Iverson on Philly: 'I'm still in love with the place'

[BAMAPHIN 22]

"Yeah, I mean I want to be a Sixer," Iverson said after Monday's practice. "It's all about if the organization wants me to be here. I haven't changed about wanting to be here. Honestly, I want what's best for me. I owe a lot to the organization, so I want what's best for them as well."

For all the sometimes-deserved criticism that Iverson shoots too much or doesn't necessarily make his teammates better, he's one of the few 76ers that can be counted on to give maximum effort every game. He's second in the league in scoring (33.0 ppg), is shooting 43 percent and averaging 7.6 assists -- all better numbers than when he led Philadelphia to the NBA Finals.
"I think I'm getting better as a basketball player," he said.

The woefully underachieving Sixers (37-43) were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday, capping a second-half collapse that's raised serious questions about the future of the franchise. The Sixers still have two more games, Tuesday against New Jersey and Wednesday at Charlotte.

Putting a young nucleus around Iverson and Chris Webber was a failed experiment, one that has general manager Billy King promising changes and the acquisition of more defensive-minded players.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2411818

 

[MARINO1384]

That's just to make him not look bad. I still think he's a jerk.

 

[Buddwalk]

They do have a strong nucleus built there but they really seriously lack a center...Dalembert isnt the answer

Put a center there and that team will be in the playoffs...didnt say they'd do anything but they'd be in the playoffs at least

 

[Roman529]

I have been watching the Sixers all year and they have one of the most pathetic defenses around and very little rebounding. Maybe they can get a top guy through the draft. Dalembert was a 60 million bust (one of many questionable deals by Billy King). Korver as a shooter is hot and cold. Webber can still score and rebound but never plays D. Igoudala is a great jumper and dunker but has to improve his shot and step up during money time. It might be best for the Sixers and AI to part company. The Sixers will always be my fave team but sometimes you have to deal one of your top players to improve.....like they did by sending Charles Barkley to the Suns in the early 90's.

 

[Prime Time]

I hope they can do something to keep AI there and improve it, but that doesn't seem likely. I think they are on pace to become a better team. They just need to find a good Center. Webber, Ai 1 and Ai 2..those are 3 quality starting players. Imagine a center...

 

[King Felix]

sheldon williams

 

[Alex44]

That's just to make him not look bad. I still think he's a jerk.

Whether he is or isnt a jerk he has done serious work to reshape his image, that has to say something about him, he cares in some way about things

 

[Nappy Roots]

sheldon williams

nah. they dont need a rookie. they need a proven vet.

 

[MARINO1384]

Whether he is or isnt a jerk he has done serious work to reshape his image, that has to say something about him, he cares in some way about things

True. a new environment could help change him completely like Vince Carter. He's playing his best year (maybe not stats wise but he's consistent and his team is winning) this year with New Jersey.

 

[phunwin]

The Sixers are a completely screwed up team. At the swing spots, they've one one of the best defenders in the NBA (Iguodala), teamed with one of the worst (Korver). At the power spots, they've got one of the better defenders in the NBA (Dalembert, though he obviously took a giant leap backward) teamed with one of the worst (Webber). They've got exactly one player who can get his own shot (Iverson), and he's reluctant to get anyone else their shot.

I have absolutely NO idea what they should do with that bunch.

 

[MARINO1384]

The Sixers are a completely screwed up team. At the swing spots, they've one one of the best defenders in the NBA (Iguodala), teamed with one of the worst (Korver). At the power spots, they've got one of the better defenders in the NBA (Dalembert, though he obviously took a giant leap backward) teamed with one of the worst (Webber). They've got exactly one player who can get his own shot (Iverson), and he's reluctant to get anyone else their shot.

I have absolutely NO idea what they should do with that bunch.

Nah. Iguodala has the ability but u answered that by saying Iverson doesn't let him take them. Expect Iguodala to become quite a star when Iverson leaves kind of like Bosh did when Carter left.