The Answer Needs a Chance

Five years ago if you would've told me that Allen Iverson was on a basketball court in the NBA Playoffs, I would've thought he'd be starting for his team and playing a key role in his team's success. Unfortunately, that was not the case on Wednesday night. In fact, who would've thought the 36 year old Iverson would be in a Number 23 Philadelphia 76ers jersey and jeans presenting the game ball for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Iverson didn't appear much different, but everyone knew he was. The former league MVP had fallen off of a cliff and now he was presenting the game ball on the court he had so many great moments on.

 In the 2007-2008 season Allen Iverson started all 82 games for the Denver Nuggets. He averaged just over 26 points per game and there were no signs of his basketball skills declining. Iverson showed he could complement another star when he played with Carmelo Anthony, but they never made a deep playoff run together and this led to him being traded. After being traded, Iverson began to fall off of the cliff mentioned earlier. His stats declined and he just didn't seem like the same player.

Personal problems eventually took Iverson out of the league and A.I. was left trying to get his life back together. But, I do not want to feel sorry for the former scoring champion. I know he put himself in those positions and he only has himself to blame for the mistakes he made throughout his life.

The last time Iverson was on an NBA basketball court he was dealing with demons that he had to get rid of. His daughter was dealing with illness and his marriage was on shaky ground.  While dealing with those issues, Iverson managed to average 13.7 ppg in his last 28 NBA games. Half of NBA players probably wish they could average 14 points every night and Iverson did at his worst moment. But, after playing only 3 games in 2010, Iverson's issues became toomuch and he left the NBA.


Since then, Iverson has said he would like to play again, but not many teams (if any) have reached out to him. A.I. was interviewed during the game on Wednesday Night and when asked to comment on retirement he said, "I'm not using that word." Later, he was asked about a potential NBA return, "I mean, the way it is right now, I've accepted the fact that [playing in the NBA] might not happen," he said. "But I still want to play basketball. If I can get an opportunity to where it's going to make me happy at the end of my career, I'll take that opportunity. But I just love to play and I want to have another opportunity to play on the professional level."


Allen Iverson will be 37 years old in two weeks, but why shouldn't he get one last shot to play the game he loves? Last time we saw him, he still had the talent to play at a high level. Regardless of how these NBA playoffs turnout, I hope A.I. is on an NBA court next season because he deserves one last chance. It was clear during his career that he played every game like his last and if he wants to get back on the court I believe he will be more motivated than ever.

Allen Iverson presents the game ball before tip off of
Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.