OT: I doubt A.I. will ever be on a team that wins a title

[humblebum]

Iverson is the most overrated player in the history of basketball. Let Rajon Rondo chuck at will, shoot as low a percentage from the field as he wants on any given night, and gamble on defense all night and he too could become "the Answer". The problem is that the question is, "Who is the most overhyped, selfish, me oriented basketball player in the NBA?"

The guy has talent but he's not a team basketball player. And last time I checked basketball is a team game. Allen Iverson is possibly the last player I'd want on the Celtics.

Given that if there is one team that could get Iverson to play the right way it would be this team.

[campybatman]

Yeah, I can't imagine Iverson with Boston but I'd said the same of Marbury. The difference between these two players is Marbury was humbled this year. You wonder if Iverson even knows the meaning of humility.

[humblebum]

But I think it's more than humility. Look at Marbury's physique, he's strong, tough. Look at his style of play. He's really a play-maker, he's a play-maker who's tried to do too much. That's not Allen Iverson, he doesn't have PG vision, he's not a natural PG. He's a volume scorer, a shooting guard. But look at his physique, he's physically weak for a SG and hasn't displayed the discipline/ability to stay in front of PG's. To my eyes all Iverson brings at this point are his warts and deficiences because his volume scoring isn't needed on this team. I can't even imagine what a tragic waste of an offseason this would be if the Celtics signed Marbury for anything more than a minimum salary on a one year deal, and in that case he still might do more harm than good. Just say no to Allen Iverson.

[campybatman]

I'm not going to be the one to question Iverson's heart or toughness. He's as tough a player as I've watched play other than Pierce. Iverson would play hurt if he can. I don't think his latest injury will allow him to this season. At least not at a high level. The question that everyone wants answered is in regards to his present value and role in the NBA. I believe he still has a place in the NBA and can find a role on most teams. However, Iverson isn't or won't allow himself to age as a star player with good grace. In my opinion, I contend it's about humility and pride. He doesn't know nor understands the meaning of such words. I don't think he's incapable of performing at a high level from the bench. It's more to do with whether Iverson can accept that kind of role. If health allows, then it's about choice for him. He admittedly doesn't want to do it. That's an indication of a stubborn person. Iverson knows no other role other than to be Iverson and apparently, in his mind, he can't function as Iverson unless he's a starter which is absurd.

This off season, he'll find that the league's general managers will call his bluff. I'd said, Iverson still has a place in the NBA. I didn't say the league needs him.