<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kvh4fan:</div><div class="quote_post"> Shaq missed practice too. I guess the Lakers should trade him now too?</div> But Shaq doesn't do it on a consistent basis like Iverson. And no, the Laker organization isn't that stupid and clueless to trade the Big Fella.
Iverson didnt miss a single practice while Randy Ayers was head coach. He only missed this practice because of his flight. Ford did make the right descision though and i respect him as a coach. Allen got to play in the game and did have a career high assists. I actually am beginning to think A.I. plays better coming off the bench. I don't see why he's making such a big deal out of the whole thing.
Everyones got their own opinions, but I can almost promise you that A.I. wont leave Philly not just because he loves the team, but because he loves all his fans, and not that its his desision to make, but do you think a smart coach would trade a player like Iverson. Ask yourself this question: What if the 76ers didnt have A.I.? Where would the team be without him? Think about that. I think A.I. was getting back on track and making his practices, and honestly he did have a delayed flight. Who knows for sure? I think A.I. is getting smarter and becomeing closer to his teamates.
I don't take what AI is saying at face value right now. His team is losing, no relief is in sight. Everyone is emotional right now and losing doesn't help the situation. I look for the Sixers to realize the special talent they have in Iverson and instead of letting him go, putting some quality guys around him and trying to make another run at the finals next year.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting UNCheelz011:</div><div class="quote_post">Iverson didnt miss a single practice while Randy Ayers was head coach. He only missed this practice because of his flight. Ford did make the right descision though and i respect him as a coach. Allen got to play in the game and did have a career high assists. I actually am beginning to think A.I. plays better coming off the bench. I don't see why he's making such a big deal out of the whole thing.</div>I disagree. I think Ford overreacted. If attending practice had been an issue w/AI this season then I think Ford did right. But it wasn't an issue and AI had a valid reason for missing the practice so Ford should have just let it be known that any further unexcused absences would not be tolerated. Allen's career high for assists is 15, not 14 IMO, Iverson was warranted for reacting the way he did. The punishment did not fit the crime.
Ford is a coach, just not a good one. His NBA record is below .500 AI just needs to be a man about it, come to play, participate in the things he's supposed to and do nothing to mess up the working relationship that's needed in order for them to work together. He doesn't have to like coach, and I think he's made it clear that he doesn't, all that matters is that when it comes to what happens between the lines, AI's got to trust and respect what coach says and be a leader on the floor. Simple as that.