It is a truth held to be self-evident that all professional athletes are not really retired the first time around, or maybe even the second or third.
At least that’s what it feels like, so let’s just call it my truth.
In a lightning-fast return to the pro-sports work force that may make even Brett Favre jealous, Allen Iverson returned to the Philadelphia 76′ers yesterday one week after announcing that he was hanging up his basketball shoes for good following a split from the Memphis Grizzlies organization for “personal reasons.” (Like, say, being benched? Again?)
ESPN’s NBA Shootaround discussed AI’s legacy last week. Out of the NBA for a long time? Wrong.
His stay with the Grizzlies lasted only two months and three games, making year-long stints with the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons – where he also resisted benchwarming status following back injury – relative long-term commitments.
“God chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career,” he tweeted on September 9. But God only planned it as a short-term deal, apparently.
(Iverson is prone to tweeting longish stories, by the way, from this verified account.)
Iverson returns to a city where he has undeniably awesome stats and a sketchy behavioral report card. A Sixers first-round draft pick in 1996 also named NBA rookie of the year in 1997 and MVP in 2001, he is second only to Michael Jordan in postseason points scored, a ten-time all-star who has been to the playoffs eight times and lead the NBA in scoring four times as a Sixer. He is the second-highest scorer in the team’s history. (Source: NBA.com. I could pretend I knew all of that stuff but that wouldn’t be right, because it wouldn’t be true.)
His erratic behavior in Philly, however, included skipped practices, game-time conflicts, rambling interviews, and a brief rap career as Jewels. His Sixers experience ended after a missed fourth quarter of what would be his final game and a suspension from which he never returned.
Philadelphia media reactions are heated from Inquirer columnist Bob Ford and a bit more balanced from Kate Fagan on the DeepSixer blog on Philly.com. He returns following the broken jaw of guard Lou Williams.
“In light of the recent injury to Lou Williams, which will sideline him for close to eight weeks, we felt that Allen was the best available free agent guard to help us at this time,” General Manager Ed Stefanski said in a statement today.
Iverson’s contract with the Sixers is one year and non-guaranteed. He will reportedly earn an unconfirmed $650,000 pro-rated for the rest of the season, and is due to play against the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
The Sixers have lost seven straight games, with a 5-13 record so far this season. Whether Iverson can help the cause remains to be seen.
Earlier today, Iverson took to Twitter again:
“Back to Philly, where it all started!”
This is pretty interesting. My gut tells me it will be fine and he won’t be controversial because he’s older and wiser and he is more mature. So he’ll just play basketball. The end.
But then my gut lives in a fantasy world, apparently, and knows nothing of people like Terrell Owens.
God wanted Memphis to be more of a cameo appearance.