Allen Iverson: Final Answer

From the moment the news broke of Allen Iverson’s “retirement”, the real question was how long before he found someone willing to offer him a contract. So after just seven days of “retirement” and some flirtation with the Knicks, Allen Iverson is headed home to Philly.

The 76ers, who have lost PG Lou Williams for eight weeks with a broken jaw, decided that Iverson was the “best available free agent guard” to take the place of Williams. Terms of the deal were undisclosed but the pro-rated share of the $1.3 million veteran’s minimum would be worth just over $1 million.

Reading his retirement statement, it was clearly apparent that he was not ready to hang it up.

I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case. I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level

Now the bigger question is how much is still left in that tank, and how much longer can he compete at the highest level. Leon Rose, Iverson’s agent, will likely advise Allen to play out this year and try to parlay his performance into another contract at the end of the season. While Iverson can still be a dynamic scorer, he will likely have to prove that he can accept a lesser role next year, in order to secure another contract and avoid a situation similar to the one he experienced this year with Memphis.