IVERSON’S FALL FROM GRACE
October 20, 2009 by Andy Socrates
It’s been over 10 years since I’ve watched Allen Iverson enter the league. Here was a skinny 6 0 shooting guard who would take on the giant size men of the NBA with reckless abandon and dominate. It was awe inspiring to watch him play on the court dazzling us with his killer crossover and unstoppable quickness.
He immediately made a name for himself during a game in his rookie year against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls by showcasing his deadly crossover. In one play, Allen Iverson crosses over Michael Jordan 3 times before finishing the play with a silky smooth jumpshot. It was an exciting play that showcased Iverson’s ability to excite the crowd. He was an inspiration to a generation of shorter players who had hope that the NBA dream was not restricted by their height but only by heart.
I loved watching Iverson play and how he was able to lead his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. In the NBA, he was the smallest player but he had the biggest heart. It’s too bad that let his ego get too big.
It’s amazing how athletes can fall from grace so quickly. After a dismal year with the Detroit Pistons in 2008 where Iverson refused to come off the bench as a sixth man, I was disheartened by how a marquee player with so much heart and desire would allow his ego get in the way of team success. The selfishness displayed by Iverson hurt his legacy as a great player and have cost him the opportunity to sign with a longterm contract for a lot more money. He signed a one year contract to play for the lowly Grizzlies because no other team would offer him enough money that he felt he deserved.
I lost respect for Allen Iverson because I thought his heart was in it for the team. Coming off the bench should not have been an issue. We’re not talking about practice, we know he doesn’t need to practice because he’s a freak of nature with an uncanny ability to score. Let’s hope he can redeem himself this year and serve as a mentor to the younger players while leading them to a better record.
Iverson’s fall from grace…
It’s been over 10 years since I’ve watched Allen Iverson enter the league. Here was a skinny 6 0 shooting guard who would take on the giant size men of the NBA with reckless abandon and dominate. It was awe inspiring to watch him play on the court dazz…