PROTECT THE PAINT

A tear- eyed Allen Iverson sat with 76ers GM Ed Stefanski and discussed rejoining the 76ers, a team he spent his first 10 years in the NBA with.

They address the long laundry list of problems surrounding AI, and what Iverson calls his “baggage” that prevented other teams from taking a chance on him.

An emotional AI was genuine about his future. (Credit: picapp.com)

He takes the hard questions head on with answers proving he wears his heart on his sleeve.  He addresses the issues on integrating into the current 76er lineup.  He plans to be a guide, mentor, and comrade to the younger players.

In this heartfelt press conference we see the side of AI we have all bee waiting and wanting to see: a humble Iverson.

His humility and genuine nature becomes evident as he owns up to his mistakes. He says the most disheartening thing about the media to him has been the misinterpretation his ego.

Iverson has realized it is time for him to fit in and be a teammate. In his words, AI simply wants “to be one of the guys” and “just wants to play basketball.”

AI discusses his discomfort in repeatedly relocating, and the strain it has had on his family. You get the sense that he feels Philadelphia has always been home.

Watching this conference it becomes apparent his heart has always been in Philadelphia. Now he gets to save his legacy and end things where it all began.

Whether or not this all comes to fruition will remain to be seen. He has said these things before joining the Nuggets, Pistons, and the Grizzlies. Is the third time going to be the charm for AI?

Here is what Iverson said earlier today:

I hope so. It is amazing to witness what this guy can do on the court. He is tiny by NBA standards, and takes a pounding like no other player his size could.

It is unknown if Iverson will indeed be effective or have a positive impact this season. He is a major liability but also has huge payoff potential for the 76ers if things do work out.

All I can say is that I believe what AI had to say today during this press conference, and hope that things work out for him.

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