championship in Philly, so without championships, at least we can still have A.I. on our side, to enjoy watching.

Gilbert Arenas is a star in the NBA and, unlike Iverson, was chosen to play for the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing.  Kevin Ollie, who started against the Wizards, did a rather nice job holding Arenas in check, making him work the entire game.  All of the Sixers played a rather nice game, CWebb had 30 with 12 boards, Iggy had 19.  Arenas scored 33 with 8 assists, but it was Iverson who with seconds left in the game riled the crowd into a frenzy with his patented "let's hear it" gesture.

Iverson played all 48 minutes. 

A little bonus video for you after the jump.  Related: Video of A.I. crossover on Antonio Daniels

The video will take a while to load, but start the download and pause it, then come back to watch it in a few minutes.  It is a YouTube video which takes a look at Iverson, talking about his famous cross over on Michael Jordan, a little Tupac soundtrack, the famous step over Tyrone Lue and the Lakers in game 1, some Gtown highlights, etc. etc.  The beginning is the best part, it gets a little repetitive and the Tupac music doesn't really work well at times.

Comments

[Matt]

I love AI. The guy leaves it all on the court, night after night.

Nice post.

[fp]

Yeah, NEVER TRADE ALLEN

[maria]

That game was amazing. the play where he left Antonio Daniels sitting on the floor was sick. I hope AI stays in Philly for the rest of his career.

[Jon Burkett]

AI will prove all comers that he's better qualified to lead USA basketball. I think we'll continue this roll all the way to the 3 seed.

[Ash]

Allen Iverson is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He cannot be traded because Philly will never receive equal value for a player who bleeds his teams colors and sacrifices his body and his sanity night in and night out for the third most critical sport city in the US.

[Ellis]

Been watching A.I. in person & on the tube for 10 years now & he is the absolute best guard, pound for pound, in the history of the NBA! He gives you everything, every game, night in & night out. He is peaking this season. It has been my pleasure to have been able to watch him play this beautiful game.

[maria]

I can't wait for 10 years from now and seeing Allen's name hanging in the Wachovia Center. He's amazinq.

[WILLIE]

I hope they trade iverson to another team so he can get a ring.

[maria]

he said himself that he doesn't want to go to another team just to get a ring. he says he'd rather have no ring w/ phila. than a ring somewhere else.

[PHOENIX]

I have been watching the Sixers from the Chamberlain years and I will always remember what spirit and heart AI has brought to the team and the city. Philly should never even consider trading AI. They must treat this guy like the future HOF he truly is.

[meredith]

Weird - I just posted abut AI, too.

Thanks for posting that video. I'd hate to see AI retire as anything other than a Sixer. Sure, winning a championship is what it's all about, but sometimes it just has to be enough that we get to watch one of the most explosive and awe-imspiring players every single night.

[Nelson]

Iverson, tu eres el #1. Yes you are, for me and for many people, we love you till the end of time ;) Nobody will change my mind, you are the greatest player in the NBA

[Donnelly]

This is ridiculous! Greatness should be judged by rings not by points. AI, although unquestionably the most prolific scorer of his generation, is not the "answer" to Sixers team problems. A great player makes those around him better, AI clearly does not! If the Sixers do not move Iverson this offseason, the Sixers are destined for perpetual mediocrity. Everyone on here that slurps AI are the same 'drink the kool-aid' bunch who were all about T.O. two years ago. Unlike boxing or golf, basketball is a team sport in every aspect of the game...Iverson is not a team player, thus a mediocre record in a piss poor conference.

[f]

How does he 'clearly not' make his teammates better? Just saying it does not make it true

[abraham]

AI U ARE A TRUE PLAYER. I THINK IF HE WANTS A RING HE SHOULD GET TRADED OR EVEN GET SOMEBODY THAT WILL HELP HIM GET TO A SHAMPIONSHIP. IF THE TEAM REALLY WANTS HIM IN PHILLY THEY HAVE TO TRY HARDER.

[heather]

first of all nelson, in your barage, there were a few just plain wrong things.Greatness is not measured by rings. this is clear because more than half of the best 50 players EVER do not have rings. Secoundly, if your definition of greatness also says its a player who makes everyone around him better, how does AI not fit this description. In the year they reached the finals it was AI and a cast few people can name.They stepped up,they had to.Admit it.so your logic just plain sucks.

[Ralph]

When I think of AI I can't think of anyone to compare him to within his own sport. But I do find a good comparision when going to other sports and with myself being from Michigan I would have to compare him to Barry Sanders. A man that pound for pound there is no one better and both have been disrespected by piss-poor managment decisions all throughout their careers. It's too bad neither could or will find a GM that would be half as good as they are because we would be talking about rings and winners versus pound for pound greatness.

[enrico]

Ralph, great post. Growing up one of my first sports idols was Barry Sanders. I never thought to compare the two, but it kind of works.

[thobendon]

AI is by far my favorite player. Perhaps Kobe has more talent, and TMac the greater physicality, but no one, since MJ, has the heart of AI. As a Knick fan amazed at the significant upgrade in talent signed by Isaiah, I would trade half the team and two years draft picks for AI. He allows you to give your heart to your team, win or lose, because he gives his heart, win or lose. - Harlem, NYC -

[nelson]

Who is stupid enought to trade allen iverson

[buck]

I think AI is simply 1 of da greatest EVER. His home is in Philly and he should stay there 4ever

[mac]

Anyone who wants to trade ai has something messed up in the head. He is unbelivable at his game. He belongs in Philly.

[eric allen]

we the city of philly feels the same way. we are doing a strong campainge called 5 coaches in ten years :dont trade allen iverson:.....we are selling shirts @ 5 to help promote the urge to be heard. we will have a large free cook out july 29th @ 63rd and cobbs creek parkway. come and eat children are all welcome we have rides and all sorts of intertainment, brought to you by elish ent. and my company bac2basicsrealrapstv.com for more info, or my space, b2brrtv,,,267-278-8028 or 800-922-9294

[mase]

u do u guys think of denver