To the surprise of few, Allen Iverson announced his retirement Wednesday weeks after the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to release him from his one-year contract.
For fans of the courageous slashing combo guard, the decision marked the bitter end of a media-driven smear campaign. His ardent supporters would not allow themselves to blame Iverson for his petulant behavior.
Instead, they chastised anyone who dared to question his loyalty, will to win or ego.
A player with such talent has the right to behave in any manner he wants. Damn you if you disagree.
To those not blinded by the unfulfilled potential of his awesome basketball faculties, a retirement after 14 years represents a legacy destroyed.
Iverson could play several more productive years, but no one wanted to sign him under his rigid conditions.
The desperate Memphis Grizzlies signed him in September as a last resort sales ploy. The acquisition did boost ticket sales for a few days, but the boneheaded decision to sic him on O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay could ruin the rest of the year for the franchise.
The prospect of decline and a reserve role promp ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Robert Kleeman
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