And shot 40 %. You can look at one side of the story, I can look at the other.
I don't consider Iverson's last year in Detroit of what he has left, but comparing his shooting numbers to some of the other top scorers in the NBA...
Allen Iverson shot 41 percent last season from the field. LeBron James shot 48 percent during his MVP season, Kobe Bryant shot 46 percent, Dwyane Wade shot better than everyone with 49 percent. Now that's comparing him to the players considered the top three in the game.. And let me remind you, before he was traded he shot 45 percent from the field with Denver.. A team that embraced him, a team that welcomed him, a team that wanted him not just for a contract.
Iverson is a career 42 percent shooter from the field.. Hes always been a guy in the low 40's in terms of shooting the basketball from the field, which is, IMO a surprised considering the number of shots this guy takes. Yet, people act like hes shooting in Larry Hughes land around 30 or so percent.. Give me a break.
People would say he would score, I would say that our offense would severely suffer if AI was brought in. As would our defense.
Our offense doesn't suffer, not with LeBron James running the show. If Iverson were to come here, something people seem to forget.. He'd already know hes not the main guy, he'd already know he may not even be the second option. He'd know he can't have a "All about me" type attitude. Our offense wouldn't suffer if you add a guy who can score you 20 or so a game on 40 percent shooting, the opponents defense will..
So you're saying Mo Williams, Daniel Gibson, Sasha Pavlovic, Wally Szczerbiak, and Kinsey are all better defenders than Iverson? I will give you Sasha, Gibson has improved.. But you're acting like he just sits on the offensive end of the floor.
Though Iverson has aged, hes STILL averaged 1.5-1.6 SPG, compared to his 2.2 career average. Our defense wouldn't suffer as bad as you think.
AI isn't suddenly going to become an efficient shooter, he's never been one and he never will be. He'll never be a good defender because of his size. He can still handle the ball and he may still have that quickness.
The Cavs would already know they aren't getting a sharp shooter if they were to elect to sign Iverson.. They would get a guy who can score by attacking the rim and being able to hit open shots half the time. I never thought I'd witness the day Iverson would be left open for jump shots throughout a game, let alone a season.. He'd get many in Cleveland, would be interesting to see. But as far as efficient shooter.. He's never been a shooter, never will.. I think that's a moot point.
I just see no upside with AI here. I'd rather get a SG who can play defense and shoot *Anthony Parker* and bring Delonte off the bench in for about 35 minutes a game.
Got nothing against your opinion in not wanting A.I, it comes as no surprise... Nothing against Parker, but Iverson is a much better offensive option, a guy who would cause several double teams and freeing up LeBron James, Shaq, along with Mo Williams and Delonte West for better looks offensively.
I just find it funny people would welcome guys like Sheed and Artest, but once Iverson's name is tossed into the hat.. They freak the hell out. Understandable he doesn't fit a big need like Sheed and Artest would, but to make the statements about his attitude and all, and not mention the same about the other two notable guys is idiotic, IMO..
