An Emotional Allen Iverson Meets the Philadelphia Press

Allen Iverson was once again introduced as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, three years after being traded from the place where he spent the first 10-plus seasons of his All-Star career.

Things have been recently rocky for Iverson, who left the Memphis Grizzlies after just three games to first deal with a personal family matter, before eventually announcing his intention to retire from basketball altogether. But when he got the call from his agent presenting the opportunity to "come back home," Iverson said it was something he couldn't turn down.

It was an understandably emotional moment for Iverson, who had to fight back the tears as he declared his happiness with his current situation.

The problems for Iverson on his two previous clubs, Detroit and Memphis, stemmed from the fact that in both situations, he was being asked to come off the bench -- something he very vocally made clear that he was not comfortable with. It was addressed this time around, and Iverson said all the right things.

"You know what, the situation here is so great for me and it's such a blessing, that when we had that meeting I felt good about the meeting and what coach said," Iverson said. "Just give me the assignment, and I'll help you win basketball games.

"That situation [coming off the bench] is so frustrating to me ... it was so hard for me because I never had to do it in my whole life. It was tough on me, I didn't know how to deal with it, and obviously I didn't deal with it the right way. I just couldn't handle it."

Ed Stefanski also discussed the possibility of Iverson coming off the bench in Philadelphia. But while he said no guarantees were made, it doesn't seem like that was the reason for the signing.

"No one guaranteed Allen would start here, or that he would play X number of minutes," Stefanski said. "I didn't bring him here to add depth, I'm bringing Allen Iverson back here to help us on the court to win basketball games."

For his part, Iverson feels he's grown from his past two experiences, and says now that all he wants to do is fit in, and help his team win ballgames.

"I don't want to prove anybody wrong, I'm not in it for that," Iverson said. "But if I can help my team win basketball games the way my coach wants me to help, I'll be satisfied."

Iverson is expected to make his Sixers debut on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets.

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/12/03/an-emotional-allen-iverson-meets-the-philadelphia-press/