http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/16234817.htm
Wow, D-Wade and Iverson? I know Dwyane can't do it all himself, but I don't know. This reporter makes a case for it, but would AI really take a back seat?
I like Le Batard, but he often goes more for shock than substance. Wade, Shaq, and AI would be fun to watch, though. We'd also get an answer to the question of whether Iverson is:
a) an amazing, championship-level player, who's just never been blessed with having quality players around him.
or
b) a selfish prima donna who will always put his own stats above his team's goals.
I'd guess (b) initially, but Shaq might beat (a) into him.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/061213
I read ESPN's The Sports Guy religiously. I linked his Iverson column above, came out Wednesday. I think it is an extremely interesting article, and articulates why Iverson on a contender makes them the favorites. I think you have watch out for the "media" concept of AI.
I think AI is a great player and some reports about his selfishness are a bit exaggerated. All great scorers are selfish to an extent, and AI has never player with a good compliment to share the ball with.
I don't, however, think he would work on the Heat. Him and Wade would just take away shots from each other, thereby limiting the effectiveness of each. Not to mention that Miami has nothing to give up that Philly would want.
I don't think it would work with Miami either, but they could give up a combination of Jason Williams, Udonis Haslem, Wayne Simien, James Posey, and I'd love them to get rid of Gary Payton.
If they lose posey and haslem, they lose all defense.
Miami doesn't have the right combination of players to offer in exchange. They also do not have enough basketballs. Of course, I said that last year when they picked up Payton and Walker. Apparently, I was mis-informed. The dearth of talented young guys or high draft picks will stop this one.
I think Riley would be foolish not to pursue A.I. The guy wants a championship and he's such a skilled player. I think he could learn to coexist with Wade and Shaq..Miami needs a consistant point guard that can not only bring up the ball but score. I would hate see Udonis go (the others not so much), but I think Iverson could help the Heat..at this rate they are not playing like an elite NBA team. If there is any player to teach a player he needs to play as a team I think its Shaq..Iverson could be the answer for the Heat.
And the winner is DENVER. Finally Carmelo will have a positive influence in his life.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2702501 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2702501)
Does George Karl ever talk about PRACTICE?
when Denver comes back from their suspensions, they will be a tough team with Melo, AI, JR Smith and Camby, oh and can't forget about Nene!