Is Allen Iverson the Answer to Boston’s Woes?
December 14th, 2006 by Jimmy Graham
To trade or not to trade for Allen Iverson.
That is the question.
In a schizophrenic league where the balance of power is extremely delicate, that question needs to be considered carefully. Would the addition of Allen Iverson dramatically improve your team?
This is what we know about the current cast of Boston Celtics. They are young and moderately talented. Paul Pierce is one of the most reliable sources of offense ever. And their current coach sucks.
Now, taking all of that information and turning it into hard, cold data, you still cannot determine what direction General Manager Danny Ainge wants this team to go.
The Celtics are stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they could secure “The Answer” and combine his formidable offensive attributes with “The Truth,” the Celtics still are on the outside looking in. A.I. does not make Boston an automatic title contender.
By the time the Celtics youth movement (whoever is remaining after the potential trade) comes of age, both Iverson and Pierce will be well beyond their prime. That said, the Celtics have way too much youth. They will not be able to sign all of their younger players. It makes sense to hold onto the ones they believe will turn into NBA standouts and deal the others.
What the Celtics would gain from securing the rights to Iverson is some much-needed swagger. Ever since the “wiggle” left the building, the Celtics have not had much heart. In addition, ever since “The Big Three” wrapped up their illustrious tours of duty, the Celtics have not seriously challenged for a title.
One thing is certain: by landing Iverson, the Celtics will suddenly become an interesting squad. Think about it. Iverson and Pierce on the floor at the same time! Those two players control the means of production when it comes to scary offense, and neither is a stranger to the foul line.
Perhaps Pierce and Iverson can draw upon each other and create something worth watching. Neither player has ever been accused of dogging it. As far as toughness is concerned, Pierce and Iverson are not afraid to mix it up in the paint.
So the question remains whether Iverson improve the Celtics as a whole. yet the answer to this question matters little. What Boston needs right now is a serious blood transfusion. Certainly Iverson would be the “Answer” to that.
