Iverson unhappy with reserve role

Unhappy to the point where he'd rather retire than continue coming off the bench.

“I’d rather retire before I do this again,” Iverson said. “I can’t be effective playing this way. I’m not used to it. It’s tough for me both mentally and physically. If I’m able to go out there, I should be able to get it done and I can’t right now. It’s my fault. I have to be able to overcome the adversity and do what I have to do. I just have to find a way to get it done. Not being 100 percent makes it harder and you can see that I’m not 100 percent.”

Before we go to the knee-jerk "Isn't AI selfish?" reaction, let's also consider that Richard Hamilton wasn't too keen on coming off the bench either and while he didn't vent so openly about it, his displeasure with the situation was certainly documented. It hasn't been his finest season but I wouldn't call Iverson washed up or incapable of playing at a high level anymore, but he's certainly not in a situation that favours him and his style of play right now. I have to believe he's still better than 18 minutes off the bench.

The Iverson experiment failed but the Pistons are obviously moving forward with his expiring contract being the greatest benefit at this time. Mike Wilbon made an interesting prediction on PTI, suggesting a reunion with Larry Brown in Charlotte next season. The Bobcats wouldn't have too much to offer AI but depending on how much he'd be gunning for it wouldn't be out of the question and they're not exactly in prime position to sign a top free agent in 2010 so even a two or three year contract wouldn't be out of the question. It's merely speculation at this point but perhaps it is a possibility. I'd say there's more chance of that happening than Iverson remaining with the Pistons.

Even though he's not really making a "start me or I'll retire" demand.

Good riddance, I'd rather see him retire than play another game for the Pistons. Iverson is good for zero minutes on the court for a team that's as grindingly slow and can't handle two high possession players as the Pistons. (Let alone three and the defensive ramifications from the Rip-Iverson-Stuckey stupidity.)

They should've waived Iverson when he was sitting out due to this, and fired Michael Curry. Yeah, Rip wasn't happy, but he didn't sit out nor was he abhorrent when coming off the bench. Iverson needs to pull his head out of his ass and realize third guard has always been his ideal place on a good offensive team.

The Bobcats wouldn't have too much to offer AI

Nor will anybody else. No free agents are going to be signing with other teams for more than the mid-level exception. Economic problems combined with punting cap space for 2010.

The Bobcats would be stupid to sign him anyway. They already have a faux-problem with Felton/Augustin and a slow pace. At least he can't kill their offense, it'd be hard to get much worse.

He should have never cut his hair. He needs to wake up and realize what's going on, play as hard as he can off the bench to up his stock before he ends up traded to the Clippers next season for Baron Davis.

Maybe he needs "illegal defense" rule back in the NBA to be effective like he was in the Phillies.

Naw, he won't retire. He just wants some playing time, and maybe he does need the "illegal defense" rule to be good again.

He's done with the Pistons.

He's done with the Pistons.

Good to hear that!

not so good when u hear there is no place for still capable player in the nba.

him getting traded to the pistons was by far the worst thing happened to iverson i guess.

And the Pistons.

And the best thing to happen to the Nuggets.

and J.R. Smith's career.

It's not surprising. I don't doubt that his back is still bothering him but with the way things have worked out he's obviously not going to be around next year so everyone might as well move on a little earlier...or as much as they can while he's still under contract.

Funny that I don't see any AI fans here anymore. They were saying it was not AI but the Pistons and coaching that was causing them to play bad.

I just wish he won't end up in Europe. Veteran's minimum? That'd suck for AI, really. I don't see him taking it.

He might as well retire because no way he gets a fat contract and a starting lineup on a championship team anymore

There are enough teams who would be interested in Iverson just for the potential increase in ticket sales.

I think his decline is being a bit overblown too. Ever since the trade went down he's been identified as an ill-fit for the Pistons which is no one's fault. Well, it's probably still Detroit's fault for making the trade but they also had longterm goals in mind with his expiring contract so there was always a Plan B.

It was bound to happen I think. As skilled as he may remain to be, I think the Pistons would be stupid not to start Stuckey in front of him. Iverson is on the wrong side of 30 and Stuckey is an upcoming talent.

Salary issues not withstanding, he could always go to teams that need a 3 guard. May be they could isgn him for the MLE? Potential teams he could sign with:

Charlotte - Larry Brown reunion
Dallas - Jason Terry will still be the sixth man
Philadelphia - going back "home" since Mo Cheeks is now gone.

I'd use a bigger gun to shoot myself with if the Mavs signed Iverson than if we had acquired Baron Davis.

Meh, at least all the losses would help the Mavs get a 2010 lottery pi-... shit.

Funny that I don't see any AI fans here anymore. They were saying it was not AI but the Pistons and coaching that was causing them to play bad.

All of those. Iverson is not a good fit for the Pistons. Coaching is bad too. Also the chemistry is nonexistent in Detroit right now.

Without Iverson, the Pistons aren't playing any better than with him.

Since the trade was made, it was quite logical that a player like Iverson in a team like Pistons wasn't going to work out in a positive way. I just didn't know it will be this bad.

I just wish he won't end up in Europe. Veteran's minimum? That'd suck for AI, really. I don't see him taking it.

I think Iverson has already earned enough money in his career that he won't be looking for a huge salary this summer. Maybe not veteran's minimum, but the MLE should really do for him.

I would love it if AI would end up in Europe. Nonetheless, there will always be some stupid team taking a gamble in hopes that his nonexistent superstardom will lead them to a Boston-esque title run.

Yes, he ends up in Dallas.

Nonexistent superstardom?

Nonexistent superstardom?

+1

Lamrock, do you live under a rock?