Iverson possibly to Atlanta

[BeantownHoya]

This is from Rotoworld.com :

The AJC's Jeff Schultz wrote an interesting blog about Allen Iverson ending up in a Hawks' jersey next season.
He still has three years and $60 million left on his contract, but the idea of putting AI and Joe Johnson in the backcourt, with Josh Smith, Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams up front has to be intriguing to coach Mike Woodson and the Hawks. If nothing else, there would actually be some excitement at Phillips Arenas next year. Iverson appears to have worn out his welcome in Philly after ticking GM Billy King off by being late to the Sixers' final game this season. We'll see.

Interesting rumor. I remember a thread with RDF stating the desire to see him go to Minn possibly, but that other teams would have to get involved. Hawks have a ton of cap space (i believe) and do have some young talent that may intrigue philly. I would imagine they would be willing to part w/Williams if it meant they could grab AI. Atlanta has the #5 pick in the draft so they couls add a young part to replace Williams.

Williams, Josh Childress, and maybe a sign and trade of Al Harrington. I mean Philly could do worst. A backcourt of Iverson and Johnson would be fun to watch.

[Deleted]

It ain't a rumor if some dope thinks its a good idea in his blog.

I actually heard AI might get traded to Dallas for Dirk.

Or to Detroit for Chauncey.

Or Sacramento for Artest.

Or Boston for Pierce and a pick.

[TigerHoya]

"Some dope" thinking it's a good idea in his blog is a little different than a sports writer for the Atlanta paper putting it in the blog his editors are making him contribute to. He might be privy to some information that indicates such a deal may indeed be in the works. I'm willing to concede it might just be wild speculation as well.

[Jack]

May I suggest stat-hater/AI-lovers NOT pick up this week's edition of the New Yorker, or if you do, do not read Malcolm Gladwell's review of "The Wages of Wins."

[BeantownHoya]

Thank you for your "dopey" insight Buffalo.

[Deleted]

beantownhoya2 said:

Thank you for your "dopey" insight Buffalo.

First of all, I was just giving you a hard time, Bean. Mea culpa if you took it personally.

Second, are you guys serious? Do you know how many "trade rumors" are entertained in blogs daily? And not just the blog of some guy off the street, but "legit" ones as well? If half of the blog speculation were even remotely true, there are about five zillion trades being offered every day, and we know that ain't the case. Most of the time I'm willing to bet those "rumors" are the direct result of a couple of writers having a few beers and talking shop... what THEY would do if they were running the team.

I'm not saying this story has NO legs, but c'mon... if this were really a SERIOUS rumor (meaning an official/source from either team had floated the idea somewhere) don't you think it would have been reported in more places than the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Hawks blog? Wouldn't a trade for one of The Association's most recognizable/beloved/hated/marketable players warrant an article rather than a blog entry only a few hundred people probably read?!

EDIT: Also, Bean and Tiger, you guys should know by now my use of the word "dope" isn't meant in any sort of pejorative sense. Just my word (co-opted by the PTI boys, no less) to replace "guy" or "dude" or "schlub" or whatever.

[RDF]

Although I want him to go to TWolves--so I can see every game and because it would be putting Garnett in the perfect role for him offensively, I'll settle for ANYTHING to get him out of "King-Ville". Seeing the garbage LeBron plays with is bad, but nowhere near what Iverson's dealt with most of his career due to King's clueless ways of putting together a team. For instance, Keith Van Horn is a guy I've always felt had a place in the NBA--it was just as a bench/role player. King acquires him as a "co-star" for AI and to be honest--that was the last Sixer team that was somewhat competitive/decent and he still dumped him--What you do is keep Van Horn and change his role on the team--but not with Billy the Kid.

If I'm the Hawks, I offer King the 11th and 12th guys on the team and future 2nd Round Picks for AI and he'll likely take it.

Just want AI out of Philly by any means necessary and it'll be even more comical watching that nad-less stiff Webber have a team rely on him as the "leader".

[BeantownHoya]

My bad Buffalo - I get a little over-sensitive when the Sox are losing to the Yanks. I do agree with you that there will probably be another 10 Iverson rumors before the week is even over.

Just posted this one because it at least made some sense. Atlanta has a ton of cap space and young players to throw at Philly. Also seemed to make some sense because they are able to keep their current star (Joe Johnson) rather than swapping him heads up and they have a high draft pick that could be thrown in. Either way was just thinking on the same lines as RDF, would like to see Iverson get out Philly no matter where it is.

[Deleted]

beantownhoya2 said:

My bad Buffalo - I get a little over-sensitive when the Sox are losing to the Yanks. I do agree with you that there will probably be another 10 Iverson rumors before the week is even over.

Just posted this one because it at least made some sense. Atlanta has a ton of cap space and young players to throw at Philly. Also seemed to make some sense because they are able to keep their current star (Joe Johnson) rather than swapping him heads up and they have a high draft pick that could be thrown in. Either way was just thinking on the same lines as RDF, would like to see Iverson get out Philly no matter where it is.

No worries, Bean. You know I got nuthin' but love.

I guess it does make sense with the cap situation and young players on The ATL's roster... but wouldn't they have to give up a few of them to get Illy? Talk about stuck between a rock and a hard place. If I were ATL, I wouldn't break this young nucleus up... maybe jettison one player and a few picks or something.

Side note: with the Clips having a nice playoff run, are the Hawks the worst franchise in pro sports? They never win ANYTHING. They have good players, but they just can't put it together. Never get any IMPACT free agents. What up, yo?!