Is Allen Iverson still worth the risk?  

Basketball fans know how Allen Iverson's stint with the Detroit Pistons and the Memphis Grizzlies went. Despite his talent, teams never hesitate to say "no" to Iverson because of his attitude issues. Iverson is groomed to follow the footsteps of Latrell Sprewell who thinks too much about himself. Iverson is good, no doubt about it, but he's no longer "The Answer" of old. He's no longer capable of leading teams to the finals but he could help teams reach that far as a support or probably as the second or third option. Iverson's stint with the Denver Nuggets was not that bad but considering the talent that the Nuggets had, they should have made it past the first round with AI.

Anyway, after a very brief stint with the Grizzlies, Iverson is out and is heading out the retirement door, too premature considering the steam that he still have left. So far, Iverson's former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, have expressed interest in getting him back. The 76ers are struggling so far and is still in search of an identity. Another AI, Andre Igoudala, is leading the 76ers lately but badly needs more support and better yet mature experience to guide them. Elton Brand has been a disappointment with the 76ers. With tons of experience to his credit, Iverson can provide the 76ers what they need. The drawback? AI want to play for a winner and Philly's isn't.

Winning teams such as Boston have already closed their doors for a possibility of bringing AI in while powerhouses such as the Lakers, Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio doesn't have the room and playing time to give to AI. An NBA.com article stated that 6 teams (aside from Philadelphia) could consider taking AI. They are the Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and the Miami Heat. I really won't agree putting the Bulls in the list as they are trying to revolve around Derrick Rose. Putting AI to the team might hamper Rose's growth. AI won't be a good fit in Miami either. Dwyane Wade makes up more than 50% of Miami's load. Not unless AI puts his ego aside, a losing team is his best option for playing time, starting role, and star status. Personally, Toronto is the best place for him.

Philadelphia - Much history for AI here but I don't think history would matter much for him. The 76ers are heading the wrong way lately and are considering rebuilding. AI's old and he will never be a part of any rebuilding process (not unless if he swallows his pride)

New Jersey - 0-17 start and that is a good thing for next season the least, the Nets are heading for the lottery. They've got Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, and Chris Douglas-Roberts. These are young guys New Jersey can build around for the future. Here's the pitch. AI is looking for a winning team and obviously New Jersey isn't. Two scenarios: First, AI assumes the star role for the team and might put Harris and the rest of the Nets to the side limelight, or second, AI plays behind the shadow of these young players. Either way, New Jersey will be losing and AI won't be happy.

Indiana Pacers - Indiana's got a scorer in Danny Granger and putting Iverson with him might be a good option. Aside from Granger, the Pacers lack a legitimate scoring machine, AI can fill that role. The question now is, will AI click with the Pacers? Clearly he can score, but helping the team win is another story.

Houston Rockets - Trevor Ariza, Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola, and Carl Landry are doing quite well for the Rockets. It's still doubtful when will Tracy McGrady would return as well as Yao Ming. But considering the amount of time given to them, both T-Mac and Yao might be back in full health next season. A scenario, AI could be a good short term choice. Once McGrady and Yao returns, AI is an odd man out (again, not unless if he swallows his pride).

Toronto Raptors - I personally think this is the best team AI could choose. A Jose Calderon-Allen Iverson back court will do good. Hedo Turkuglo isn't that impressive with the Raptors and Chris Bosh needs some back up. Iverson can light up those scoring sheets for the Raptors. Dealing with AI's pride won't much be of a problem with the Raptors because unlike the Memphis Grizzlies, the Raptors doesn't have much guards whom Iverson should compete with in terms of playing time.

But still, is Allen Iverson still worth the risk?