What to expect from Iverson (Daily Dime Interview)

[AHF]

ESPN's Daily Dime has an interview with former AI coach Jim OBrien.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?pa...ht&lid=tab4pos1

Quote:

---

What was his reaction when, in a team huddle, you called him the worst defensive point guard in the history of the game?

After that, he told me it was the first time he'd ever been called the worst in anything.

But he's not hypersensitive.

Not at all. The best part about Allen is that he had no problem being criticized in front of his teammates. You don't find that to be the case with superstars.

In fact, he encouraged you not to sit on any criticisms.

Yes. Another example was at halftime I got on him pretty hard about defense. Before we got back on court he said, "Listen, tell me to right then, don't wait till halftime."

I'm not saying we didn't have issues over 82 games, but generally the idea is to go behind closed doors and not to the media. He told me he wanted to be straightforward and when he thought I wasn't, he called me on it.

You coached Iverson when he was coming off a tough time with then-coach Chris Ford. You sat down with Iverson after a season in which his team had struggled. And you had traveled to Turkey to get to know him before the 2004 Olympics.

He said he didn't want me to manage him through the media -- that wasn't a problem because that's not how I coach. I told him that I wanted him to be a leader, that he would have to be a person who was going to be on time and be ready to lace 'em up.

And I told him I would never have him leave his legs on the practice floor. He had to stretch with the team and start practice with us, but leave it to me to take him out. I never had a problem with him about practicing.

His famous "practice" comments came in 2002. Can we talk about practice?

It's true he doesn't need practice to be a great player. But back then what he sometimes did not recognize is that for the team to play its best, he needs to practice -- the group needs reps to gel defensively and offensively.

Makes sense. So, what's he like?

He's very, very likable to be around, fun to be around. His teammates really like him, although they're not always comfortable playing with him.

He's going to have new ones soon. Think he could be a "final piece" guy?

I think he's going to bring a tremendous amount to a team that is positioned to go deep in the playoffs.

And if they're not?

If he's on a team no better than the Sixers, then he's going to have to be the guy who dominates the ball and it will be a difficult situation.

The best fit for him?

A metro area like Boston fairly near the casinos. The best situation would be in the bigger markets. Minnesota is a smaller market, but it would be interesting to see him there.

---

[Guest Walter]

I want to see him and Garnett on the same team. I think as far as (aging) superstars go they are a perfect fit.

W

[chillzatl]

it's the best chance that either of them have at getting a ring. I don't think it would be enough, but at least they'd have a shot. I have no love for KG, but I like AI. I wouldn't take him here, but I like him.

[gsuteke]

Indy. hopefully an implosion would follow shortly thereafter.

[Gray Mule]

I heard today that A.I. may be going down to join the

big man and his band of merry men.

Can you imagine A.I. feeding Shaq in the post.

Wouldn't THAT be something!!

[chillzatl]

and I don't believe it for a second. If you heard it from the same place I did, you also heard them say how he would instantly be #3, at best, on the totem pole. I just don't see it working out. Maybe if they went on an 85% win streak. Because if they had a losing streak of a few games or more, someone would get angry.

[Plainview1981]

Quote:

---

and I don't believe it for a second. If you heard it from the same place I did, you also heard them say how he would instantly be #3, at best, on the totem pole. I just don't see it working out. Maybe if they went on an 85% win streak. Because if they had a losing streak of a few games or more, someone would get angry.

---

AI to Miami? LOL

[TheDude]

i would love to see him on Minny. I think maybe why his teammates havent felt comfortable playing with him is because he is so emotional about winning and he's a winner. But Garnett is hardcore about winning. I think those two would make a great combo. I'd watch any game I could.