Iverson goes cold as trade winds swirl in Philadelphia

Johnny BlazE · 12-08-2006, 07:26 PM

Quote:

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson's tumultuous career in Philadelphia took another turn Friday when the former NBA MVP hinted that a trade may be best after the 76ers sent him home and ruled him out of their next two games.

With his name swirling in heavy trade rumors, Iverson didn't play Friday against Washington, and 76ers president Billy King said the All-Star would not play on Saturday.

King would not say before the Sixers' game against the Wizards if Iverson had asked for a trade or if he was actively trying to trade Philadelphia's franchise player.

Iverson released a statement through his agent, Leon Rose, where he acknowledged he may have played his last game for the Sixers.

"As hard as it is to admit, a change may be the best thing for everyone," he said. "I hate admitting that because I love the guys on the team and the city of Philadelphia. I truly wanted to retire a 76er."

The Sixers said earlier in the day that Iverson was scratched because of back spasms, but he was listed simply as "out" on the game notes. King said it was not a suspension and Iverson's future would be re-evaluated after Saturday night's game at Orlando.

"We made the decision he will not be with us tonight or tomorrow because he couldn't practice yesterday or today," King said.

Coach Maurice Cheeks said Friday it was his decision to send Iverson home.

Iverson said he was told not to participate in shootaround, even though he said he could play. Iverson said after watching shootaround from the sideline, he was told not to come to the arena.

"In my entire career, even the doctors haven't been able to tell me not to play," Iverson said. "I've played through injury and illness. I think everyone knows how much I love being out on the court, competing and winning. That's why it was so disheartening to be told that I couldn't play, knowing that I was ready. It hurt even more to be told not to come at all."

Iverson left Wednesday night's blowout loss at Chicago in the second half complaining of the spasms and did not practice Thursday. However, the former MVP could be on the trading block, with his name the subject of rampant rumors with the Sixers 5-12 and on a five-game losing streak entering Friday's game.

"Allen was not able to practice yesterday because of the back and today Mo made a decision not to play him tonight or tomorrow," King said. "We told him to just take the night off and tomorrow."

Iverson, who leads the league with 31.7 points per game, left a practice last week reportedly after a disagreement with Cheeks and skipped a team function for season-ticket holders later that night. He apologized and was fined by the organization.

This has been going on for some time now, it's starting to get real annoying and turn into how Manny Ramirez is also in trade talk but never goes anywhere. I do believe that will be the case here as well sense he is to much of a ball hog for any team to want him. It's all talk and will stay that way.

Thoughts?

CBaLLeR · 12-08-2006, 08:57 PM

heres a tought
ABOUT TIME
he shouldve been out of there along time ago

joeytheking23 · 12-08-2006, 09:02 PM

The GM just said on ESPN that they will accomadate his wishes, and that he has demanded one. This probably will happen...

StylesÃ‚â„¢ · 12-08-2006, 10:13 PM

I see him gone, but only to a team that could afford with him and is a contender, I thinking the Bulls, they've talked about Garnett, so I see them getting Garnett or AI

joeytheking23 · 12-08-2006, 10:20 PM

The Cavs could be a possible idea, Daniel Gibson and Larry Hughes maybe??

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Iverson goes cold as trade winds swirl in Philadelphia

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