Knicks basketball » Allen Iverson http://www.knicksbasketball.net New York Knickerbockers Basketball Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:00:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 NBA Free Agents 2011: Why Allen Iverson Is the Key to a New York Knicks Title http://bleacherreport.com/articles/976497-nba-free-agents-2011-why-allen-iverson-is-the-key-to-a-new-york-knicks-title http://bleacherreport.com/articles/976497-nba-free-agents-2011-why-allen-iverson-is-the-key-to-a-new-york-knicks-title#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:04:51 +0000 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/976497-nba-free-agents-2011-why-allen-iverson-is-the-key-to-a-new-york-knicks-title I'm sure just based on this article's title you're already in a fit of laughter, but hear me out. I have a good point to make.

Here is my point: Allen Iverson is the key to the New York Knicks winning the 2011-12 NBA Championship, and here is why.

Adding Tyson Chandler brings a serious defensive force to the New York Knicks front court and that is something that they haven't had for quite a few years.  The Knicks now have one of the most formidable front courts in the NBA, but that won't mean anything if they don't have a veteran point guard to run the show.  

The Knicks had a veteran point guard in Chauncey Billups last year, and he did an above average job for the Knicks.  Unfortunately to clear space for Chandler, the Knicks must cut ties with Billups, which leaves them with a gaping hole at the point guard position.

Currently the Knicks have guards Anthony Carter (free agent), Toney Douglas, Iman Shumpert (rookie) and Andy Rautins on the roster who could technically replace Billups.  While Shumpert and Rautins could potentially help out at the point guard position, none of those above-mentioned players is capable of producing like Billups.

This is where Allen Iverson comes in.

Iverson has been out of the league for almost a year-and-a-half after leaving the 76ers in February of 2010 and then playing overseas in Turkey for a handful of games.  Iverson has stated that gone are the days of him wanting to be the center of attention for a team and that he is willing to fill whatever role a potential employer would need.

The New York Knicks need a player to fill the void left by Billups, and that is a role that Iverson could undoubtedly fill.  While Iverson's production has been on a steady decline since leaving Philadelphia, I believe that reflects the situations he has been in rather than his pure talent.

While Iverson isn't in his prime anymore there is no doubt that even at the age of 36 he is still able to produce.  Coming off the bench with the 76ers in only 25 games played and averaging 31.9 minutes a game, Iverson put up an average of 13.9 points per game and 4.1 assists per game.  That production is slightly less than that of Chauncey Billups, but it shows that Iverson still is capable of putting up numbers that the Knicks could utilize.

The New York Knicks don't need a point guard who is going to put up a double double every night.  The Knicks need a point guard who can score when he needs to and facilitate the game to stars like Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, and that is exactly the kind of player Allen Iverson now is.

If the Knicks signed Allen Iverson it would also give them the ability to start the development of either Iman Shumpert or Andy Rautins while still getting the production they need right now from the point guard position.

The best part about signing Allen Iverson is that the Knicks can do so without committing a large amount of salary cap space to his contract.  The Knicks could feasibly sign Iverson to a one- or two-year deal for around $1.6 million, which would be the best $1.6 million the Knicks have ever spent.  

If the New York Knicks want an NBA Championship this season they need to sign a veteran point guard, and that veteran point guard needs to be Allen Iverson.   

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

]]> I'm sure just based on this article's title you're already in a fit of laughter, but hear me out. I have a good point to make.

Here is my point: Allen Iverson is the key to the New York Knicks winning the 2011-12 NBA Championship, and here is why.

Adding Tyson Chandler brings a serious defensive force to the New York Knicks front court and that is something that they haven't had for quite a few years.  The Knicks now have one of the most formidable front courts in the NBA, but that won't mean anything if they don't have a veteran point guard to run the show.  

The Knicks had a veteran point guard in Chauncey Billups last year, and he did an above average job for the Knicks.  Unfortunately to clear space for Chandler, the Knicks must cut ties with Billups, which leaves them with a gaping hole at the point guard position.

Currently the Knicks have guards Anthony Carter (free agent), Toney Douglas, Iman Shumpert (rookie) and Andy Rautins on the roster who could technically replace Billups.  While Shumpert and Rautins could potentially help out at the point guard position, none of those above-mentioned players is capable of producing like Billups.

This is where Allen Iverson comes in.

Iverson has been out of the league for almost a year-and-a-half after leaving the 76ers in February of 2010 and then playing overseas in Turkey for a handful of games.  Iverson has stated that gone are the days of him wanting to be the center of attention for a team and that he is willing to fill whatever role a potential employer would need.

The New York Knicks need a player to fill the void left by Billups, and that is a role that Iverson could undoubtedly fill.  While Iverson's production has been on a steady decline since leaving Philadelphia, I believe that reflects the situations he has been in rather than his pure talent.

While Iverson isn't in his prime anymore there is no doubt that even at the age of 36 he is still able to produce.  Coming off the bench with the 76ers in only 25 games played and averaging 31.9 minutes a game, Iverson put up an average of 13.9 points per game and 4.1 assists per game.  That production is slightly less than that of Chauncey Billups, but it shows that Iverson still is capable of putting up numbers that the Knicks could utilize.

The New York Knicks don't need a point guard who is going to put up a double double every night.  The Knicks need a point guard who can score when he needs to and facilitate the game to stars like Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, and that is exactly the kind of player Allen Iverson now is.

If the Knicks signed Allen Iverson it would also give them the ability to start the development of either Iman Shumpert or Andy Rautins while still getting the production they need right now from the point guard position.

The best part about signing Allen Iverson is that the Knicks can do so without committing a large amount of salary cap space to his contract.  The Knicks could feasibly sign Iverson to a one- or two-year deal for around $1.6 million, which would be the best $1.6 million the Knicks have ever spent.  

If the New York Knicks want an NBA Championship this season they need to sign a veteran point guard, and that veteran point guard needs to be Allen Iverson.   

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/976497-nba-free-agents-2011-why-allen-iverson-is-the-key-to-a-new-york-knicks-title/feed/ 0 Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire: Did We All Forget About Melo and Iverson? http://bleacherreport.com/articles/609894-carmelo-anthony-and-amare-stoudemire-did-we-all-forget-about-melo-and-iverson http://bleacherreport.com/articles/609894-carmelo-anthony-and-amare-stoudemire-did-we-all-forget-about-melo-and-iverson#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:27:28 +0000 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/609894-carmelo-anthony-and-amare-stoudemire-did-we-all-forget-about-melo-and-iverson When the Nuggets and Knicks finally stopped torturing the NBA world, and consummated their blockbuster trade, New York rejoiced.  Finally they had a superstar tandem (or threesome depending on one's view of Billups), that would rival any team in the league.  Indeed, despite the Knicks recent struggles (which I must admit, as a Nuggets fan has been extremely fun to watch), level-headed fans continue to hold out hope, arguing that this trade wasn't made for short-term success, but instead for the long-term.  The argument, I believe goes, give Melo and Amare some time to figure each other out, add a couple role players, preach a little bit more defense, and the Knicks will be contenders for years to come. 

This argument seems to ignore the blatantly obvious.  While in Denver, the Nuggets front-office was not twiddling their thumbs.  Indeed, listening to the media now, you would think Carmelo had never played with another superstar before (made even more ridiculous by the NY media's insistence that Billups makes this a big three, which seems to suggest Melo has, by implication, been playing with another star).  The blatantly obvious of course being that Carmelo Anthony has played with another superstar before, and it wasn't even that long ago.

In December of 2006, the Nuggets traded for 76ers superstar Allen Iverson.  Now, for those with extremely short memories, Allen Iverson was an absolute stud when this deal was made.  In the 2005-2006 season he averaged 33 ppg, 7 apg, and 2 spg.  When the trade was made, both Melo and Iverson were averaging over 30 points per game, and were in fact No. 1 and  No. 2 in the NBA in scoring.  Now the first season together was difficult due to chemistry issues.  When the Nuggets traded for Iverson, Melo was beginning a 15-game suspension (incidentally, as a result of slapping (one can't reasonably call it a punch) and subsequently running from New York Knick player Mardy Collins (another fact Knick fans seem to forget)).  By the time Melo returned there simply wasn't enough time to figure it all out and the Nuggets finished in the six seed.  They lost to the Spurs in five games that year, but Nuggets fans were excited.

Unlike the Knicks, the Nuggets already had a fantastic group of role players to surround their two superstars with.  This included Steve Blake at point guard, a perfect distributor for the offense.  Marcus Camby at center, a shot blocking machine, who anchored the Nuggets defense, and interestingly was the player the Knicks targeted unsuccessfully to add.  Kenyon Martin, another defensive presence, who along with Camby, provided a tough interior.  Off the bench the Nuggets had players like JR Smith, Leinas Klieza and Eduado Najera who provided three pt. shooting and defense.  Nugget fans, like Knick fans today thought, we'll be great after an entire off-season together.

What happened? Despite remaining healthy the next season, the Nuggets won 50 games, good for the eight seed in the west, and were swept by the Lakers.  The next season, having seen enough, the Nuggets traded Iverson to the Pistons for Billups, as the two superstars simply didn't work.

This year the Knicks brought in Carmelo hoping he and Amare, who at the time the trade were made were No. 2 and No. 3 in points per game in the NBA could make NY a contender.  Well, as has been made clear, Carmelo doesn't need another superstar.  When the Nuggets challenged the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, they got their because the team was effectively built around Carmelo.  He is a player who needs an offense and team designed for him.  The New York Knicks need only look at Carmelo's recent past to realize the current make-up of the tandem superstar system will likely max out at around 50 wins and first round exits.  Congratulations New York, enjoy the repeated mistake.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

]]> When the Nuggets and Knicks finally stopped torturing the NBA world, and consummated their blockbuster trade, New York rejoiced.  Finally they had a superstar tandem (or threesome depending on one's view of Billups), that would rival any team in the league.  Indeed, despite the Knicks recent struggles (which I must admit, as a Nuggets fan has been extremely fun to watch), level-headed fans continue to hold out hope, arguing that this trade wasn't made for short-term success, but instead for the long-term.  The argument, I believe goes, give Melo and Amare some time to figure each other out, add a couple role players, preach a little bit more defense, and the Knicks will be contenders for years to come. 

This argument seems to ignore the blatantly obvious.  While in Denver, the Nuggets front-office was not twiddling their thumbs.  Indeed, listening to the media now, you would think Carmelo had never played with another superstar before (made even more ridiculous by the NY media's insistence that Billups makes this a big three, which seems to suggest Melo has, by implication, been playing with another star).  The blatantly obvious of course being that Carmelo Anthony has played with another superstar before, and it wasn't even that long ago.

In December of 2006, the Nuggets traded for 76ers superstar Allen Iverson.  Now, for those with extremely short memories, Allen Iverson was an absolute stud when this deal was made.  In the 2005-2006 season he averaged 33 ppg, 7 apg, and 2 spg.  When the trade was made, both Melo and Iverson were averaging over 30 points per game, and were in fact No. 1 and  No. 2 in the NBA in scoring.  Now the first season together was difficult due to chemistry issues.  When the Nuggets traded for Iverson, Melo was beginning a 15-game suspension (incidentally, as a result of slapping (one can't reasonably call it a punch) and subsequently running from New York Knick player Mardy Collins (another fact Knick fans seem to forget)).  By the time Melo returned there simply wasn't enough time to figure it all out and the Nuggets finished in the six seed.  They lost to the Spurs in five games that year, but Nuggets fans were excited.

Unlike the Knicks, the Nuggets already had a fantastic group of role players to surround their two superstars with.  This included Steve Blake at point guard, a perfect distributor for the offense.  Marcus Camby at center, a shot blocking machine, who anchored the Nuggets defense, and interestingly was the player the Knicks targeted unsuccessfully to add.  Kenyon Martin, another defensive presence, who along with Camby, provided a tough interior.  Off the bench the Nuggets had players like JR Smith, Leinas Klieza and Eduado Najera who provided three pt. shooting and defense.  Nugget fans, like Knick fans today thought, we'll be great after an entire off-season together.

What happened? Despite remaining healthy the next season, the Nuggets won 50 games, good for the eight seed in the west, and were swept by the Lakers.  The next season, having seen enough, the Nuggets traded Iverson to the Pistons for Billups, as the two superstars simply didn't work.

This year the Knicks brought in Carmelo hoping he and Amare, who at the time the trade were made were No. 2 and No. 3 in points per game in the NBA could make NY a contender.  Well, as has been made clear, Carmelo doesn't need another superstar.  When the Nuggets challenged the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, they got their because the team was effectively built around Carmelo.  He is a player who needs an offense and team designed for him.  The New York Knicks need only look at Carmelo's recent past to realize the current make-up of the tandem superstar system will likely max out at around 50 wins and first round exits.  Congratulations New York, enjoy the repeated mistake.

Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/609894-carmelo-anthony-and-amare-stoudemire-did-we-all-forget-about-melo-and-iverson/feed/ 0 The Works: Here Lies Allen Iverson; Rookie Crystal Ball http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/the-works-here-lies-allen-iverson-rookie-crystal-ball/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/the-works-here-lies-allen-iverson-rookie-crystal-ball/#comments Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:34:14 +0000 Fanhouse NBA Blog - knicks http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/the-works-here-lies-allen-iverson-rookie-crystal-ball/ Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Zillerby Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Ziller

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In The Works today: we predict where rookies will be in 10 years and determine who can learn from Delonte West. But first, Allen Iverson's sad story becomes more bleak.

The Man Who Wasn't King

Allen IversonAllen Iverson is bonkin' it up in Turkey, in a second-tier league, and he's likely broke. This is how it ends?

Whether or not you like to admit, once upon a time Allen Iverson was the NBA. When Jordan was gone for the second time, and Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant popular but hollow, it was Iverson who filled the void. He was a polarizing figure, an icon for a generation and, for a few that came before, proof that the sport was doomed.

On his best days, he was positively electric, and won games, too. On the bad ones, well, he had the swagger and personality to slough it off -- only making it worse for those already inclined to screw up their faces at them.

But enough about me. Iverson didn't prove the doubters wrong when he tried to stick in Memphis; failed utterly in his return to Philly; and now, isn't even able to play prodigal son, or the sad-sack has-been reaping the spoils of foreign shores. Plenty of lesser men have been able to, in far better leagues. Why not Allen Iverson? At this point, it's impossible to say. We have no way of knowing if this will last. But given the slow, painful decline that he's been in since leaving Denver, it's hard to think anything good is going to come out of this international move -- it seems like the last stop, the final straw, and any other metaphor of doom you care to call on.

 

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]]> Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Zillerby Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Ziller

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In The Works today: we predict where rookies will be in 10 years and determine who can learn from Delonte West. But first, Allen Iverson's sad story becomes more bleak.

The Man Who Wasn't King

Allen IversonAllen Iverson is bonkin' it up in Turkey, in a second-tier league, and he's likely broke. This is how it ends?

Whether or not you like to admit, once upon a time Allen Iverson was the NBA. When Jordan was gone for the second time, and Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant popular but hollow, it was Iverson who filled the void. He was a polarizing figure, an icon for a generation and, for a few that came before, proof that the sport was doomed.

On his best days, he was positively electric, and won games, too. On the bad ones, well, he had the swagger and personality to slough it off -- only making it worse for those already inclined to screw up their faces at them.

But enough about me. Iverson didn't prove the doubters wrong when he tried to stick in Memphis; failed utterly in his return to Philly; and now, isn't even able to play prodigal son, or the sad-sack has-been reaping the spoils of foreign shores. Plenty of lesser men have been able to, in far better leagues. Why not Allen Iverson? At this point, it's impossible to say. We have no way of knowing if this will last. But given the slow, painful decline that he's been in since leaving Denver, it's hard to think anything good is going to come out of this international move -- it seems like the last stop, the final straw, and any other metaphor of doom you care to call on.

 

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]]> http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/the-works-here-lies-allen-iverson-rookie-crystal-ball/feed/ 0 Carmelo Anthony: Staying in Denver Remains an Option http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/10/20/carmelo-anthony-staying-in-denver-remains-an-option/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/10/20/carmelo-anthony-staying-in-denver-remains-an-option/#comments Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:44:34 +0000 Fanhouse NBA Blog - knicks http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/10/20/carmelo-anthony-staying-in-denver-remains-an-option/ Chris Tomassonby Chris Tomasson

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Carmelo AnthonyDENVER -- Despite all the rumors about star forward Carmelo Anthony not being long for Denver, he did offer some positive news Tuesday night to Nuggets fans who have been cheering him throughout the preseason.

Anthony told FanHouse he hasn't ruled out eventually re-signing with the Nuggets and that he expects to be with the team when it opens the regular season next Wednesday at home against Utah.

"Yeah. That's keeping my options open,'' Anthony said when asked if re-signing with the Nuggets remains one of his options. "Yeah (it's an option). When that time comes, we'll discuss that.''

Anthony, who scored 21 points in Denver's 130-115 preseason win over Oklahoma City, didn't believe Tuesday was his last game at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets finish the preseason with games Thursday at Portland and Friday at Phoenix.

"I'm pretty sure I will,'' Anthony said of expecting to still be with the Nuggets for their regular-season opener. "That's a week from now. I'm here now.''

 

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]]> Chris Tomassonby Chris Tomasson

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Carmelo AnthonyDENVER -- Despite all the rumors about star forward Carmelo Anthony not being long for Denver, he did offer some positive news Tuesday night to Nuggets fans who have been cheering him throughout the preseason.

Anthony told FanHouse he hasn't ruled out eventually re-signing with the Nuggets and that he expects to be with the team when it opens the regular season next Wednesday at home against Utah.

"Yeah. That's keeping my options open,'' Anthony said when asked if re-signing with the Nuggets remains one of his options. "Yeah (it's an option). When that time comes, we'll discuss that.''

Anthony, who scored 21 points in Denver's 130-115 preseason win over Oklahoma City, didn't believe Tuesday was his last game at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets finish the preseason with games Thursday at Portland and Friday at Phoenix.

"I'm pretty sure I will,'' Anthony said of expecting to still be with the Nuggets for their regular-season opener. "That's a week from now. I'm here now.''

 

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]]> http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/10/20/carmelo-anthony-staying-in-denver-remains-an-option/feed/ 0 NBA 2010-11 Preview: 10 NBA Players Who Should Retire Now http://bleacherreport.com/articles/475595-nba-2010-preview-10-nba-players-who-should-just-retire-now http://bleacherreport.com/articles/475595-nba-2010-preview-10-nba-players-who-should-just-retire-now#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:16:30 +0000 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/475595-nba-2010-preview-10-nba-players-who-should-just-retire-now Time creeps up on the best of us.  I used to be able to eat a whole burrito, and it wouldn't induce a weekend-long coma.  Age just has a way of catching up to you.  So it is the same with the fittest of athletes.  

Careers are fleeting.   

One day you are hitting a buzzer-beater, and the next you are waiver wire fodder with no teams interested in your services.  It is the sad reality of the NBA.  

While you may fall in love with your favorite players, their time to hang it up comes seemingly much too quickly.  Here is a list of players that would do well to heed Father Time's suggestion and hang up the sneakers. 

Begin Slideshow

]]> Time creeps up on the best of us.  I used to be able to eat a whole burrito, and it wouldn't induce a weekend-long coma.  Age just has a way of catching up to you.  So it is the same with the fittest of athletes.  

Careers are fleeting.   

One day you are hitting a buzzer-beater, and the next you are waiver wire fodder with no teams interested in your services.  It is the sad reality of the NBA.  

While you may fall in love with your favorite players, their time to hang it up comes seemingly much too quickly.  Here is a list of players that would do well to heed Father Time's suggestion and hang up the sneakers. 

Begin Slideshow

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/475595-nba-2010-preview-10-nba-players-who-should-just-retire-now/feed/ 0 The Works: Darren Collison’s Gold Rush http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/12/the-works-darren-collisons-gold-rush/ http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/12/the-works-darren-collisons-gold-rush/#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:12:52 +0000 Fanhouse NBA Blog - knicks http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/12/the-works-darren-collisons-gold-rush/ Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Zillerby Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Ziller

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Today in The Works: LeBron James and the force of evil; the logical impossibility of predicting Trevor Ariza; and some thoughtful words on Courtney Lee.

But first, why Darren Collison's career is only now getting started.

Unlikely Savior: For a starless trade, Wednesday's four-team swap sure had some big names. And while Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry were the best rookies of 2009-10, Darren Collison -- the best player moved Wednesday -- has probably had the greatest impact. (Brandon Jennings gets votes there, too.)

Somehow, Collison's success made other GMs and rumor-mongers believe eternal MVP candidate Chris Paul could be available at the right price. That's a real coup, especially for a low first-round pick. Evans knocked Kevin Martin off the pedestal and out of town in Sacramento, but Martin's no Paul in terms of star power and what he meant to the city. Collison stepped in as an injury replacement and essentially showed observers Paul isn't the only point guard who can run the Hornets.

That shouldn't be a surprise -- the Hornets aren't special, far from it -- but thanks to New Orleans' remarkable lack of a credible talent pipeline before Collison, and the long string of previous crummy Paul back-ups, Collison seemed like a discovery.

 

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]]> Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Zillerby Bethlehem Shoals and Tom Ziller

Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Today in The Works: LeBron James and the force of evil; the logical impossibility of predicting Trevor Ariza; and some thoughtful words on Courtney Lee.

But first, why Darren Collison's career is only now getting started.

Unlikely Savior: For a starless trade, Wednesday's four-team swap sure had some big names. And while Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry were the best rookies of 2009-10, Darren Collison -- the best player moved Wednesday -- has probably had the greatest impact. (Brandon Jennings gets votes there, too.)

Somehow, Collison's success made other GMs and rumor-mongers believe eternal MVP candidate Chris Paul could be available at the right price. That's a real coup, especially for a low first-round pick. Evans knocked Kevin Martin off the pedestal and out of town in Sacramento, but Martin's no Paul in terms of star power and what he meant to the city. Collison stepped in as an injury replacement and essentially showed observers Paul isn't the only point guard who can run the Hornets.

That shouldn't be a surprise -- the Hornets aren't special, far from it -- but thanks to New Orleans' remarkable lack of a credible talent pipeline before Collison, and the long string of previous crummy Paul back-ups, Collison seemed like a discovery.

 

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]]> http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/12/the-works-darren-collisons-gold-rush/feed/ 0 Allen Iverson Belongs in New York http://bleacherreport.com/articles/440787-allen-iverson-belongs-in-new-york http://bleacherreport.com/articles/440787-allen-iverson-belongs-in-new-york#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:01:49 +0000 Stephen Rosenberg http://bleacherreport.com/articles/440787-allen-iverson-belongs-in-new-york First off, let me begin this article by stating that I am not an Allen Iverson fan. I wouldn't call myself a hater, and I certainly respect the man's scoring ability. However, throughout the years I've become more and more fed up with listening to his stubborn remarks and "me-first" attitude toward his place on teams. With that being said, let me explain why I think he should be picked up this season.

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

]]> First off, let me begin this article by stating that I am not an Allen Iverson fan. I wouldn't call myself a hater, and I certainly respect the man's scoring ability. However, throughout the years I've become more and more fed up with listening to his stubborn remarks and "me-first" attitude toward his place on teams. With that being said, let me explain why I think he should be picked up this season.

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

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/440787-allen-iverson-belongs-in-new-york/feed/ 0 Allen Iverson Could Play for the Knicks If They Acquire Carmelo Anthony http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439819-allen-iverson-could-play-for-the-knicks-if-they-acquire-carmelo-anthony http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439819-allen-iverson-could-play-for-the-knicks-if-they-acquire-carmelo-anthony#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:10:30 +0000 Dwayne Montell http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439819-allen-iverson-could-play-for-the-knicks-if-they-acquire-carmelo-anthony We are nearing September and teams are getting ready for training camp. Players across the league are working out and getting their bodies ready for an 82 game season, one of those players being Allen Iverson. But sadly, it is really starting to look like AI won't be playing for a team next year. As hard as he is working this off season, he has probably lost all hope that someone will sign him. Last season Iverson ended up signing with the Grizzlies in September but he had offers and interests all off season, this season he has had no interest at all and a team hasn't even thought about signing him. But an opportunity for Iverson to play next year could soon open up.

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

]]> We are nearing September and teams are getting ready for training camp. Players across the league are working out and getting their bodies ready for an 82 game season, one of those players being Allen Iverson. But sadly, it is really starting to look like AI won't be playing for a team next year. As hard as he is working this off season, he has probably lost all hope that someone will sign him. Last season Iverson ended up signing with the Grizzlies in September but he had offers and interests all off season, this season he has had no interest at all and a team hasn't even thought about signing him. But an opportunity for Iverson to play next year could soon open up.

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

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439819-allen-iverson-could-play-for-the-knicks-if-they-acquire-carmelo-anthony/feed/ 0 NBA Rumors: Five Moves That Still Need To Happen http://bleacherreport.com/articles/432023-nba-rumors-five-moves-that-still-need-to-happen http://bleacherreport.com/articles/432023-nba-rumors-five-moves-that-still-need-to-happen#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:16:32 +0000 Andrew Robeson http://bleacherreport.com/articles/432023-nba-rumors-five-moves-that-still-need-to-happen For many of us, it is easy to forget that NBA offseason is still going full force.

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.

Begin Slideshow

]]> For many of us, it is easy to forget that NBA offseason is still going full force.

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.

Begin Slideshow

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/432023-nba-rumors-five-moves-that-still-need-to-happen/feed/ 0 Shannon Brown to Stay Put: Five SGs the Knicks Should Now Pursue http://bleacherreport.com/articles/430142-shannon-brown-to-stay-put-five-sgs-the-knicks-should-now-pursue http://bleacherreport.com/articles/430142-shannon-brown-to-stay-put-five-sgs-the-knicks-should-now-pursue#comments Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:24:57 +0000 Shane DePutron http://bleacherreport.com/articles/430142-shannon-brown-to-stay-put-five-sgs-the-knicks-should-now-pursue Begin Slideshow

]]> Begin Slideshow

]]> http://bleacherreport.com/articles/430142-shannon-brown-to-stay-put-five-sgs-the-knicks-should-now-pursue/feed/ 0