Allen Iverson has made no secret of the fact that he wants back in the NBA. He thinks he has a lot left to offer an NBA team, and as fans of the game, we tend to agree. With that said, there have been no takers whatsoever. He has showcased his remaining talents in exhibitions in China, charity games with other NBA players, and streetball events.
But now rumor has it that Iverson is in the final stages of negotiations to sign with the Israeli team Maccabi Haifa.
Iverson, 37, will suit up for the Israeli squad when it takes on the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves this month in the United States, the Israeli Sport5 site reported.
Sport5 added that Maccabi Haifa officials are considering signing the perennial NBA All-Star guard to a longer contract if the experiment succeeds.
Iverson was invited to play for Haifa by coach Brad Greenberg, who was a part of the Philadelphia 76ers staff when Iverson starred for the team. Left without a team for this season, Iverson had announced his retirement earlier this year.
This seems like a win-win for everyone involved. Iverson gets another shot at playing against NBA talent, as a litmus test to see where he stacks up. NBA owners get to take a look at what Iverson has left in the tank. And Maccabi Haifa gets to capitalize of Iverson’s fame and talents.
As a fan of basketball, I’ll have my fingers and toes crossed a deal happens.
(H/T to JTA.org)
