Will AI get another chance in the NBA?

The NBA hasn’t seen the genius play of Allen Iverson since the 2009-10. While most sports fans would say the NBA hasn't seen AI’s genius for a much longer time than that, 2009-10 season was the last time “The Answer,” played in the NBA. With a huge step down in play occurring after being traded from the Denver Nuggets, and a rough time transitioning from starter to sixth man, AI found himself with no NBA suitors.

An injury-filled stint overseas with the Beskitas of Turkey wasn't enough to boost AI’s market value, and he was forced to retire when no NBA teams offered him a contract. Now, three years removed from the league, sources say Iverson has turned down the Dallas Legends Development Team offer to help him back into the NBA.

According to ESPN, though Iverson has turned down deals from the Legends before, a new offer was placed on the table recently. The Dallas Mavericks just picked up veteran guard Mike James from the Legends, which now puts the Legends at the top of the waiver list. What this means is that if AI can prove himself on the Legends, he will have an unobstructed path directly back into the NBA. Teams can pick him up off of waivers, and AI can be back in an NBA jersey.

Iverson hasn't directly spoken to official sources, but he did tweet, “I thank Donnie and Dallas for the consideration and while I think the D-league is a great opportunity, it is not the route for me.”  One can only assume he has a better reason than personal pride to decline a golden opportunity to return to the league.

The legends have already reintroduced Mike James, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Antonio Daniels back into the NBA. Maybe this is the answer AI is looking for, and he’ll reconsider his decision soon. 

Photo courtesy of Investor Place