We're now into August and there are very few quality Free Agents still on the market. Yes, Nifty Nate and David Lee are still out there...so is Big Baby Davis and Raymond Felton...but we're not talking about "team-changing" talents. But there is still one wildcard out there....the Answer, Allen Iverson. No one seems to want to take a chance on this guy. Has there ever been a quicker fall from grace?? In one season, after a trade, Iverson is apparently no longer worthy (or capable) of getting an NBA contract. So what happened??
In 2007/08, Iverson was a Denver Nugget. For Fantasy numbers, he played in all 82 games and averaged 26.4 PPG. He shot 45.8% from FG (his best total since 1997) and 34.5% from downtown. He added 160 steals and his ATO was 571/246 (well over 2.000+). That, by all accounts, is worthy of a $40+ contract in our Fantasy league.
But in 2008/09, something happened to the Answer. First off, he was traded to the Pistons and his stay in the Motor City was not pretty. He battled injuries all year, didn't fit in well with his teammates, wasn't happy about his playing time and averaged just over 17PPG while shooting a dismal 41% on his FG. His 08/09 season was a disaster for the Pistons and for his Fantasy value.
So what happened? Did he suddenly get old? Did all those ventures into the paint over the years where he would get hammered suddenly take their toll? I can't explain it. He's now 34 years old and without a team. So where does he land? The ideal team, for his Fantasy value, would of course be the NY Knicks. This would also seem to make a lot of sense for the Knicks. Why not sign him to a 1 year deal?? The Knicks are preserving cap space for 2010/11 - so why not bring in AI for one season and let him loose in the 7 seconds or less system that D'Antoni runs? Why would the Knicks be wanting to sign Ramon Sessions for 5 years? Has anyone seen enough of that kid to guarantee him a 5 year deal? Is he the guy who run the point and draw 2 big FA's next season? Will Amare, Bosh, Lebron, or Wade all come running to New York because they want to play with Ramon Sessions???? I don't think so. I say forget Sessions, sign Iverson and be done with it. But that's my 2 cents...
So where does AI end up? With NY closing in on Sessions - there certainly aren't a lot of options. Could Miami be an option? They lack scoring depth off the bench and might be a good one year option. The Grizz were kicking the tires on AI but why would they sign him - other than ticket sales?? Do they want to stunt the growth of OJ Mayo? But the Grizz are becoming the new Clippers (questionable moves) so they very well could land AI.
So...at the moment, there is no answer for the Answer. He will wait it out and find a home somewhere and will play in 09/10. But, we know this, wherever he lands, his Fantasy value will take a severe hit. He is no longer one of those dangerous scorers who can average 25+ PPG. Looking back at his JBL salaries...he's always been around $40 dollars (or more). Those days are gone. So how much is he worth? That is totally dependant on where he lands. He could still be a dynamic player for a team off their bench, but he's likely a 15ppg player with some steals and a decent ATO. His %'s will still suck so judge accordingly.
This is the end of the AI era. Like him or hate him - he was a dynamic scorer and player in the NBA. He led a 76ers team to the NBA finals and has averaged over 27PPG for his career. Yes, over 27 PPG for his career. Well done Allen, you had a great NBA and Fantasy career.
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