Allen Iverson’s tumultuous year of being in and out of lineups for the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers this season, while coming to face the reality that he is no longer a starter grade player in the NBA any longer, is apparently just the beginning of his problems.

In the midst of his daughter Messiah’s mysterious and ongoing illness, Iverson’s wife recently filed for a divorce, claiming that irreconcilable damage has been done. Topping things off, rumors are surfacing alleging that AI has a severe drinking problem with a gambling addiction to boot.

The bottom line is if AI has not yet hit rock bottom, he might wind up dead before he can sink any lower, and nobody wants that under any circumstance.

What the Answer needs to do is just that. Find some answers.

It’s time for him to take a step back within himself, and if he cannot find any, reach out and ask for help.

We have all marveled at his strength and might while admiring him for being such an explosive and powerful player. AI is famous for relentlessly challenging giants and conquering them, doing so with a style that has taken our breath away. But now he must humble himself, digging even deeper, and beat his inner demons. No small task when reflecting upon his self-sacrificing-never-backing-down style of play.

His demons are his own to face, and they are not to be taken lightly. A lesser man would have unquestionably crumbled apart years ago.

AI must seek to set a new example for his followers on the worldwide stage, letting people know alcohol and personal problems can happen to anyone.

AI has the world in his corner while facing his demons. (Credit: picapp.com)

It can be done. AI doesn’t need to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, nor does he need meetings to discuss gambling. Those angles will not work for AI. He is simply the kind of guy who is too tough and too proud for those support based systems to have any solid effect. He will have to do it on his own.

The legacy and culture he built on and off the court as a rebellious and outspoken icon dictates that he addresses his problems, and attacks his problems the same way he would go 1 on 3 on a fast break. Fearlessly and with the attitude that he is unstoppable once he decides it’s his will to be. No pull up jumpers, no ball fakes. He must take this thing straight on, and finish no matter what.

Iverson has surpassed and overcome more challenges on and off the court than we will ever know while on the path to becoming an NBA superstar. The more we know and the less he hides, the more our love for him will grow and the more we will pay homage to his character.

AI has the entire world in his corner. The first step to beating addiction is deciding that he wants to beat addiction. With the cat already out of the bag, and with everyone routing for him, we can only hope he gets back on track, cleans up his life, and after doing so, only then worries about playing a little game called basketball.

With a clear head and healthy body, god only knows what level of basketball AI could continue to play at. I am 100% positive it would be better than what we have witnessed over the past 3 seasons. The body and mind feel years younger without constant alcohol abuse. It’s a fact.

Now we know what caused his decline and the deterioration of his game for the last few years. As tough as he has been, AI has unfortunately become another classic example of how years of alcohol abuse will catch up to you, no matter who you are. Even star athletes cannot escape the wrath of abusive behavior. Just ask Shawn Kemp or Vin Baker. Let’s hope AI can comeback before we have to start making those comparisons.

He was too proud to admit to it as most people with problems are. We who don’t know him personally find all of this shocking news to hear. Shame on those of you chose to be a part of the AI entourage without ever considering his well being and for not trying to help him.

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.

Allen Iverson was offered a deal by the Philadelphia 76ers today.

If he accepts, Iverson will head back to the team where his career started.

Will he be the “answer” this time around?

With Lou Williams on the shelf with a broken jaw,  the 76ers depth at the guard position has been depleted to the point that this contract offer was basically a necessity.

ESPN’s Rick Bucher has this to report:

This is a bold move by Philly.

Iverson’s style of play goes against the grain of Eddie Jordan’s style of coaching. The Princeton offense with AI? How many possessions will it take before Iverson overrides the Princeton offense, goes one-on-one, and take the game over on his own?

This will help the 76ers pack seats into the stadium but at what cost? Philly is currently 5-13, and it is highly unlikely that they can turn things around unless Eddie Jordan decides to toss out his playbook, and ride the Iverson train.

Philly fans I hope you are ready for a long, sad season. Just look at what happened to the Pistons and Grizzlies. They were completely derailed by Iverson’s antics and refusal to buy into the team concept. My heart goes out to you guys!

I'm home! (Credit: picapp.com)

Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies agreed today to part ways, terminating AI’s contract and waiving him after a 10-day absence from the team.

Iverson had career low numbers as a reserve for the Grizzlies, and it now looks worse than ever for him to turn his career around.

Iverson was frustrated about not starting, and was unable to reconcile his life as a reserve.

It will be hard to sell these things without a team. (Credit: picapp.com)

With his contract terminated, one must wonder what lies ahead for AI now. How will he sell his signature shoes?

One suggestion: sign a 1-year deal with the New York Knicks. It is obvious the Knicks need a PG as Chris Duhon’s shooting is causing a major void.

Why not give New York fans something to get excited about? AI, the man, the myth, the legend would be awesome in the Knicks offensive schematic.

Iverson has had a rough season this far. Does this “failure” in Memphis further tarnish his appeal to other franchises?

Iverson has to accept that his game is no longer what it once was and that if he wants to continue his career he will need to accept that as reality.

Life could be much worse than that. Making millions of dollars to play a game is always a better alternative than not playing and not getting paid.

To date he has been unable to deal with being a reserve so he should simply walk away, before he ruins his legacy further.

He had the opportunity to teach the likes of OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay, and flushed the opportunity right down the drain.

Will he ever get his career back on track?

Only AI can answer that, and so far his actions indicate he is stuck in denial about his career, which might very well lead to its demise.

This is one writer who wishes he does. AI is good for the game, he inspires the little guy to play their heart out, and dig deeper from within.

I lied about liking Allen Iverson. I really did.

Who didn’t love all those breathtaking dunks, and ridiculous finishes in the paint? All the fight he has inside him. The headband he would wrap around those incredulous hairdos. Oh yeah, and his rant about practice never seems to grow old.

I lied about liking AI. After what he said yesterday, I can never support him again.

Man, ya'll giving up on me? (Credit: picapp.com)

Iverson took the lowly road of Monday morning quarterback, and divulged information after the fact, while contradicting himself later in the same interview.

From ESPN: Iverson continued: “I’d never been on a team where a coach told me the guys gave up on me. You know what I mean? And I kept this under wraps the whole time … because I didn’t want to bad-mouth any of those guys.

Is it only now, that AI has secured a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, that he decides to badmouth THOSE guys?

This picture makes a lot more sense now. (Credit: picapp.com)

Could he only keep it under wraps until he signed and secured a $3,099,729 salary?

Knowing he no longer has to be politically correct, why should he care if he keeps his mouth shut?

Some people would call it having tact.

AI could have taken the high road, but instead, he took jabs at a team that traded away Chauncey Billups in order to place him into their postseason plans, which he then managed to alienate himself.

AI has been on teams where players have given up on him.  They probably grew tired of never seeing the ball after it reached AI’s hands. Or may be they grew tired of watching him dribble out every 24 second clock. Maybe that was the situation in Denver, where his selfish play resulted in very little success.

The Nuggets only won 1 first round playoff game during the Iverson era, losing both 4-game first round playoff series in 2007 and 2008.

Sure the Nuggets went to the playoffs, and that can be considered successful.

But look at how far they got simply by dumping Iverson, and installing Billups: a loss in the Western Conference Final to the Lakers after going 10-6 during the postseason.

It is safe to say that his old Nuggets teammates got behind Billups.

I can honestly say that if players who have won an NBA title (See: Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace) will not stand behind you, then the real problem exists with the person they are not standing behind.

There are rumors circulating that Allen Iverson is heading to either the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat or the Memphis Grizzlies. For the sake of one of the NBA’s financially ailing franchises, lets hope AI lands in Memphis. Heat and Clippers fans should be rooting for this as well.

Dwyane Wade will not re-sign until he feels Miami has provided him with a contender.

Is the gum sour, or is it AI who is sour? (Credit: picapp.com)

Iverson was the nuclear explosion of the Pistons last year. Now the nuclear debris in Detroit is attempting to rebuild as the radioactive afterlife slowly dissipates. If Miami were smart they’d realize that explosive isotopes do not lead to NBA championships. They lead to team combustion and full on roster makeovers, starting with the coach.

To top that off, the Heat are within $300,000 of the exceeding the salary cap, and incurring the NBA luxury tax. Adding Iverson would require them to make moves, or pay a hefty price. AI’s arrival could help initiate Wade’s departure.

It is rumored Wade does not like radioactive isotopes. Nor does he like selfish players.

Miami needs talented players to get behind Wade to support and relieve attention from him. Iverson needs the ball in his hands to be most effective. He also has trouble with the idea of playing second fiddle.

Get Stuckey outta here! (Credit: picapp.com)

Rodney Stuckey’s game is still recovering from the effect Iverson can have on a teammate’s game.

If Iverson lands in LA the Clippers will truncate the growth of budding star Eric Gordon. There is nothing else to say about AI and the Clippers compatibility. That being said, this will most likely will end up happening. The Clippers are overly-talented at shooting themselves in both feet.

The logical choice for the NBA is Iverson to Memphis. The Grizzlies need Iverson the icon, regardless of his radioactive mess.

Besides, AI jerseys sell in mass quantity. I believe Pau Gasol’s Memphis  jersey is still their top seller.

Memphis needs bodies in the seats. The Grizzlies have a long road ahead of them as OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and crew develop. Iverson can at least financially help fans weather the growing pains until the young guys have the chance to develop into winners.

Iverson clearly puts bodies in seats. He is of similar height to the common NBA fan, and because of this, we are all blown away at what he does on the court against much larger men. Watching what he can do against those giants is a marvel worth viewing live (and worth paying for).

If Allen Iverson wants his legacy to be something other than being known as selfish, he’ll head to Memphis and mentor the talented young Grizzlies.

If Miami signs Iverson, their plan must be to put bodies in the seats. That is, once Wade is gone.

This Wednesday, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva came to Detroit and became the first NBA free agent “signees” of the summer. New Piston Gordon will make $55 million over 5 years, while Villanueva will net $40 million over the same span.

We mentioned/predicted in our story earlier this week, 2009 NBA Free Agents: Cap Space Talks Or The Free Agents Walk that Gordon would be a great fit if he were to land in Detroit. Protect the Paint will now take a deeper look into the pros and cons of what these signings will do for the Pistons.

PROS:

Signing Gordon and Villanueva delivers two potent scorers to the Detroit roster. We stated in our previous free agency story that Rodney Stuckey and Gordon  are a great 1-2 punch. Gordon has a career 21.3 ppg average, and Stuckey’s game is improving. With Iverson departed, Stuckey should return to the player he was prior to AI’s arrival.

Ben Gordon needs to improve his shot selection in Detroit (Credit: smackenergybar.com)

Ben Gordon is 26 and in his prime.  He gives the Pistons more offense, but is it that different than what they had with Allen Iverson? We assume he will start, but if he doesn’t, he comes off the bench spelling either Rip Hamilton or Stuckey. Gordan has a knack for scoring points in bunches. His defense is a different story.

Villanueva averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season but those numbers are actually quite deceiving. Villanueva’s true scoring average when starting was 17.7 ppg, with 7.3 rpg, 2 apg, adding nearly a steal and a block per contest. If he learns to suppress his lust for the three-pointer, he will become a far more effective offensive player. He can increase his point and rebound totals as a result of positioning himself closer to the basket.

Villanueva, 24, is on the cusp of entering his prime. He should immediately start for the Pistons and will pose trouble for the opposition as the 3rd or 4th scoring option.

The two players are both solid free throw shooters, and have little flaws in their offensive talents, other than shot selection.

CONS

Charlie Villanueva needs to attack the rim more for Detroit (Credit: blair.edu)

Villanueva is amongst the worst defenders in the NBA at the power forward position. During a recent chat with NBA statistics guru Haralabos Voulgaris, he stated,

“He (Villanueva) is the worst PF defender in the league by a longshot”.

Villanueva’s adjusted plus minus confirms Haralabos’ statement.

After much belaboring in Milwaukee by Scott Skiles, Villanueva did slightly improve his defense during some stretches. Time will only tell if this trend continues. The Bucks were extremely short on players because of injuries, so it’s fair to wonder if Skiles–often disgusted by his defensive efforts–would have given him so many minutes if the Bucks’ injury situation had been different.

We witnessed Gordon’s major flaw in the playoffs versus the Boston Celtics last season. Gordon has a habit of trying to force the offense, resulting in quick, low percentage shots. This hurt Gordon’s Bulls against the Celtics during the Eastern Conference 1st round game 7.

Gordon's judgment and shooting skills vanished in game 7 (Credit: ESPN)

Gordon’s poor shot selection during the 4th quarter allowed the Celtics more  possessions late in that deciding game (not to mention other key moments of the series). The Celtics then capitalized by converting multiple free throws to seal the win.

Moral of the story: Ben Gordon is not a clutch player and you could make the case the Bulls will be a much better team without him. The power struggle for the basketball between Gordon and Derrick Rose hurt the Bulls all year.

Additionally, Gordon (who you could call one-dimensional) has a long way to go defensively. His lack of height at the two-guard position will cause him problems defending the larger shooting guards in the league. The firing of defensive-minded Michael Curry indicates a new style of play in Detroit will be integrated for the upcoming season.

SYNOPSIS:

Ultimately, Gordon and Villanueva are talented, young offensive-minded players who will add to a lineup with their athleticism and ability to score.

Stuckey, Gordon, Hamilton, Tayshuan Prince, Villanueva, and Jason Maxiell comprise a solid core moving forward. If players like Maxiell, Rip and Prince can compensate for Gordon and Villanueva’s defensive inadequacies, making a low-seed playoff push is realistic. Of course, this will be dependant upon who Dumars hires as head coach.

Anyone escaping the doldrums of Milwaukee must feel as if they have a new lease on life. But that does not indicate that it will be a new lease on new defensive desires. Hopefully Detroit’s core can help Villanueva accelerate this development. If not, it could mean a trip back to the lottery.

We here at Protect the Paint must ask: What is Joe Dumars’  vision for the future direction of the Pistons?

Dumars succeeded early in his tenure as GM, but last year he traded away Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson and  it failed miserably. Having Kwame Brown on the roster additionally tarnishes his track record. The 2003 drafting of Darko Milcic immediately indicates a trend that for every good move he’s made, Dumars also has the capacity to blow it.

Milicic is the symbol of Joe Dumars' bad management decisions (Credit: ESPN)

Will anyone ever forget the Darko selection?

Iverson could replace Darko as the symbol of Dumars' mistakes (Credit: mlive.com)

Can Gordon and Villanueva  eventually make Detroit fans forget about the Iverson trade?

Will Villanueva and Gordon learn to defend and use better shot selection?

There are too many unknowns to have a positive reflection on the outcome of these signings. We will have to see who coaches this team and what demands (most specifically on defense) he makes on the newest employees of the Motor City.

This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.