Allen Iverson Un-Retires

The rumors have been confirmed. Allen Iverson will be rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, December 7th.

The former NBA MVP announced his retirement a week ago, leaving the Memphis Grizzlies due to "personal reasons", after playing only three games for the team, disappeared off the grid November 7th. The Grizzlies released Iverson on November 16th.

The 76ers are not having the best of years. Their most recent game against the Thunder handed them their eighth loss in a row, putting them at a dismal 5-14 to start off the season. Lou Williams, one of the Sixers promising young prospects is out for at least two months with a broken jaw. The starting point guard was averaging 17.6 points per game and right at about five assists, so obviously his presence on the court was missed sorely the last few games. 18-year old Jrue Holiday showed promise at the position but just doesn't have the court presence of Williams.

Talks with Allen Iverson began on November 30th and it seems they didn't waste much time. Sixers GM, Ed Stefanski, along with a host of others, met with AI, his manager and agent to discuss his possible return to the game.

Three days later, on Wednesday, December 2nd, the Sixers and AI reached an agreement. As is a Sixers team policy, the contract, salary, and terms of the deal were not made public.

Now will this be a good decision for the Sixers? Or have they made a terrible mistake?

Allen Iverson is known for his tendency towards controversy. From being arrested for possession of marijuana and a concealed gun, to allegedly throwing his wife out of the house during a fight. He's sat out of games, pouting because he had to come off the bench. He's criticized a referee for supposed poor calling during a game. Overall, the all-star unarguably brings a lot of talent. But is the baggage and the attitude really worth it? Will he be able to put up with authority? Chris Ford is gone, but will AI give Eddie Jordan the same attitude?

Only time will tell. The Sixers and Iverson have scheduled a press conference today to perhaps ease our steady flow of questions.

Iverson stated that "Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids". Looks like he got about 6 days of quality time with his family before pulling a proverbial Brett Favre and deciding to come back to the game in which he feels he can "still compete at the highest level". Brett Favre has proved he's still legit. Can Allen Iverson do the same?