sportsjabber.net

The New York Knicks and Allen Iverson have something in common. The last few years of their lives have been nothing short of disastrous. Iverson has endured a downward slide in his career after leaving the Philadelphia 76ers and heading to Denver. While in Denver he struggled to help propel the Mile High City to playoff dominance, while playing alongside the likes of Carmelo Anthony. After his stint in Denver, he was shipped to Detroit in exchange for Chauncey Billups. This did not work out at all and Iverson did not see much playing time at all. His bickering and moaning about practice made others uneasy around the locker room and eventually led to his termination from that franchise. Finally, this season Iverson was picked up by the Memphis Grizzlies who are thriving with young talent. O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley, Rudy Gay and the addition of Zack Randolph left very little space for Iverson to play the way he is accustomed to. His game consists of getting his shots in the offense and not coming off the bench.

So looking at the scenario that has played out, Iverson was released from Memphis recently. Now, Donnie Walsh and the Knicks are reported to be in talks with Iverson to possibly lure the future Hall-of-Famer to the Big Apple. This wouldn’t be all so bad when you think about the way the Knicks’ franchise has been in the last few years. They haven’t made the playoffs or even contended for that matter. Their struggles with front office, coaching and players has led to imploding situations time and time again. Just look at what the Stephon Marbury saga brought to the all around aura of the Knicks franchise. So the debate amongst many fans is if Iverson is a good fit or not for this franchise because he too, has had attitude problems and history of not getting along with people within an organization. Here’s why he will be a good fit.

1. Iverson is an offensive specialist who can score on anyone. He has proved time and time again he can put up points and basically put a team on his shoulders when the game is on the line. Look at what he did in Philadelphia when he took on Shaq and Kobe in the finals. Iverson had nothing short of mediocre talent surrounding him at that point in time and was able to show his toughness and willingness to compete at a high level. With that in mind, the Knicks need that toughness on the floor because quite frankly, right now they have none. There is not one person on the Knicks’ roster who brings it every night and demands respect on the floor. Sure one or two players may have good games here and there, but teams go into Madison Square Garden expecting to add another W to their record without even a fear of losing.

2. Do I believe Iverson would be a disgruntled, uncooperative player for this team? No. Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system will allow Iverson to have the ball in his hands to make plays and also allow him to run off the ball for open jumpers. Iverson’s penetration ability will be on full display and can create shots for himself or others. With Nate Robinson, Al Harrington, Danillo Gallinari able to knock down the long jumpers, this drive and draw ability will open up avenues for better offense. Also, the return of Eddy Curry around the corner could be a positive aspect that will allow Iverson to run pick and rolls create opportunities in the paint.

3. With the idea of landing a huge free agent player in the off season, signing Iverson for the rest of this year would not hurt. The younger players can have the opportunity to get used to playing with a star for once. Also, the opportunity to win more ball games can help develop the winning attitude again that has slowly and painfully vacated the arena many see as the Mecca of Basketball. Winning and playing alongside the star has tremendous upside for this franchise and when the time comes next summer, the organization can make moves and develop their game plan for landing a big time player.

If Iverson does land in a Knicks uniform sometime in the near future, it really couldn’t hurt. Could it? I mean Knicks fans have to be sick of losing by now could use a little bit of positive rebuilding in their life. After all, Iverson can light up the scoreboard at any given time and provide at least a dynamic show for the Broadway Crowd.