Allen Iverson considering China in case an NBA deal does not work out
Despite the fact that NBA fans would do anything to see Allen Iverson one more time on the NBA court, there is no chance of that happening.
Iverson is considered the greatest little man to play the game, and one of the best guards the NBA has ever seen. Besides winning a regular season MVP, 4 scoring champion titles and 2 All Star MVP’s, Iverson won the hearts of millions
of fans around the world with his raw talent, flair and love for the game.
However, in the league of today, that is apparently not enough to get a gig. Iverson has said on multiple occasions that he wants to play in the NBA, but so far has not received any calls for any of the teams.
AI is considered as a huge distraction in the locker room and teams are not willing to take on that extra baggage, particularly when he is nearing the end of his career and playing with injuries.
All may not be lost for Iverson, who recently said in an interview that he may end up playing in China if he does not get a gig in the NBA.
According to NetEase, a Chinese basketball publication, Iverson said:
“I definitely want to return to the NBA, but if I can’t get back there, I’m hoping to play ball here (China). I’m not leaning towards any one team, and there’s no ‘first choice’ like what the others say. China is still one of my
choices, but the team that wants me to join has got to show me that they really mean it, like ‘hey we really need you’.”
Iverson played the last season in Turkey, and is now accepting the fact that he may never step on the court again in the NBA. The Chinese would be more than willing to sign Iverson, as he will greatly increase their fan base and
generate a great deal of interest and excitement around whichever team he signs with.
Iverson has an example of an NBA player who became very successful in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Stephon Marbury played for the Beijing Ducks and led them to the CBA title. Although he could not be named the MVP
as the award had to go to a local player, Marbury was decorated with a statue by the team and the city of Beijing.
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