Just in case he didn't make himself clear after Tuesday's game, Allen Iverson once again lamented his lack of a starting job following Wednesday's loss in New Jersey, in which he scored just four points on 1-8 shooting in 17 minutes.
 

"I will retire before I do this again. I will leave the game before I do this," he said. "Because I can't be effective like I know I can playing this way. It's just something I've not ever been able or had to do."


Those are bold words for an aging player to make before becoming a free agent in a troubled economic climate. If he was willing to truly embrace the role of a super-sub in the mold of Jason Terry or Manu Ginobili, he could probably help a number of contenders by providing a potent scoring option off the bench, dominating the ball to his heart's delight while running with the second unit.



But if he draws a line in the sand and demands a starting gig? Well, so much for chasing a ring. If we've learned anything this year, it's that Iverson needs the ball in his hands to be effective and happy. But considering he turns 34 years old in June and has clearly lost a step or two, he's simply no longer good enough for a contending team to justify overhauling their offense so he can be the centerpiece.


And that's not even considering the enormous pay cut he'll be forced into taking. Given his age, the league's declining revenue and the generally dismal outlook of the economy at large, there's a very good chance that Iverson will struggle to find an offer greater than the mid-level exception, a mere fraction of the $21.9 million he's making this year as the second-highest-paid player in the game.


For a guy who's already banked over $150 million in salary (without even counting endorsements) nearing the end of his career, he's facing a big decision next year. Is it worth accepting a 75% pay cut to go out as a winner ... or will he give up hopes of getting back to the Finals simply so he can retire as his team's leading scorer?



Whatever he decides, he sounds like he'll be content either way.





http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/04/02/allen-iverson-would-rather-retire-than-come-off-the-bench-next-y/




Welp, it was fun while it lasted.  But ole AI is gonna be out after this season, if not next season.  I guess I'll see him again when his name hits the ballot for basketball's Hall of Fame.  That should be in about five years, because we ALL know that AI is gonna go into hibernation once he takes off the uniform for the last time.  Tiaura will be in college and Deuce'll be in high school somewhere, and we won't even half recognize any of the kids by then.  I hate it when players get traded to great teams because they have a hard time blending with the team, which affects their career very deeply.  AI's career went downhill once he joined the Pistons.  That was just a no-no because that team had been together for years.  You can't put a prime-time player (did I just say that?) like Iverson on a team full of great players then expect him to "catch on". It doesn't work that way with anybody.

AI, it's been a good ride homie.  Hate to see you depart the NBA so soon, but it's time to start another chapter in your life.  Godspeed #3 (fuck that number 1 the Pistons gave him *rolls eyes*).