No longer the "Answer?"
For years, the Philadelphia 76ers with Allen Iverson have been a decent team with mid-level draft picks, and no real chance at a title, save for 2000-2001. Excitement has always been promised, and usually delivered, but the end result is always the same. Once again, this season is no different, with a notable exception, attendance.
The 76ers are ranked 22nd in home attendance, behind such world-class organizations at the Hornets, Clippers, Warriors and Raptors. However, on the road they are ranked 5th, a stat that tells us the AI show is evidently more popular off Broad Street.
Like any form of entertainment, after a little while, the same dog and pony show gets boring. People will put aside winning for the potential of a bright future in the beginning, but after a while, victories become the answer. Such is now the case for the Sixers.
But AI is no longer the "Answer" for USA basketball either. Admirably, AI was one of the few top-flight players who longed to suit up for the red, white and blue. But realistically, team USA is not about selling tickets, sneakers and jerseys.
AI has been a maestro for years at marketing himself even though he's been mired in a situation where winning hasn't been the constant. But for USA basketball, Iverson just doesn't have the game it's going to take. Cooperative and unselfish are words seldom used to describe AI, but are traits of the players who Team USA needs to be competitive on the world scale.
Last week, Howard Eskin, of 610 WIP, brought up the possibility that by the 2008 games, AI will be too old and that's why he's not on the invite list. Huh, then why would Bruce Bowen be invited when he'll be 37? AI will only be 33.
Another point brought up on WIP in the morning was that possibly Team USA officials were afraid that if they invited him and had to cut him, it would hurt his feelings. What!?! Sorry, but that's just not an excuse.
What the USA needs are players with no names on their jerseys going out there and opening a can of "Made in the USA" whoop-ass. I watched the Italian National team take on many countries in the summer of 2005 and, sadly, AI just wouldn't be able to lead a team into battle against those guys. They are a cohesive team, not a 1-on-5 glory squad.
Whereas AI is not the "Answer" when it comes to winning in the NBA or taking home an Olympic gold medal, he continues to be one of the bigger draws in basketball, at least away from home.
Technorati Tags:76ers,Allen Iverson,Team USA
posted by Michael Ciavarella @ 10:36 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I have to say, AI was one of the few that represented his country well in Athens. He ridiculed other NBA players for not playing and said it was an honor to play for USA. I think he said something like, his country gave him the opportunity to make millions and the least he could do is play for them in the Olympics.
Now, the decision to keep him off the squad could be Coach K's style, but I'm tired of these American basketball players getting their tails kicked in. If team USA can keep the same guys on the national team for a very long time, then they should be able to win again.
Other players from other countries treat playing for their national team like soccer players do. It's an honor and it's expected to do so. Even though Germany didn't qualify for the Olympics, Dirk Nowitzki was there in the summer of '04 playing international "friendly" matches. I think AI would do these for the U.S. So that said, I'm a little disappointed he won't be there.
Also, if AI was to be traded...for whom? I've always wanted to see an all hog team in Kobe and AI....so perhaps both teams can make this moronic trade together. I wouldn't be surprised with these GM's track records.
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