After playing only 10 games in Turkey, Allen Iverson says he's ready to finish his career in the NBA.
The question is, of course, whether or not the NBA will "Answer" his call.
The former NBA MVP who carried the Sixers to the Finals a decade ago thinks he could still play despite a rocky road recently.
After leaving his Turkish team, Besiktas, to rehab a calf injury, Iverson is back in the states and looking for one more shot.
According to the AP:
"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."
He might have a long wait. Throw in a possible work stoppage with NBA owners and players far apart on a new labor deal, and Iverson might again be forced to look outside the NBA for a team. He signed a $4 million, two-year contract with Besiktas. But Iverson made it clear in a phone interview late Wednesday night, his first priority is the NBA.
"If that doesn't happen, I just want to play basketball, so I've got to weigh my options and do what's best for me and my career," he said. "If that doesn't happen, I don't want to not play basketball. I don't have any more years to be wasting."
But at 36 years old what could Iverson have left -- does he really expect to be elite again?
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"It's me," he said, laughing. "That's what gives me confidence. I know what I can do. Everybody in the world knows what I can do. Everybody knows what I can do on the basketball court."
Could his comeback, or retirement, be with the Sixers? Prospective Sixers owner Joshua Harris is reportedly a long-time fan and may appreciate the nostalgia of having A.I. back on the court in South Philadelphia again.
Maybe Harris, who made his fortune in “distressed properties” could add to his portfolio not only our wayward Sixers, but also their down but possibly not yet out former captain.
Hey maybe the third time will be the charm.
