Rumor: Warriors the Front-Runner in AI Sweepstakes

by Atma Brother ONE on Dec 12, 2006 8:58 AM PST in Rumors

It's raining in the Bay, but the Allen Iverson rumors are heating up this morning!

From Shira Springer of The Boston Globe:

According to a league source, the Celtics remain on the list of teams in contention for Iverson's services, along with Golden State, Minnesota, Indiana, Chicago, Denver, Charlotte, Sacramento, Dallas, and the Clippers. According to another league source, Golden State is the front-runner, offering a package that would include guard Baron Davis and a couple of young players.

From Mitch Lawrence for New York Daily News:

Sixers GM Billy King said he would not comment until a trade is finalized. Although the Bulls don't want Iverson, they still might be involved in a three-way deal, with Golden State ending up with Iverson. After a hot start, the Warriors have been falling apart, losing seven of their last 10.

But Don Nelson is interested in acquiring Iverson to pair with Baron Davis in his backcourt. In the three-way scenario, the Warriors would send power forward Troy Murphy to Chicago as part of a package of players.

Do you think an Allen Iverson-Baron Davis backcourt would work? Would it be an amazing backcourt duo a la Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe or a disaster like Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis?

Props to loyal GSoM community member GSDubbz for keeping everyone up on the latest with the diary * * * Baron for AI!! G.S. now #1 contender for AI.... * * *

Don't sleep!

99% of rumors never happen, but 99% of them are fun to talk about!

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Hmmm...A.I. and Baron?

That would be ridiculous! (As in good of course)...but I don't know how long they could co-inhabit the same backcourt. Each like runnin the show. And I don't like it if it would mean the end of J-rich in the Arena...wouldn't it be nice if we could get rid of some of these bloated contracts!

It is what it is....

by esco41510 on Dec 12, 2006 9:11 AM PST reply actions

But Don Nelson is interested in acquiring Iverson

First I've heard of that? If nellie wants AI then he should offer monta and some contracts other than Jason. JR has better future value and fan affection than either AI or monta. Would be great if Nellie could move Dun or foyle along with monta. Not too worried about murphs contract as we'd need a rebounder if we got AI.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Dec 12, 2006 9:44 AM PST reply actions

Makes alot of sense becuz...

A.I. would fit perfectly in Nellie ball. A.I. loves to shot, Nellie loves high scores. Match made in heaven if you ask me.

Looks like J-Rich, Dunleavy, and Murphy are the ones headed out. (Murphy to Chicago).

It would certainly give the Warriors a clean slate with the only contract being Foyle.

When the Warriors got off to a good start it was w/out those two, and I'm sure Mullin's thinking is to pair A.I. up with Monta, Baron, Andris, and Diogu -- POTENT!

Starbury, and Francis comparisons are laughable becuz Starbary is one of the most overrated players in NBA history. He should've never left Minnesota...the only place where he's won anything. He has always been on terribly bad teams -- coincedence?

Philly trades: A.I. to GS/Korver to Bulls
GS trades: J-Rich-Dunleavy to 76'ers/Murphy to Bulls
Bulls trade: ???

by bigcity7 on Dec 12, 2006 9:54 AM PST reply actions

Match made in hell

Don't know if AI fits perfectly. Nellie likes scoring, but his teams have consistently had high FG%'s and that's an area where Iverson routinely comes up far short. Without rebounders, you need to hit your shots or you're going to get killed. Miss shots without rebounders and you've lost a possession without scoring.

The ONLY seasons where Iverson's teams have been any good have been seasons where they were among the league leaders in rebounds. This is not a coincidence but a fundamental part of making AI's game work. If he comes here and he can't suddenly become a high percentage shooter or the Warriors do not suddenly go from the worst rebounding team to one of the better rebounding teams, we'll lose often.

by jae on Dec 12, 2006 11:02 AM PST up reply actions