Allen Iverson Retiring from the NBA at Age 34?

It appears that one of the NBA's most talented superstars has hinted at retirement from the game of basketball. According to ESPN.com, Allen Iverson has requested some time off to attend to personal matters. Coincidentally, this was right after he expressed his displeasure with the team's decision to use him as a reserve rather than a starter. The news was certainly jaw-dropping, but unsurprising to basketball fans due to Iverson's shaky past. Many of his loyal fans believed that he should have been utilized in a more serious way since he still remains to be one of the quickest players in the league despite being 34 years old.

Judging by his abilities on the court, he is unquestionably better than most players between the ages of 23-35. It is tough to recognize Iverson as a point guard because his style of play resembles that of a shooting guard since he takes about 25 shots a game. Iverson's field goal percentage has been a bit anemic as of late, but his defensive abilities have remained intact. Many players who play under point and shooting guard position lack the defensive skills Iverson possesses. Regardless of what his critics say, he is still in excellent shape, creates mismatches in his favor (due to his speed), and slashes to basket as fast as guys like Paul Pierce and Dwayne Wade.

The fact that many championship contending teams passed on the Iverson sweepstakes last summer was indeed shocking. Sure, his attitude was not the best in the league, but the potential he can bring to winning teams such as the Lakers, Magic, Cavaliers, and Spurs would only prove critical for their success during postseason. Unfortunately, due to the 2010 free agent market, Iverson's availability during the summer of 2009 made him non-existent to these teams. You really can't blame them since the major prize next summer would be none other than LeBron James who has hinted at the possibility of playing for several teams in the east coast. Personally, the Los Angeles Lakers could capitalize on the acquisition of Iverson since they are already stacked with forwards and centers. Iverson's price tag shouldn't be a problem for the Lakers since all NBA teams have disregarded Iverson's existence.

Gaining Iverson could help them overwhelm teams such as the Celtics in a potential finals match up. The only problem with this unlikely scenario would be teaming him up with Ron Artest who has also had his fair share of controversy around the league. A roster that consists of both Iverson and Artest can be a serious issue for any franchise, but when you have guys like Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson managing chemistry, attitudes in the locker room should remain unchanged. Phil is currently the most respected coach in the league and is very well known for tolerating the most bizarre athletes. One that comes to mind would be Dennis Rodman. Rodman would constantly get into trouble, but Jackson realized that he functioned best without being held under the microscope.

Many consider The Answer (Iverson's nickname) the Rocky Balboa of basketball due to his small stature and big heart. Always the easy target of criticism, Iverson would constantly prove his naysayers wrong by overpowering his larger opponents with his athleticism despite his 165 pound frame. The last two basketball seasons for Allen Iverson have shown his productivity on the decline, but only an amateur would even consider his career on the verge of mediocrity.

He needs to be on a winning team as soon as possible.

Official word from Iverson regarding this issue was reported by realgm basketball.

More detail on Iverson's departure was analyzed by espn sports.