Clippers in "Very Serious Talks" With Allen Iverson
by LAC on Jul 13, 2009 5:11 PM PDT
81 comments
Note: I've modified this FanPost to be an excerpt from the article and a link to it. PLEASE do not cut and paste entire articles from other sources onto Clips Nation. I don't want people doing it to my work, and I don't want to be a part of people taking Lisa Dillman or anyone else's work. Excerpt, link.
Talks between the Clippers and the free-agent guard have been characterized as "very serious," according a source close to Iverson who was not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations.
Link.
The potential move will most definitely be criticized and praised; what do you guys think?
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No
We have a nice young core along with Baron Davis and Camby as strong veterans. Adding AI will only hinder our young guy’s development
by peterghost on Jul 13, 2009 5:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah no need to have another small guard
And what would he play. We have Baron at point so he can’t play there, and we have EJ at SG so he can’t play there. Unless he would come off the bench.
In Gordon we trust
by bestclipfan on Jul 13, 2009 5:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's move Zbo first
This move could piss of the Griz
by Qlippers on Jul 13, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Zbo move will be official Friday
In Gordon we trust
by bestclipfan on Jul 13, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lots of 'if's
remember ai was pissed about not starting in detroit.
i like the fact that it looks like a one year deal.
maybe they’ve found a home for baron’s hideous contract?
Clippers Basketball.... It's Masochistic!
by Clipochistic on Jul 13, 2009 7:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
the clippers would trade Baron and have AI for year. What happens the next year with no PG for the clips?
by Qlippers on Jul 13, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
definately wouldnt make a huge amount of sense
it’s kind of a head scratcher.
you wouldnt think they would do anything to eat away gordon’s minutes. ai will retire before he comes off the bench. ergo some other angle is happening.
or this rumor is bunk.. hehe
Clippers Basketball.... It's Masochistic!
by Clipochistic on Jul 13, 2009 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Iverson were to come over here would Baron come off the bench? I hope we don’t get him
by shoothoop on Jul 13, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ESPN is saying that we’d give him a one-year deal for the full MLE. I wouldn’t mind it since it’d be just a one-year deal. I want Von Wafer, as well, though.
by FlyByKnight on Jul 13, 2009 8:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
if you trade Z-bo
the trade exception can land Von Wafer
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.-1984 George Orwell.
by tomkanti on Jul 13, 2009 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Upside. Cheaper. Versatile. Bench scoring.
by FlyByKnight on Jul 14, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
chepaer, bigger, probably has less of an ego, will cost less. if anything he’s younger and will mesh with the younger guys better too.
by hans007 on Jul 14, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much is Wafer looking for?
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Less than the $5.8 million that Iverson is looking for.
by FlyByKnight on Jul 14, 2009 1:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Iverson is the probably the better player.
I’d take Iverson over Wafer, but in this scenario, where Clippers have a pg and sg set, AI becoming a sixth man sounds wrong…
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I would take magic beans over Wafer
If you think AI may be a distraction, Wafer would be worse. He threw a diva tantrum in the playoffs and then got kicked off the court by coach.
by Qlippers on Jul 14, 2009 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wafer is looking for $2-3.2 Mil rangr
but DTS wants tickets to sell, so he wants AI
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.-1984 George Orwell.
by tomkanti on Jul 14, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has less of an ego? He argued with Adelman DURING a playoff game because he was sent to the bench. He insisted that he needed to be in the game. Adelman got so angry he sent him back to the locker room midway through the game.
by shoothoop on Jul 14, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am very seriously concerned.
This goes against everything the Clippers have done this offseason. They just got rid of a cancer in Zach Randolph; why sign another one? I know that Allen Iverson is talented, but that’s not what the Clippers need now. We’ve established that this is a talented team that underperformed last year because of chemistry issues, coaching, etc. Allen Iverson solves none of these. Stick with the young guys, and hope that Baron decides to show up, but don’t go after a guy like AI.
This is the problem with GMs or coaches (in this case, both) on the hot seat. Instead of doing what is best for the team in the long term, they try to save their job by signing players like Allen Iverson. Iverson would appear to make the Clippers a better team talent wise, but it would ultimately hurt the team in the long run. I don’t want another year like last year. I don’t mind losing if there is hope for the future. A guy like Iverson takes that away.
"If a Clippers fan is reading a newspaper in his living room and the ceiling falls on him, he'll just shrug and move to another room." -Bill Simmons
by WestsideBrandon on Jul 13, 2009 8:51 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Exactly. Last thing Gordon and Griffin is to have their development be impeded by clubhouse drama. Randoplh is bad enough, but AI would bring national media scrutiny of the kind Clips don’t need. With Q and Davis what the heck do we need another shooting guard for???
by CP2Devil on Jul 13, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we do sign him SP has to ask him if he is going to practice lol
In Gordon we trust
by bestclipfan on Jul 13, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AI is a bad deal as of right now..
We always thought that ZBo was a bad influence…
ZBO is more of a Flu compared to AI. Ai is more of a cAnswer…
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Iverson thrives on up-tempo teams. The Clippers are not that. He won’t mesh.
by FlyByKnight on Jul 14, 2009 1:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont know man.
You think Dunleavy is really sticking to his words??? :O
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha. Never know. Iverson needs an up-tempo offense and needs the ball.
by FlyByKnight on Jul 14, 2009 3:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ralph Lawler
says on facebook that the Clips are talking to lots of people, and that the AI rumors are overblown
by DocD on Jul 13, 2009 9:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Iverson
If they do decide to sign him, I’m hoping its under the terms that he knows he’ll be coming off the bench as a sixth man. I mean, if he comes in full knowing and complacent with the fact that he’ll be coming off the bench, I would be somewhat content with having Allen Iverson coming off the bench. Especially if it’s a one year deal. On the flip side, if he would be expecting to start and get a lot of minutes then I hope as both coach and gm, dunleavy realizes that this wouldn’t be a great experiment and would probably make a lot of people on clipsnation pretty angry. Bottom line, if Iverson is happy with sixth man then go ahead and grab him for a year…if he wants to play solid starting minutes, then I would stay very very very far away from him.
by besaje on Jul 13, 2009 9:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agree
if he agrees to come off the bench i like it. u would have a 3 headed backcourt of bd, ej, and ai(pretty small and not great defensivly) i believe people give him way to much blame. His last year in denver the team won 50 games and got beat by a better laker team. i like mike taylor but he is not as good as iverson and if baron gets hurt again which is very likely i dont want taylor and mardy collins playing point they just arent good enough just like rick brunson. as long as he knows coming in that this is not his team and he isnt starting why not sign him to a one year deal. people are just to scared because of last year and bums like ricky davis and others. iverson is a top 50 player and would be a great 6th man.
by ImranQ on Jul 13, 2009 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
also
he is a very good friends with camby i believe this is his influence on msdr. but a bench of ai, q rich, novak, and camby/kaman is pretty good. although this team is building towards the future u can still develop griffin and win like the bulls did last year and make the playoffs and not hinder bg development…..(i have been an iverson fan since gtown and am a little biased towards him)
by ImranQ on Jul 13, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly
if AI really doesnt mind being a bench player for Clippers, I’d be happy to give him a MLE. Baron has proven that he gets hurt quite a few times in his career, and imranQ is right, Taylor and Collins running the point doesn’t sound too convincing. You know what though, I remember him telling Detroit that he wouldnt mind coming off the bench for Detroit if they start winning, and apparently A.I. started to complain. I would have loved to have AI back in the days, but now that we have Baron and EG, doesn’t seem like a good match to start AI over EG. Dont wanna piss EG off afterall. Franchise player and retire #10 one day! :D
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
my bad, i forgot to end bold...I was suppose to bold "if" ....
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
redo
I think AI is realizing he’s got to embrace the veteran scorer off the bench role (like say, stackhouse)…but if the Clips start losing, I can totally see him wanting to ‘take over’.
Assuming his ego is in check, this would be a good basketball move…the second unit will likely be very offensively limited unless Kaman plays there. Hopefully AI will put enough positive pressure on Baron and Gordon to perform at a high level.
Finally, adding him will be one more reason why the Clips need to run!
by banandy on Jul 14, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Assuming his ego is in check?"
What would ever give you the idea that AI’s ego is in check? Definitely couldn’t have been anything that’s happened last season. After last season’s meltdown, AI is the last guy the Clippers need.
by ClipCat on Jul 14, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing whatsoever would give me that idea. But my statement was: ASSUMING his ego is check, this would be a good basketball move.
by banandy on Jul 14, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you don’t think signing Iverson would be a good idea since he’s a prima donna headcase. In that case, I agree.
by ClipCat on Jul 14, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
more or less
i agree that his attitude is enough for us to pass. it really comes down to this issue…because without that, all of us would probably be on board.
by banandy on Jul 14, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stackhouse sucked last year
worth ZERO dollars for what he did in Dallas
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.-1984 George Orwell.
by tomkanti on Jul 14, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps last year, but not the seasons prior
by banandy on Jul 14, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then waste money on him
its like saying Devean George will be worth a few mil.
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.-1984 George Orwell.
by tomkanti on Jul 14, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
huh?
you still talking about Stackhouse? my point is that AI needs to readjust his game to be a veteran scorer off the bench – much like how Stackhouse did for Dallas years ago. is there something you disagree with here?
by banandy on Jul 15, 2009 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
youre right
if youre talking about stackhouse in 06. After that, he was a waste of salary. sorry to confuse you but i used Dallas plaers since i am a Mavs fan as well.
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.-1984 George Orwell.
by tomkanti on Jul 16, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Iverson has already said he’d rather RETIRE then come off the bench. For him coming off the bench is not an option. He’s made that clear the whole off-season so I don’t understand why you’d think if he came to the Clippers he’d be okay with it.
When asked by the Free Press what he would do if his new team asked him to come off the bench, Iverson hesitated.
“I don’t know. I think I would retire,” the guard said.
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60344/20090705/iverson_still_wants_to_be_a_starter/
And when he came off the bench for a game or two this is what he had to say about it.
“I won’t do this again, in my career,” Iverson said of his role as a role player with the Pistons. "I’ll retire before I do this again. I would leave the game before I do this. I can’t be effective like I know I can playing this way.
“It’s just that I’m not used to it. Just not something I’ve had to do. Like I said, it’s hard for me mentally and physically.”
http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5800022806
This doesn’t seem like a guy who would be willing to come off the bench. Iverson has made it VERY clear that he HAS TO be a starter.
by shoothoop on Jul 13, 2009 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
That’s exactly the reason why I would only want him if by some divine miracle he said he’d be okay with it. Otherwise, he’d probably just end up smoking pot with Ricky Davis in his free time.
by besaje on Jul 13, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True that.
“divine miracle…”
Seems to me that the Clippers have gotten pretty lucky this season though.
Wins #1 pick.
Skinner opts out.
(Not that I’m happy or complaining [ I’m still neutral]) Zbo is gone.
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s not going to say yes to coming off the bench, so what’s the point of suggesting it?
It’s NOT going to happen, EVER.
by shoothoop on Jul 14, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or he could start instead of Baron
if he continues to struggle
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
by cliptakular on Jul 14, 2009 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramon Sessions would be a better pickup at combo guard
This way if Baron stays fat (with an f), ramon is waiting in the wings to take over at the 1.
I would much rather take the guy with potential and minimal def skills compared to the over the hill hall of famer.
the move reminds me of when the clips picked up dominique.
Clippers Basketball.... It's Masochistic!
by Clipochistic on Jul 13, 2009 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Way different.
Nique was traded to us. He already openly expressed his desire to leave. If AI actually agrees to sign with us, that means that he willingly (assumingly) came here. A bit different situations with Nique and AI.
I like Ramon also. But I’m going to assume that Mil. is going to try hard to match any reasonable offer that comes at them. Afterall, Sessions is a RFA.
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been a big fan of Ramon
but I think the Bucks will want to match unless the offer is too high. Ramon can score but seems to be a distribute first PG which is exactly what we need.
Bingo! Oh me oh my!
by ClippersUK on Jul 14, 2009 3:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
more in the way
that dominique was bought in in the twilight of his career to increase the number of butts in seats, not so much the attitude and circumstances.
feels like adding ai might be one of those types of maneuvers
Clippers Basketball.... It's Masochistic!
by Clipochistic on Jul 14, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think it would be great if
AI agreed to come off the bench. he has probably been humbled a bit to see the interest in him dwindle. with that said, why wouldnt he want to play in LA with Camby, making 5mill to come off the bench. at least he has pride. hopefully that type of attitude will rub off on the kaveman!
by bigolbad on Jul 13, 2009 11:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
AI's attitude rubbing off onto Kaman..?
Mike Smith on Eric Gordon: "The Clippers may have found their go to scorer."
On a second note, I want Novak back!
by JackduhSun on Jul 14, 2009 1:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It may be a good thing
We always wanted Kaman to play tough and get what is his.
by Qlippers on Jul 14, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s with everybody bringing up Iverson coming off the bench
Its. Not. Happening.
by shoothoop on Jul 14, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please no AI, ideally we need a back up or an improvement over AL but this team is good and exciting (with the right coach & playing style) the way it is.
by Sam50 on Jul 14, 2009 5:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Right Attitude Might Be An Interesting Mix
assuming AI has made peace with the fact that he’s no longer a starter, and would be willing to accept the role the Clippers envision for him, he would bring a certain swagger, toughness and killer instinct this team has always lacked, except perhaps for Cassell’s brief moment in the sun here. If he can an impart the good parts of his attitude to the rest of the players without the bad, it would add an interesting ingredient to the mix. A little of that “Refuse to Lose” that Kobe brings. Of course that’s a big IF. We’ve never had a closer with nerves of steel on this team, and its been frustrating watching the team lead or stay close for 3 quarters or so and then fold. If Baron can also close this year (last year he tended to disappear at the end of games) great. Two closers are even better. If not, AI has always been one of those guys you’d probably want watching your back in a bar room brawl.
by Clipster Hipster on Jul 14, 2009 7:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Disagree that we've never had a closer
with nerves of steel – I think Sam Cassell comes pretty close to that in the playoff run season.
Bingo! Oh me oh my!
by ClippersUK on Jul 14, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
when maggette didnt get called for charging fouls..
he was at times ‘a killer’, sammy definately was.
clippers could definately use someone like that no doubt about it.
Clippers Basketball.... It's Masochistic!
by Clipochistic on Jul 14, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gordon vs Iverson
I want the best player to start, having Iverson and Gordon compete for the starter job is okay by me.
by sqrebck on Jul 14, 2009 7:28 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
umm no I wouldnt give Iverson 30 seconds of Gordons minutes
by andrewexd on Jul 14, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd do it...as long as its only for a year
Even if you have to bring Gordon off the bench (assuming Baron is unwilling to come off the bench too), you can still find him starters’ minutes. The Clippers never have injury problems, so that’s not a factor there, right? There are enough Veterans to keep heads straight and where else can you get 20ppg for the MLE.
by Zer0 on Jul 14, 2009 8:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
People are having the wrong ideas
Maybe the Clips are showing interests in AI as a fall back plan for Baron. Baron does miss a lot of games every year.
Who do we have off the bench? Just Mike Taylor right?
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
by cliptakular on Jul 14, 2009 8:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I have my reservations on AI but having said that, what do we do if Baron does get hurt?
It may be an insurance policy. It’s hard to troll for a PG mid season if you’re not looking to trade for a contract.
by Qlippers on Jul 14, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can go after Sessions who much more productive than present AI
by dulciusEXasperis on Jul 14, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a restricted FA
and we don’t know if we can get him for only a year.
by Qlippers on Jul 14, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be tougher since he's restricted but
might as well make a play for him before we go after AI. If we miss out on AI, really big whoop. He’s a terrible character guy and don’t need his services for one year.
And why would we only want Sessions for 1 year? Don’t mind giving him a 3 year contract. Not like we need the money for LBJ, Wade, or Bosh (if they even leave their teams). We’ll have plenty of money to sign other quality players in 2010.
by dulciusEXasperis on Jul 14, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AI is tough
his tenacity and toughness should rub off with the youngsters. It’s better than to be influenced by a Baron Davis, who cares more about anything else other than the game of basketball.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
by cliptakular on Jul 14, 2009 8:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
AI is more self absorbed than BD.
They both talk the talk but AI has clearly shown he’s all about himself first and the team last not to mention his displeasure in taking a 6th man role. I’m sure he’ll say he’ll come off the bench to get more money only to slowly nit pick at the idea of starting once the deal in finalized.
by dulciusEXasperis on Jul 14, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can a Three-Guard Alignment Really Work?
…and whether the Clippers are convinced he could be effective in a three-guard alignment with starters Baron Davis and Eric Gordon
This part of the article hasn’t been discussed yet — under what circumstances would a three-guard starting unit, plus Griffin and Camby, be effective?
We all know Dunleavy loves his variable matchups. Besides acquiring AI as bench scorer and insurance for possible injuries to Baron and Gordon, would we be an offensive juggernaut / defensive disaster in a three-guard alignment? What successful examples in the league’s recent past do we have of such a lineup, when the height-weight of all three is:
- BD: 6’3, 215
- EJ: 6’3, 222
- AI: 6’0, 180
by Griffinology on Jul 14, 2009 10:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
we should roll up boykins and nate rob
pffft, 3 guard alignments, how bout 5 guard alignments?
we dont need no stinking bigs….
Clippers Basketball.... It's Masochistic!
by Clipochistic on Jul 14, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definately too small
maybe with Cuttino we could, but EG is a SG.
http://lucasnbablog.blogspot.com/
by LJ Hann on Jul 14, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They would'nt be able to block many shots
but their foot speed will guard the perimeter very well. Ball movement will improve a lot as well. This rotation could be the quickest in the league if Dunleavy lets them play correctly.
"This kid is the best new talent in the league right now, and I don't care who else you mention." -Suns Coach, Alvin Gentry, on Clippers rookie sensation, Eric Gordon.
by cliptakular on Jul 14, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Foot speed won’t matter if the opposing players can just shoot right over the guys, especially in the post.
Baron and Iverson both love to have the ball in their hands. They need the ball in their hands in order to be affective.
by shoothoop on Jul 14, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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