Allen Iverson Does Not Deserve To Start
Why Iverson Should Not Start In The All-star Game in 2009
When it comes to intensity and heart for the game of basketball, Detroit Pistons' guard Allen Iverson is at the top of the list. At 6'0" tall and 165 pounds, Iverson slices and dices through defenses fearlessly night in and night out. When it comes to hall of fame status, "The Answer" may very well be there. Multiple scoring titles, multiple league-MVPs, all he could be missing is that all important NBA Championship. But when it comes to this year's NBA All-star game in Phoenix, "The Answer" may very well be the wrong one for the backup roster. Let alone starting him.
The Trade
On November 3rd, 2008, The Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons pulled the trigger on the blockbuster of the season so far. The Nuggets sent Iverson to the Pistons for veteran guard and former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups. This was a very hot topic of many debates, and rumours were that the trade was to free up cap space so the Pistons could go after LeBron James or Chris Bosh in 2010 when both become free agents.
The Effect
The Effect of the Iverson/Billups trade has been evident. Billups has put the Nuggets on his back to a 29-12 record since the trade. On the flip side, Iverson ad the Pistons have only managed to hover around the .500 winning mark at 20-19. In 39 games, AI has averaged 18 points and 5 assist, but has only shot 41% from the field. Sure his scoring roll might have shrunk in Detroit, but he has recently lost his starting job in the lineup to Rodney Stuckey and the returning Richard Hamilton.
Is AI an Allstar?
Definitely not. That is the flaw of fans voting. They vote by name value instead of on court production. Iverson has done very little (not even having to compare to the effect that Billups has had on the Nuggets) to help the Pistons win, and is simply NOT an allstar. He does not fit in with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Paul. All those of the three just mentioned are the heart and souls of their team. They are needed in order to win on a nightly basis, they are looked to for the clutch shot at the end of games. Iverson simply is not that in Detroit, and not only that a 20-19 record means Iverson not only hasn't won his team any games, it also means he hasn't made anyone on his team better.
If "The Answer" Is Wrong, who's the right answer?
He has not performed this year, and it is not as if there aren't viable replacements. There is a list of quite a few, but here's the top three who should be starting in 2009.
#1 New Jersey Nets, PG, Devin Harris:
Harris has been unstoppable this year and has been New Jersey's best player. He has been clutch with a few game winning shots this year and has been a stunning surprise. He has created for his team and created his own shot and has taken off a lot of the scoring load from allstar Vince Carter.
#2 Atlanta Hawks, G, Joe Johnson:
Another is the Atlanta Hawks' sharpshooter Joe Johnson. JJ plays almost 40 minutes a game and averages 26 points a game to go along with 6 rebounds and 43% shooting. The Hawks look to Johnson when they struggle, knowing if JJ gets hot, it could be more than a long night for the opposition. He has led the Hawks along with Mike Bibby and Josh Smith to a 26-18 record good for 4th best in the East.
#3 Boston Celtics, G/F, Paul Pierce:
How could anyone forget abut "The Truth". Truth is, Pierce is unstoppable. Last year's NBA Finals MVP has continued his unbelievable performance and has once again led his Celtics to the top with the best in the NBA. His scoring and defense and simply his presence has made his teammates better.
There are options, and simply put...Allen Iverson is not an All-star, at least not in 2009.
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