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It just doesn't make sense. If there is one thing I haven't been able to agree with over the past couple of years, it is the statements being brainwashed into the viewers' heads that Iverson is washed up and incapable of playing up to the standards of his best years.

Sure, I'll agree that he may not be as fast at 34 years old as he was at 26, but where is the evidence that he cannot play as well as before? In 2008, A.I. was scoring 26.4 points. He was scoring the same per game when he was 27. Let's take a look at what he's done since then.

In Detroit, he was traded in as a starter, but was quickly replaced by Rodney Stuckey, and being a bench player and not the No. 1 scoring option, Iverson still averaged 17.4 points per game.

In the small amount of time in Memphis and Philly last year, he put in 13.9 points as a second and sometimes third scoring option, and still had very close to the same field goal percentage as he did when he went to the finals in 2001.

I'm not saying Iverson is a good defender, I'm not even saying he's a good team player.

What I am saying is that is doesn't make sense for a man that is a four-time scoring champion and NBA MVP to still be able to produce points and not one team in the entire NBA wants him. Not even the offensively struggling teams. Not even the teams that have starting shooting guards that can't make a shot to save their lives (Cleveland, Indiana...etc).

If there isn't something fishy going on behind the scenes, then his Memphis/Philly stunt must have been more detrimental than I thought possible.

I don't think it's right for someone so obviously loved by the majority of NBA fans to go out with a whimper.

New York needs Allen Iverson. They need that popular face, they need that offensive fire-power that he can provide when starting or given adequate minutes. They need his still abnormally quick step and up-tempo, minimal defensive play to fit right in with D'antoni's system. Put him in that spot and prove to me he's done. Prove to me that he has lost a step as a franchise player, and isn't able to score 25-plus points a game.

New York needs another scorer in their starting lineup. Amare Stoudemire and his $100 million contract is only going to get them so far. How much risk is there to bring in a veteran all-star at veteran minimum to a team that hasn't made the playoffs in six years?

Prove to the world that Allen Iverson isn't being blackballed and let him comeback and show his doubters (including me) that he can help a team in the playoffs.

This isn't the Celtics, who are trying to keep their core without too many major changes. This isn't the Heat, who are already bringing together egos, superstars, and new role players like they're picking their team in a middle school game. This isn't the Raptors, a team rebuilding from rock bottom to try and have a bright future.

This is the Knicks. This is a team that is one of the faces of the NBA. This is a team that can do it, they just need more parts. They just need more options.

I don't like Allen Iverson. But I'd sure as hell put him on my team if I needed him.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

The Denver Nuggets and the face of their franchise Carmelo Anthony are getting ready to part ways. By not signing the $65 million extension the Nuggets offered him, Melo has made it clear that he does not want to be in Denver next season. Anthony. who averaged 28.2 PPG last season, is saying he wants to go play for the New York Knicks—though he says he also has interest in playing for the Rockets, Nets, and Magic, his eyes are set on the Big Apple. Carmelo wants to play in the bright lights of New York and he wants to win, and in New York he will have that chance. Not only does he have Amare Stoudemire, it is being reported that if Carmelo lands in New York, Chris Paul will join them either this season or next season.

Carmelo seems like a perfect fit for New York, he would still be playing in a run and gun system like he did in Denver and would still be able to get as many shots as he wants. The Knicks with Carmelo and Amare could be a deadly team in the East and if Raymond Felton breaks through in D'Antoni's fast paced system then the Knicks could be a serious contender. It is looking like the Nuggets will trade Carmelo before the season starts because if they kept him they would have to wait till the trade deadline and by then the situation could get nasty. It was reported that the Knicks are offering Danilo Gallinari and Eddy Currey for Melo, the Knicks would still need a shooting guard and this is where Allen Iverson comes in.

Allen Iverson has a very good relationship with Carmelo Anthony, the two were teammates in Denver for two seasons and although they didn't have any playoff success they were still a 50 win a team. The two actually meshed together very well, had that Denver team played some defense they could have done some big things. In the 06/07 season the Nuggets lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round 4-1, the Spurs went onto win the NBA Championship that year, in 07-08 the Nuggets won 50 games in an amazing Western Conference they grabbed the 8th seed and were swept by the Lakers in the first round, the Lakers went onto the Finals that year. Iverson was traded for Billups at the start of the 08-09 season and it has been all downhill for him since then. 

Iverson went from averaging 26.4 ppg and 7.2 apg alongside Melo in Denver just two seasons ago to not being in the NBA. One person who understands Iverson's frustration and has stood up for him in his hard times more then anyone is Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has stated many times in the past two seasons that Iverson is still an elite player and he just needs to be respected and put in the right situation. Melo has so much love for AI that he may even ask the Knicks management to bring Iverson in, or at least a workout and let the Knicks decide if they should sign him or not. Many players across the league are saying that AI is training harder then ever, Larry Hughes said now that Iverson's injuries are cured and he has been working out this hard he is in amazing shape.

The Knicks still need a solid shooting guard, with all due respect to Roger Mason Jr. he is no Allen Iverson. Last season when the Grizzlies waived Iverson the Knicks were ready to sign him, the meeting was set up all AI had to do was come in and sign the contract but at the last minute James Dolan backed out because he thought Iverson would destroy the 2-11 Knicks "chemistry" and become a distraction for the young guys on the team. But now they wouldn't have to worry about that, if the Knicks acquired Melo they would be about winning now and bringing in AI for the veterans minimum wouldn't hurt anybody, AI never caused any problems with Melo in Denver so why would he do it in New York especially now that he knows he isn't the first or even second option every night.

Iverson would be the perfect fit for D'Antoni's offense and in about 35 mpg Iverson could give 20 ppg and 8-10 apg in his sleep. He would have so much help, the problem in Denver was Iverson and Melo didn't know their roles, now Iverson would know this is Carmelo's and Amare's team. The Knicks could be more high scoring then the Phoenix Suns were when D'Antoni was coaching there, AI is only asking for the minimum and he would sell tickets, jerseys and other merchandise. The Knicks would be one of the most exciting teams in the league and one of the best teams in the league.

The only way AI can end up in New York is if Carmelo is there before the season starts, there is no way that Melo wouldn't mention AI to the Knicks. He wants to see AI prove people wrong and he would help him do that. There close friends so AI would have no problem asking Melo to help him get on the Knicks, so don't be surprised if Iverson's name is mentioned with the team if Antony lands there before the season starts.  

Iverson would be a perfect fit for this New York team, it is very sad to see AI left out in the cold like this. The league may very well be black listing Allen Iverson, how can a player of Iverson's caliber and player as accomplished as him not be signed to a team by now let alone not get any interest? Something has to be going on behind closed doors if AI isn't signed by the time the season starts.

As of right now Iverson should continue working out and he should be praying that Carmelo Anthony ends up in New York because that is the only team that would take him. As of right now I think its safe to say that Carmelo Anthony just may be "The Answer's", Answer.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

Wait, so there are other free agents other than those guys that signed in Miami?

I know, I was surprised too.

Other than free agency, there are still some rumors of big things that could change the look of the league before the season begins.

Let's take a look at what could happen.

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While those days might be long gone, perhaps "The Answer" might be part of the solution to the Knicks troubles.

Or maybe he isn’t.

Iverson is past his prime, is a headache to deal with, and doesn’t need to surround the Knicks with any more bad press than they already have.

As it is, there are rumors swirling saying Isiah Thomas might resume his old post if Donnie Walsh has to step down due to health issues.

The Knicks don’t need Allen Iverson, nor should they even look into signing him.

At this point, New York would benefit more from allowing its young players to grow, than from employing a 35-year-old has-been.

The Knicks already have a fairly crowded backcourt, with Raymond Felton, Toney Douglas, Kelenna Azubuike, and throw in Bill Walker and Wilson Chandler, who sometimes play shooting guard.

At 26 years old, Azubuike is the oldest of this crew.

The Knicks flirted with the idea of signing Iverson last offseason, but eventually decided to pass up ‘"The Answer.”

Instead, Memphis signed him, and Iverson played in three games before departing from the Grizzlies.

He eventually signed with Philly, and played in 25 games, starting all but one of them. He averaged just under 14 points per game as a Sixer.

If Iverson still had just half of the defensive prowess he once possessed, teams would be lining up to sign him.

If that were the case, the Knicks would be fools not to sign Iverson. Heck, sign his tattoo artists also if that’s what it came down to.

But that’s not the case anymore. Iverson, one of the greatest guards of all time, and owner of the game’s sickest crossover dribble, has to face reality.

If the New York Knicks aren’t interested in Iverson’s services, then who is? At this point, Iverson can’t even be a piece to a championship caliber team because of his off-court dramatics. 

At this point, the best place for Iverson to try and play (and capture his first championship) might be Miami.

Now that’s a deal you know Knicks fans would applaud.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

But Amar'e is wrong. The Knicks are not back; they are just a bit more respectable.

Amar'e can't can't carry a team by himself. He needs certain pieces around him like he had in Phoenix, such as a point guard who has great vision, can run and gun, and run the pick and roll with him, or else he won't be as effective. He had that point guard in Steve Nash and was surrounded with great shooters, which is why the Suns played such good basketball for so long and Amar'e looked like one of the best power forwards in the league.

But Amare is not necessarily ineffective without a great point guard, because he is still one of the best power forwards in the league and a nightmare for defenses. When he gets that player that can set him up, then he is one of the most dangerous players in the league.

The Knicks would have gotten that player in LeBron James, but now it is looking unlikely and one Eastern Conference official is saying James will stay in Cleveland or go to Miami. Tony Parker was rumored to go the Knicks, but that is looking like it won't happen. Raymond Felton is a target for the Knicks, but he is just not a top-tier point guard.  Monta Ellis, however, could work as well.

It would be a disappointing offseason for the Knicks if they don't get another star, but there is one player out there that could still save next season and may be perfect fit in Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system.

Allen Iverson is only worth the veteran's minimum, and he can run the pick-and-roll as good as anyone except Nash. Stoudemire would play much better with Iverson on his side; Iverson hasn't had great athletic big men to play with in his career, and he still made Marcus Camby and Samuel Dalembert play better, so imagine what he and Stoudemire could do.

Iverson could start at the point for the Knicks and could average 10 assists per game for the first time in his career. He would be playing in an up-tempo system that he would thrive in, and could prove to the world that he still has it.

People are quick to say Iverson has slowed down and they point to his stats the past two seasons (Detroit and Philadelphia). In Detroit he averaged 17.4 ppg and 5 apg, but people forget that he was on a talented team with a lot of scorers. His usage rate was lower then he ever, he took less shots, and played less minutes. He was misused in Detroit and was put through hell by that franchise even though he did what everyone wanted him to do, which was sacrifice.

In Philadelphia his career was put on the line with a non-guaranteed contract and took even less shots, played less minutes, and had less touches. Worst of all Iverson was forced to play in Eddie Jordan's Princeton offense. So yes, Iverson can't be effective when he is touching the ball four times in a quarter and is forced to run a Ivy League offense. Iverson is a freelance player that likes to play in the open, and when he does he can be one of the best players in the league. 

Last season the Knicks passed on Iverson and the fans were disappointed. They were ready to buy Iverson's Knicks jersey, start going to games, and finally get excited, but then James Dolan backed out because he thought Iverson was going to ruin team chemistry.

Well now there is no chemistry at all because by bringing in Stoudemire they just blew the whole team up. Iverson is respected by all the players and is still better then all the guards on the Knicks. Now that he is healthy. he could play 35-38 mpg for Mike D'Antoni give the Knicks at least 22 ppg and 8 apg, excite the crowd in Madison Square Garden, and the one-two punch of Stoudemire and Iverson could lead the Knicks to a fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Amar'e would benefit a lot from having Iverson. If a 36-year-old Steve Nash can do it with Stoudemire, a 35-year-old Iverson, who is one of the greatest players ever, can do it too. 

Mike D'Antoni's system was made for players like Iverson; he would fit in perfectly. The Knicks will need another star no matter what, and Iverson would be the perfect pickup/ He is only going to cost about $5 million, which would allow them to get another star. That Knicks Iverson jersey could be the highest selling jersey in the league, and they will get national TV games and sell tickets. Best of all, the Knicks will play great basketball.

Iverson is training harder then ever and may even come back next season in better shape then he has ever been. Donnie Walsh would seem like a genius for taking a chance on Iverson when the rest of the league was too scared, and Iverson could even lure in Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks next season, Melo played with Iverson in Denver and has a ton of respect for him. But for the 2010-11 season Stoudemire and Iverson can be the highest scoring duo in the NBA and do some big things in the Eastern Conference. 

The Knicks have had three chances to get Iverson in the last four years, more than any team. They will have a disappointing offseason if they don't get another star, and Iverson could be that star that can electrify Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have the perfect system for Iverson to prove everyone wrong. He will be running and gunning, score a lot of points, and make sure Stoudemire has the season he is used to having. When Iverson has this kind of freedom, his team usually wins.

If the move doesn't work then it doesn't hurt them because they sold jerseys, tickets, got the buzz and don't have to offer Iverson a contract next season. The New York management shouldn't be afraid that this will turn into the Stephon Marbury situation because it won't.

Iverson did not cause any problems in Philadelphia this past season, and he doesn't want to go out with everyone's final perception of him being a team killer. He has been misunderstood throughout his career and recently said he would be willing to play any role for any team.

The New Yorkers love Iverson and his style of play even more. Imagine LeBron James coming to the Garden next season and getting outplayed by Allen Iverson (in D'Antoni's system). No longer would fans cheer for the other team when stars like Kobe, LeBron, and Wade come to town, because they would have their in own star in Iverson.

It could be the feel-good story of the sports year: Iverson comes into the season with everyone hating and doubting him, but the New York fans embrace Iverson as he proves everyone wrong and he and Stoudemire lead the Knicks to the playoffs. 

James Dolan and Donnie Walsh might be disappointed that they didn't come out with LeBron, Wade, or Bosh should James decide against New York tomorrow, but they still have one player on the market that can save their season and make sure this free agency won't be a bust, and he is the "Answer" Allen Iverson. With this kind of city and system, Allen Iverson could definitely be the "Answer" for the New York Knicks.

Donnie Walsh, you have passed up on Allen Iverson numerous times, disappointing the fans. This season is headed nowhere if you don't pick up another star, and Iverson could be that star worth only $5 million. Iverson would thrive in D'Antoni's system, prove the world wrong, and the fans would embrace him. This would be a great move because Iverson is the perfect fit. Try it out, and then I guarantee you by All-Star break next season you too will be saying, "The Knicks are back!"

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

He said what people thought he wouldn't ever say and what everyone wanted to hear. Yes, a seemingly humbled Iverson posted the following on his Twitter account:

" I want to return to the NBA this season, and help any team that wants me, in any capacity that they feel that I can help. I'm disappointed, and I owe my fans more than what they have seen of me the last couple seasons. However, now that my family is healthy and rock solid, I can concentrate fully on doing what I do best."

Iverson wants to return to the league, and probably hasn't enjoyed life without basketball. Now that he is willing to take a reduced role, a number of offers should come. But this statement means one of two things: either he thinks he has declined enough to not start anymore, or he thinks he is so prepared for next season that he can start the season off as a sixth man and play well enough to eventually gain a starting spot.  

All the analysts and GM's out there said that if Iverson were willing to come off the bench or at least play a reduced role, contenders would offer him contracts. Of course, it seemed that was not the case when it came to the outspoken star.

But what Iverson said recently is great. He finally did what everyone wanted him to do— say he will come off the bench. If he had done this a year ago, the team that he agreed to come off the bench for would be trying to re-sign him. Iverson obviously has realized that if he wants to get back in the league, he will need to accept a reduced role.

Now the question is, how many contract offers will he get?

A number of options have opened up for him and it will be interesting to see which teams are willing to take Iverson on. There are some contenders out there that would probably like to have Iverson on their squad coming off the bench.

A role Iverson could excel in is as a Jamal Crawford-type player, coming off the bench for a contender with the potential to pour in 18-20 points a night and at times looking like the best player on the team.

Since he is ready to play this reduced role, I would think teams like the Knicks and Heat would be willing to take him for the veteran minimum to play as the third option with either LeBron and Stoudemire (Knicks?) or Wade and Bosh (Miami?).

Other options?

Last season the Clippers offered Iverson a $5.8 million contract and it seemed as if he was going to be playing in LA. But the Clips wanted him to come off the bench, which as I said before was not an option in Iverson's mind. Now if Iverson is accepting this role, maybe he could play the sixth man role for LA.

Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown are probably done with the Lakers as well, so maybe the other LA team will be interested in having AI as an off the bench player for 30 minutes a game. Of course, a team like the Orlando Magic could use AI as a starter or a sixth man. Same with the Mavericks.

But don't expect Iverson to get any offers just yet.

Nobody is going to focus on him—not with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh still undecided on where they are going. In fact, teams may not show interest in Iverson until most other  players have signed and roster spots are opening up.

But there are still many teams out there that could use Iverson in any role. Below I've listed the five teams that could use AI as a starter and five teams that could use him as a sixth man.

The top 5 teams that could still use Iverson as a starter:

5.) Cleveland Cavaliers: Whether LeBron chooses to stay in Cleveland or not, the Cavs could start Iverson. If LeBron stays he plays the two spot or one spot and gives LeBron the sidekick that he has never had.

AI would be much better than Mo Williams and would never choke in the playoffs. Instead, he would be able to take games over and could give this Cavs team (with LeBron) around 20 ppg and a chance at a ring.

Without LeBron, the Cavs could use AI as well because he could still lead the team in scoring and give them a buzz, keeping the attendance and jersey sales high. Plus, he could still help them grab an eighth seed.

4.) Charlotte Bobcats: Iverson made the mistake of turning down the Bobcats offer last season to reunite with Larry Brown. But now that Raymond Felton is probably going to leave, Iverson could be the starting point guard and help this team get further in the playoffs.

Larry Brown would give AI a legit chance (34-38 mpg) to prove that he still has it, and even if AI started off as a sixth man and outplayed the guy in front of him, Brown would give Iverson the starting job. 

3.) Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are going to be one of the worst teams in the league if they don't get anything back for Chris Bosh. Right now it is looking like that will happened.

But why not sign Iverson for the veteran's minimum and keep the buzz alive, sell more Raptors jerseys then any player has (Iverson is such a huge star that at 35 he could sell more jerseys then Vince Carter did for the Raps), and probably have him as the best player on the team.

Iverson would get all the minutes and shots on this team, and could really do some big things for the Raptors. Effort-wise he is the anti-VC, and the folks up north would love him.

Bryan Colangelo was brave enough to take a chance on Steve Nash, and he went on to become a two-time MVP. The Raptors are going to need a shot in the arm, so bringing in Allen Iverson would be great.

2.)Miami Heat: Every analyst and source out there is saying that Chris Bosh will join Dwyane Wade in Miami. But the Heat don't even have eight players signed to the roster, plus Bosh and Wade won't be able to win it all on their own.

Imagine if AI was the third option running the point with Mario Chalmers coming off the bench for him. AI would have no problem playing the third option; he would have his best shot at winning a ring and would thrive with the Heat.

Pat Riley would be part of this team, so he could control Iverson and make sure he doesn't cause any problems.

1.)New York Knicks: Amar'e Stoudemire became a Knick yesterday and said, "The Knicks are back."

Not quite, Amar'e.

Donnie Walsh must be freaking out right now because his team waited four years for the 2010 free agency period, and it would be very disappointing if the Knicks don't get another star.

Allen Iverson could be that third option on the Knicks, if LeBron James signs with them, playing in an up and down game. AI could thrive with LeBron and Stoudemire, and the Knicks would instantly be the most dangerous team in the league.

But even if the Knicks don't land LeBron, AI could still sign for the veteran's minimum, score 25 a night, get the Knicks into the playoffs, and set up a potential reunion with Carmelo Anthony in New York after next season.

Top 5 teams that AI could play sixth man for:

5.)San Antonio Spurs: AI would be able to get his 30 mpg on the Spurs, with Ginobili being the starter. Coach Popovich would be able to control Iverson and for once, with Tim Duncan on the team, Iverson would have a player that has done more than him on the team.

AI could be instant offense off the bench and could give the Spurs plenty of firepower.

4.)Los Angeles Clippers:  AI could play 30 mpg off the bench at either the point or two guard spot for the Clippers.

Now that Blake Griffin is ready to play, the Clippers could do some big things in the Western Conference. Iverson would be instant offense, and if the Clippers play freelance he could give them 20 points any night.

Eric Gordon would learn a lot from Iverson, and if the Clippers land LeBron AI would have a chance at a ring with this team.

3.)Orlando Magic: Although AI could probably start for this team, if he came off the bench and was set free he could give the Magic a lot of points. He could also help close games out, giving the Magic the go-to-guy and scorer they thought they had in Vince Carter.

It would be Iverson's best chance to win a ring, and he would be respected by this organization. If Vince Carter is shipped out, he could even start.

2.)Dallas Mavericks: If there is one guy that has the guts to sign Iverson, it is Mark Cuban.

Iverson could be the sixth man on this team or even a starter. But if the Mavs move Jason Terry into the starting lineup and bring Iverson off the bench for 30 mpg, he could really help.

The Mavs have so many options that all Iverson would have to concentrate on is scoring. AI could give the Mavs 18 points off the bench and be a player that can take over in the playoffs. With Iverson in the fold, maybe the days of choking in Dallas would be over.

1.)Los Angeles Lakers: If AI wants a ring, LA should be his top choice.

Again, he would have a guy on his team that has accomplished more (Kobe), a coach that can control him (Phil Jackson), and he would get 30 mpg off the bench behind Derek Fisher.

Phil Jackson has shown he trusts his bench a lot, and that was when it featured guys like Josh Powell and Jordan Farmar. Imagine if Iverson was coming off the bench for the Lakers, giving them 18-20 points a night.

Farmar and Brown are expected to leave, and if Fisher re-signs than AI could be the sixth man, or seventh alongside Lamar Odom. This would be his best chance to win a title and Phil Jackson would never treat a former MVP, and one of the greatest players in league history, the way some of his coaches have lately.

Iverson helped himself immensely by making this statement on Twitter. He opened up a lot of opportunities for himself, and a number of teams could give him a look. 

AI has done it all in the league and is one of the greatest players ever. So if a scrub like Chris Duhon can sign a four year deal for $15 million with the Magic, I am pretty sure Iverson will get on a team by the end of this free agency period. 

It will be an interesting couple of months as we wait to see where Iverson lands. Hopefully it has a better ending than the last time Iverson was looking for a new home.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

He did leave Memphis after just three games because he wasn't starting and wasn't getting the minutes he felt he deserved. People always bash him for that but they don't know how frustrating it was for him, he came off a season in which he was misused by the Detroit Pistons and almost lost his career so he was on a mission to prove people wrong. He understood that he had gotten older and was going to have to train for the first time in his career and he did that. When he got to Memphis even after a hamstring injury in training camp you could tell that Allen had got that explosiveness back, he was quick off the dribble, his jumper was wet and in his second game he scored 18 points and has 6 assists in just 27 minutes of action. But the problem was all that hard work he did was being wasted because he was playing 18 mpg and there was no way he was going to prove the doubters that said he was finished wrong by coming off the bench and playing 18 minutes a night. Allen Iverson came into Memphis in amazing shape and had the abilities to have another 27 ppg and 6 apg season, he could have lead that team to the playoffs but the Coaches and GM's thought differently. It was then that Allen decided he wasn't going to go through another season of hell, so he left the team.

It must have been hard for Allen to leave and as bad as he wanted to play and prove people wrong he was now free to do whatever he wanted. Imagine the excessive partying, gambling and drinking Allen did after he left Memphis, he must have stayed home all day eating what he wanted when he wanted. He said he was working on getting fat, but then Louis Williams got injured and Allen was going back home to Philadelphia, it was so ironic how he ended up back in Philly. The fans loved it, he loved it and Philadelphia loved it, the "Answer" was coming back home. But little did they know he was returning after a month of not playing basketball, it was a month of freedom for Allen and he was not healthy, he was not conditioned for once Allen Iverson was not ready. Had he come to Philly in the start of the season then Allen would have had a great season and lead that team to the playoffs but returning after a month off was not going to work and this wasn't just any month off it was a Allen Iverson month off. Allen came back to the Sixers in very bad shape, he had gained some fat and you could tell, that explains the knee arthritis he had a few weeks into the season. 

Worst of all Allen was playing in Eddie Jordan's Princeton offense, this is a offense where you pass the ball, cut down set a screen, wait for a screen and then maybe get the ball. The entire Sixers squad didn't fit in with this offense and if there is one player in NBA history that doesn't fit in a Princeton offense it is Allen Iverson. You could tell he hated playing in that offense but he could not complain because he was on a non guaranteed contract and his career was on the line, forget proving that he could still play at an elite level, Allen had to prove that he can fit into a team without being a distraction. He got caught up in doing that, he was hurt and he was playing the type of basketball he never had played in his life, he was playing a career low 30 mpg and taking a career low 11 shots per night.

These are the reasons his stats were so low but he did prove that he can fit into a team concept without being a distraction. But Allen had to leave the team in February because his daughter was ill and many people doubted this, I don't see why people wouldn't doubt that because I am pretty sure if Allen was getting his shots, touches and minutes he would not leave the team. Allen was just hurting his amazing career averages by playing and the Sixers weren't even winning, so he again decided to leave. 

Then it got worse, Allen's wife filed for divorce the day he asked to leave the Sixers. A week later Stephen A. Smith reported Iverson had drinking and gambling problems. If teams weren't already scared to sign him now they certainly were. Everyone thought Allen was gone for good but now he is announcing that he will return next season.

Chances are Allen is going to have the hardest working off season off his career and will be more focused then ever, he still wants to prove the critiques wrong. Just like Kobe Bryant is planning on doing so this off season Iverson will have to heel all his injuries before anything. Allen will have to get his three point shot back, he will need to get the explosiveness and strength back in his legs, he will need to work on his mid- range jumper, he will have to get back to the shape he was in when he was in Denver and he will have to work hard to do it. Many people question Iverson's work ethic but he can prove a lot of people wrong next season if he stays dedicated and focused.

A healthy Allen Iverson can get 25 ppg and 7 apg for any team, but he will need to be in the right situation where he is being treated fairly by the coaches. He will need his touches and his shots (at least 16-18 a night), he still has the abilities to be one of the leading scorers in the league and lead a team to the playoffs. 

Allen may end up some where this season because the entire league is going to change after this years free agency, a lot of roster spots will open up and a lot of teams will need certain players. Allen wants to win a championship, he wants to start and he wants at least 35 mpg so here are the 10 teams that could use Allen Iverson, all these teams would be good situations for him:

10.) Dallas Mavericks

Allen would get to start on this team, because Jason Terry is the 6th man and has been for a long time now. He would have a very good shot at winning a title with Dallas if Dirk decides to resign. Rumor is that the Mavericks are interested in Shaq, so just imagine this lineup: Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Caron Butler, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O'Neal. 2011 Champions.

9.) San Antonio Spurs

Allen could really help the Spurs, Ginobli would play 6th man and Iverson would get his 35 mpg because George Hill can also play shooting guard and Allen would get to move to the point guard spot when Ginobli is on the floor. Allen could help the Spurs win a title, Coach Popavich would be able to control Iverson and Allen would not cause problems because he has a lot of respect for Tim Duncan and knows that Duncan has done more then he has in the league. If the Spurs let Iverson play freely some nights he the Spurs could really make a run at the title next season.

8.) Los Angeles Lakers

Imagine a Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant back court. The Lakers could really use Iverson if Derek Fisher decides to retire, Iverson could play the point guard spot and for the first time would playing with someone who has accomplished more(Kobe Bryant). Even if Fisher stays, if the Lakers could give Iverson 33 mpg as a 6th man he would probably accept. Ron Artest and Allen Iverson on the same team would be scary but if there is one coach that can control Allen Iverson right now it is Phil Jackson. 

7.) Charlotte Bobcats

Last season Iverson was very very close to becoming a Bobcat, Larry Brown had agreed to bring him in, Allen had agreed to sign the deal but then Michael Jordan pulled out last minute because he was afraid Allen would have a negative influence on the young roster. Maybe Mike had a change of heart for Allen, this would be a great situation and Allen could help this team get to the second round. He would play the 1 spot and Stephen Jackson would play the 2 spot, when Jackson is sitting Iverson could also play the 2 and DJ Augustine could play the 1 spot. Iverson would be reunited with Coach Brown and he is the one coach that was able to control Iverson and bring out the best in him, this would only work if Raymond Felton decides to leave.

6.) Miami Heat

Weather Dwyane Wade stays or leaves Allen Iverson in Miami would be a good fit. If Wade stays that probably means Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer or Amare Stoudemire have signed with the heat(LeBron will not go to Miami). If Wade stays Allen could play the 1 spot and Wade, Iverson and whichever PF signs could form a Big 3 that could win the East. Although D-Wade hasn't accomplished more then Iverson has in his career, Allen knows that at this point D-Wade is a better player then he is and he would have no problem taking a back seat. If Wade doesn't stay, then Iverson could still play because he could become the 2 guard, sell tickets and jerseys and maybe with a little more help lead the Heat to a 8th seed.

5.) Atlanta Hawks

Joe Johnson is probably not going to return to the Hawks next season, he will be asking for a lot of money and the Hawks don't have that money. Iverson could become the new starting 2 guard in Atlanta because Jamal Crawford is the 6th man and he had the best season of his career as a 6th man. Jamal and Allen could each play 35 mpg and even be on the floor at the same time. The Hawks finished as a 3rd seed last year and were swept by the Magic in the second round, they are going to need a go to guy and Allen would be a great fit. Iverson also lives in Atlanta so there is a good chance this could happened.

4.) Toronto Raptors

I think it is safe to say the Chris Bosh is done with Toronto. He will probably sign where ever LeBron or Wade go and the Raptors will become irrelevant. Hedo Turkoglu is already demanding a trade so the Raptors will have no go to guy, no face for their franchise, it will be a nasty year for Toronto if they don't make a big move and whats bigger then bringing in one of the 20-25 greatest players of all time, one of the 5 greatest scorers of all-time and arguably the biggest cultural icon in NBA history. Allen Iverson could save the Toronto Raptors, he could bring the excitement that Vince brought to Toronto, even with Bosh the Raptors didn't have that big name player and Allen would become the face of the franchise, he would obviously start and should get around 38 mpg. He could average 26 a night with this team and be free to play however he wants. The Canadians would love Allen's style of play, his effort and competitiveness would be admired. With some help Allen could even lead this team to the playoffs.

3.) Philadelphia Sixers

Iverson should resign with the Sixers, it just doesn't seem right if he decides not to, Ed Stefanski said if he had the chance to re sign him he would do it in a second because Allen didn't cause any problems this season and fit in well despite being injured. It is awkward because when Allen returned in December he was supposed to finish his career as a Sixer and if he doesn't return to Philly that means he played 10 seasons there, got traded and came back after 3 years, played 25 games, then left again, that just looks nasty. Iverson's number 1 choice should be Philadelphia. Even if they draft Evan Turner then Allen should be the starting point guard ahead of Louis Williams, since Eddie Jordan is fired there will be no more Princeton offense and Doug Collins will probably have this team playing the way they should. Iverson, Turner, Igoudala, Brand and Hawes could do some big things in the Eastern Conference.

2.) Cleveland Cavaliers 

If LeBron decides to stay in Cleveland just like the Miami situation that would mean Chris Bosh or even Wade himself have signed with Cleveland. Just like Wade even though LeBron hasn't accomplished the things Iverson has in the league, Iverson would still be ready to take a back seat because he knows at this point James is a better player. LeBron, Iverson and the third big name free agent could form a big three and win a title. Iverson would never choke like Mo Williams and Delonte West have in the playoffs the last couple of years and could put in 20 and 6 a night on this team while winning a title. If LeBron doesn't stay in Cleveland then the Cavaliers should still sign Iverson because he will keep the buzz alive, he will give them a go to guy and could prevent them from becoming irrelevant. 

1.) New York Knicks 

Before announcing his retirement last year The Knicks were about to sign Iverson till James Dolan backed out last minute like Michael Jordan did with the fear that Allen would stunt the youth development. This year the Knicks will for sure land one of the big name free agents, it is being reported that LeBron James is leaning towards the New York Knicks so that would mean Bosh or Wade are also going to sign with the Knicks. Just like the Cavs or Heat the Knicks could form a Big 3 with LeBron, Bosh and Iverson which would probably be the best team in the league. Iverson would start get his 35 minutes a night and we could see a 22 ppg, 8 apg Allen Iverson in Mike D'Antoni's system playing alongside LeBron, he would also accept the back seat to James. This is the perfect scenario. 

So there it is the 10 best fits for Allen Iverson, he could really help teams next season and he could do it while getting what he wants and giving the team what they want. It will be an interesting off season for Allen Iverson but it will probably be a better one then last season, if Iverson actually trains this off season and gets his body healthy then he truly can be the "Answer" for a lot of teams next season.

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