Filed under: Bobcats, Rockets, Spurs, NBA Coaches, ULEB, The Works
In The Works today: our friend Rob Peterson (@ShotDrJr) appreciates everything about Gregg Popovich and Shoals previews the Bobcats.But first, what Allen Iverson's relocation says about our idea of legacy.
Bling Chaser
Back when Allen Iverson was rumored to be on his way to signing with a club in the Chinese Basketball Association, I argued that the pity and shock from American fans resulted primarily from our low level of enthusiasm about Chinese basketball. The deal fell through, though, and everyone's worst fears for Iverson -- that'd he become a man playing Allen Iverson covers in Shanghai, a veritable circus act -- were dismissed.Now reports suggest A.I. is on the precipice of signing with Besiktas, a mid-rung Turkish club that is not participating in Euroleague (Europe's top competition) this season. Yahoo! reports that Iverson's business manager has confirmed that negotations are underway; the salary on the table looks to be about $2 million, or just above the NBA's veteran's minimum salary for a player of A.I.'s experience.
In other words, to remain a star, Iverson is willing to move to Turkey and play for a non-elite club for basically little financial benefit. Maybe, if the rumors about A.I.'s cash problems are true, Iverson has no choice and must take the most lucrative deal available. In that case, how would this be different than China? If Besiktas is ultimately anonymous, isn't it exactly the same as what Stephon Marbury is doing in China?
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