Bottom line, Iverson would rather not play at all than to be felt unwanted and come off the bench.  The NBA’s response?  “We don’t really need you buddy.”

On the one hand I appreciate Iverson’s ego.  It’s the kind of ego that only the greatest players have.  At the same time there’s a sense of me that says if this guy just kept his mouth shut, held his ego in check and accepted a reserve role on a championship contending team then he just might have a shot at a ring again.

I guess the debate is which version is the prouder guy.  Who is the guy you respect more?  The one who quits while he knew he was descending or the guy who gives it his all until he can’t play anymore and kind of looks foolish on the court (Shaquille O’neal is approaching this status)?

Problem here is that Iverson is neither because he’ll never really know.  But clearly this is a case of ego.  The man says “I’m still awesome and if you can’t handle me shooting 10-30 in a starting role then screw you.”  Clearly the NBA has had enough of that.

There’s no denying that Iverson is a hall of famer and I think he might have been one of the top 5 toughest competitors to ever put on an NBA jersey (remember he was 6’0 and 160 lbs soaking wet).

However, it’s pretty evident that he did lack a certain intangible that championship players have.  A willingness to put some selfishness aside and realize that you have an entire basketball team at your disposal.

Jordan did it, Kobe did it, will Lebron James ever do it?  Time will tell.

I wish Iverson the best but I’m sure he thinks he’ll get it.