Unable to deal with that, Iverson pouted his way out of Detroit, Memphis, and Philadelphia.
Now, after a year off, Iverson said he is ready to end his career in a more heartening fashion. Knowing that the Celtics will be seeking help, Iverson’s manager, Gary Moore, told the Globe his client would love to come to Boston.
“I have already spoken to Allen about that and many other opportunities, and of course he would be interested in anywhere in the NBA but Boston is particularly attractive to him,’’ Moore said, “because of Danny Ainge, the organization, and one of the most respected coaches he knows in the business in Doc Rivers.
“He has the utmost respect for Doc Rivers and the current roster of players. Allen would relish the opportunity to play in that organization.’’
Iverson turned off many NBA executives by leaving the Grizzles because they used him as a bench player. He persuaded the 76ers that he was ready to return to form and contribute to a young team but he left the club because of personal issues and never returned. He hasn’t played in the NBA since February 2010, and even a brief stint with a Turkish team ended prematurely because of a calf injury.
Moore said Iverson has regained his desire to play, resolved his personal problems, and will accept a bench role.
“Allen has a lot of respect for the league and for the game and those who came before him,’’ Moore said. “But to get back into the league and to leave the way that he deserves to leave, that is very near and dear to him. It means the world to him.’’
With Rajon Rondo locked in as the Celtics point guard and Ray Allen as the shooting guard, Iverson’s role would likely be as a scorer off the bench. In Detroit and Memphis, he created issues because he demanded to start.
“I think that is so overplayed,’’ Moore said. “He said it on more than one occasion. And I’ve always known that. I think it was taken out of context. Allen would accept any role. Anything he can do to help a ball team is what he will be able to do.’’
