The Return of A.I.

After about a week in retirement, A.I. has returned to the game. The team who has decided to give him another chance: The Philadelphia 76ers. A lot of people hate this guy because he has an ego, but I love him because of it. I am happy he is still playing and hasn't left the game yet. The guy is only 34 years old. He still has some good playing years left. He has fallen off a little the past couple of years, but he obviously wasn't happy to be where he was at.

The question a lot of people are asking is, was it a marketing move or a basketball move? My answer is, when isn't a basketball move a marketing move? Every move made is made to improve the team in some aspect, and when the team improves, the business improves. So obviously, it's both.

His last full season with Philly (05-06), he averaged 33.0 PPG 7.4 APG and .447 FG%
Statistically, this was his best season.

Since then, his numbers have been on the decline as he moved to Denver. Then Detroit. Then Memphis.

And now it's back to Philadelphia, where he holds the highest scoring average in team history (28.1). He also holds the record for 3-pointers (877).

I don't think he's the kind of guy who should be coming off of the bench because when he is where he wants to be, he will perform. And since he was humbled after no one made an offer to pick him up before he "retired," I think he knows he has to do well to give himself an ego boost back to where it use to be.

Allen Iverson will play his first game back with the Sixers on Monday December 7th, 2009 against his former team the Denver Nuggets. And then he will face the Detroit Pistons the game after. Pressure.

A.I. was very emotional during his press conference and even if you hate him, you can't help but hope for the best after watching this video.

Did someone say "practice?"