Classic A.I. flashback
This has nothing to do with trade rumors, I swear.
Today was the day I was given the gift of a new computer at work. While our tech dep’t worked on transferring my files over, I had to go dark, as they say on 24. In that time, I picked up an old SLAM from 2000, the oldest Iverson cover I had in the general vicinity of my desk. It’s downright creepy how some things from back then ring so true six years later. Only the names of the players have changed. He plays with ferocious passion, attacks constantly, carries a team of role players, gets banged up, polarizes fans, is loved and hated, etc. Today it’s the same as it ever was.
Ben Osborne wrote the story in this issue, and it describes Iverson as a guy who receives the utmost respect from peers like Latrell Sprewell and Gary Payton, and even Reggie Miller. Six years later, the same respect is there, mostly from younger guys that should be able to stick him but can’t. The harshest critic of his game in the old story Grant Hill, who talks about how he would have a problem playing with a guy that shoots 30 times a game. This was before Grant didn’t play with T-Mac and of course never got out of the first round.
I wish I could just re-run the whole feature, but our archives begin with the issue after this one. Sucks. It’s just amazing to see all of the names in the story that have fallen by the wayside, while A.I. kept on going for a whole decade in the same city, every year being vilified and worshipped at the same time, with a body that is not built for a hardwood pounding.
Players change teams all the time, even Hall of Famers that have been with one team forever. But this is beyond any comparison. He’ll be great wherever he goes, and as much as this saga needs to end, I don’t think I’m ready for the next phase of his career.
8 Responses to “Classic A.I. flashback”
Dec.13 at 5:47 pm
One Angry Knick Fan says:
Ish 42 was great. City Slicker, Alan Paul’s piece on Walt “Clyde” Frazier was dope. The picture of him in the trench coat, turtleneck, and pimp hat is one of Slam’s best ever. He looks like Dolemite! On another note: Imagine if Philly loses Paul Arizin and AI in the same 24 hour span.
Dec.13 at 6:00 pm
Max Airington says:
I just re-read Khalid’s piece on A.I. from like ‘03 (The “American Hero” cover) the other night at work, and it’s still the best ink Iverson has ever gotten. Anywhere.
Dec.13 at 6:27 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
is it a conincidence that the “steve” in “steve francis” is blocked out and that the franchise is now only half the player he was back then? This may sound a little bizzare, but as a Torontonian I equate losing Iverson with when the Blue Jays lost Delgado. Same scenario - losing team has to get rid of top level superstar because of cash and the superstar’s displeasure with losing. The fans here in Toronto were crushed when he left (much like AI, Delgado was a Blue Jay for life up until that point), but we all knew it had to happen. It is going to take a long long time before Philly fans get over losing Iverson. Shit, the same thing might be happening with Vernon Wells as we speak…
Dec.13 at 6:49 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
At least the Blue Jays had those championships, and they’ve had other great players.
George “Jorge” Bell was the man.
Dec.13 at 11:07 pm
Will Lee says:
don’t sound like he’s dead, Sam. But honestly I don’t think AI can bring more wins to any team anymore. I am his big fan, and he’s really loved by basically everyone. But from basketball perspective, he just can’t win with a game like that anymore.
Dec.14 at 12:40 am
Boing Dynasty says:
Ya, the worst part about that Delgado thing was when 2 months after dude signed with Florida, Ted added 20 mill to the budget, and they couldnt find anyone decent to throw the money at. That 4 home game, with 2 grandslams in the next two games? gangster. Look on the bright side Country, JP just threw a pile of money at Vern, cross them fingers he takes it, or hope they trade him for a #1 pitcher and a Shortstop if he dosent want it. Wells, Troy Glaus, Overbay, Frank Thomas, Rios should be fun to watch anyway.
Roberto Alomar for Prez.
1
Dec.14 at 12:41 am
Boing Dynasty says:
4 HomeRun**
Dec.14 at 2:54 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
Agreed Boing - but I don’t see how Vernon will accept 126 over 8 when other teams will be giving him their first born. We need pitching, the Sixers need a big man who 99 years old and isn’t paid 20,000,000/year.