Look who says Philly will be better without Iverson
Hello Charlie.
These types of columns were inevitable. So predictable. With RSS feeds, unless the author’s name is part of the title, you usually don’t see who wrote a given column until you click on it. I saw that the foxsports feed had a column titled “Maybe the Sixers had the right idea.” This could only mean one thing.
Charley Rosen.
Upon visting the link, I was correct. Charley breaks down the two teams in painstaking detail, saving the Iverson-Andre Miller matchup for last. Then he explains his predictable view on A.I.
Iverson is what he is and what he’s always been, with or without Anthony, Smith, and Nene. That is, a turnover-prone, shot-happy, high-volume shooter and scorer, who over-handles and plays inept defense.
And
The Sixers, on the other hand, have a surprisingly competitive here-now, as well as a future that could conceivably be filled with real promise. In the end, the most ultimate plot-master will turn out to be Billy King. One way or the other.
Sigh. Here’s the classic.
19 Responses to “Look who says Philly will be better without Iverson”
Jan.3 at 2:58 pm
dkosei2 says:
Don’t know why you even pay attention to Rosen. I mean, he’s the same guy that told people that Lebron James would be a flop…
Jan.3 at 3:09 pm
J R says:
since when do game shorts have pockets on them. i think i need to talk to my coach.
Jan.3 at 3:35 pm
Ron says:
Reading Rosen’s column, one would presume Kyle Korver to be the best white dude with the rock since Larry Legend, and Andre Miller was 20 better than AI. Why couldn’t just like it was and say that AI came out tight and did have a good game, and his former team devised a game plan to minimize his ability by playing and limiting his penetration. All the sixers did was play defense the way teams played them when AI was their only scorer.
Jan.3 at 3:40 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
He said something even better about LeBron, either immediately pre- or post-draft that, in my opinion, was so stupid he should never be allowed to comment on basketball again. I believe Ryan knows the quote by heart, so I’m sure he’ll provide it as soon as he’s done with the chores.
Jan.3 at 3:42 pm
Kevin Wilson says:
When I saw the title on my RSS feed, I said without hesitation, “Charley Rosen, that’s who.” Yes, the man who told Cleveland fans not to get their hopes up because, “The best King James will ever be is an average NBA player.” My favorite story about Charley, either Russ or Lang told it. Rosen was in a group of media guys and Jeff Van Gundy’s there after leaving the Knicks. He talks to Rosen and says, “Oh, you’re the one who wrote all that stuff about me and Latrell. You know none of that was true, right?” When he had an ESPN column and did a mailbag, I asked him about that incident. No replies, for some strange reason.
Jan.3 at 3:49 pm
hartadi says:
it’s alright A.I. and denver fans, when melo is finally back on the court, lets see how rosen swallow his own s***.
Jan.3 at 3:52 pm
One Angry Knick Fan says:
Iverson is what he is and what he’s always been. That is, an indomitable icon, a source of inspiration that never loses faith in self or succumbs to injury, who never quits, who captivates audiences, who dominates headlines from coast to coast win or lose, who single-handedly fills arenas and sells more tickets, jerseys, and magazines than any player since Jordan. Yeah sure, he’s the AntiMike, but he’s also the People’s Champ. Is there anybody out there that didn’t want AI to end up on their team?
Jan.3 at 4:51 pm
dogman says:
Sam –you and the posse really need to get a grip…it’s called Context…did philly ever win it all or get even close to consistent success with A.I.? No. So, when it comes to rebuilding, why is Rosen’s analysis so far-fetched? Tearing down the house requires courage and patience. Fans want, no, demand immediate gratification. In the NBA Atlantic Conference–there’s no such thing as yet…As for the early on Lebron piece–again, you must consider context. James was a brash 17 year old with a chip (deserved or not) on his shoulder. Charley’s point was not off the mark…fearing another thug, acting it all out on the block - Rosen expressed his view with understandable apprehension. It’s just that Lebron’s learning curve proved to be a great deal faster than most other mortals in his category…step back from your own righteousness and read things with a more discerning eye.
Jan.3 at 5:21 pm
norway's finest says:
Dogman, I have to disagree, If you read most of Rosen’s columns it you would think he never saw a basketball game before. He’s still living off of his glory years in the ABA….long time ago. Just check out his columns straight doo doo butter. Bergen Norway stand up!
Jan.3 at 6:00 pm
Shiz says:
LeBron had a chip on his shoulder? Brash? AFter playing point his rookie year??
Arbitrarily making up League conferences? Nice.
Saying that the 6′ers never enjoyed success with A.I.?
Having some discombobulated “equation” for why Miller is better than A.I.? Someone’s reeking of Rosen…
Jan.3 at 6:02 pm
Shiz says:
Charley Rosen is the Al Bundy of Sports Journalism, always trying to relive his “Glory Days” at Poke High. -Insert classic Al Bundy Quarterback pose-
Jan.3 at 6:16 pm
dogman says:
Norway- I’ve been to Bergen, arguably one of the most beautiful spots on our ever warming planet. But what exactly do you disagree with? Circling back to Rosen’s premise; Philly better off without AI–the answer is–only time will tell. But wouldn’t you have to agree they were not contenders with Iverson? What’s a GM to do - but try to rebuild by fielding a team that plays together with pieces that fit. Politics is the art of compromise. Sports columnists engage in the craft of appearing brash in order to carve out an identity. We call that survival. People say a lot of things in order to stir up the pot. That’s the point.
Jan.3 at 6:30 pm
Mike says:
The Sixers did need to trade Iverson. They might not have needed to trade him had they been able to unload Webber, but Isiah must have turned his phone off, so no Webber deal was going to happen. The saying “if you can’t win with him, see what you can get for him and move on” applied to the Iverson scenario. It also applies to KG and the Wolves.
Iverson is a shot-happy, turnover prone, undersized shooting guard. He also is a gate draw and volume scorer who can carry his team for days or weeks at a time.
All that being said, Rosen is a douche who lives off his “glory” years as Phil Jackson’s assistant (read: coffee and dope fetcher) in the ABA.
Rosen, along with many sportswriters are out of touch with today’s league. To quote an old favourite: “Larry Bird is not walking through that door people, Kevin McHale is not walking through that door people.” And they’re not bringing their un-tattooed skin and tighty shorts with them.
The NBA was what it was, and is what it is. It was great then, and it is great now.
Jan.3 at 7:49 pm
norway's finest says:
I guess that’s why he still has a job… but that being said you have to agree that it’s not entirely AI’s fault that they stink. Billy King has done a poor job evaluating talent and giving large contracts to mediocre, ex, Dalembert, or Webber’s Horrific demise
Jan.3 at 8:02 pm
mutoni says:
it really is too bad rosen never got that gig w/ slam.
Jan.3 at 10:43 pm
Dennard says:
LMAO!!!!! Sam, I see your favorite curmudgeon is back at it.
Jan.4 at 11:00 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
I typically don’t read uncle Charlie’s columns, but I found it funny that I could see a headline and instantly know who wrote the story.
Whenever I see Charlie’s photo, it reminds me of the bad guy from Robocop 2.
http://imdb.com/gallery/granitz/2416/Events/2416/CharlesNoo_Vespa_2306233_400.jpg.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Noonan,%20Tom
Jan.4 at 1:39 pm
Darksaber says:
Rosen?? Hmm, Rosen. Isn’t he still in the cba? Or hanging on Zen’s jock? And now he has things to say about TODAY’S Nba? Wow, that retirement home in Florida should cancel his broadband connection.
Jan.4 at 2:57 pm
Boom Boom says:
LeBron James might be a man among boys — but in the NBA, he’ll be a boy among men. Skilled, experienced, powerful, and above all, ruthless men.