Although, we have yet to seen what he really capable of doing seeing as that the Olympics is still in process. What do you think of Allen Iverson performance so far? And can this be an indication of the Allen Iverson we may be seeing this upcoming season? Well I for one am not too thrilled with his performance overseas. However, he is doing a good job in Athens, but I'm just not very thrilled about it. The thing that aggravates me the most about him is that he over dribbles. When he over dribbles the ball he sometimes ruin the team offense and ball movement. So I could defiantly see this being a problem next season. But on a brighter note, his jumper seems to have gotten a little better. Now some probably heard the same thing last summer because of his seven 3-Point onslaught in the Qualifying Round last year. And some of may have thought this would be a indication of what we may see this season, but it was obviously not the case. While this year, his jumper is a little more consistent. Opposed to that one game where he hit 7 treys his jumper is looking much smoother and he's really taking better shots. Whether he will be able to do the same in Philly seeing as that there is no Tim Duncan to draw the double team away from him, but his shot is looking much better. This may not be much but that satisfaction of his jumper possibly being better is a good thing. Not to mention, his defense is really great. I?m not just referring to him reading the passing lanes and getting a steal, his man on man defense is much more intense. The US had trouble denying guard penetration, but with his quickness he usually denies some guards of getting the ball in the lane. He?s also drawing offense fouls and forces the ball handler to throw a tough and yet sloppy pass which usually ends up being a turnover. So that?s also another good sign. Opinions? ?
I have been impressed with his performance so far as being the leader of team USA not so much impressed on the other hand at his job at point guard. He has been turnover prone and has not been able to handle pressure from some other point guards and these are guards from the European leagues and that sort of things these guys are not known for playing great defense. Overall his Olympic time has been well spent he has gotten to study under Larry Brown a little longer and improve his point guard game. he also showed that he has improved his mid range shot a little through the Olympics and that he can get his teammates involved in the game now and knows he has to being the point guard. He needs to just improve his ball handling abilities not in terms of speed, or pushing the ball, just in terms of taking care of it. He will not be able to handle point guard job in the playoffs when it becomes a half court game unless he improves in that area. Also he needs to know that although he has to get his teammates involved looking for his own shots a little more often is not such a bad idea. I give the Olympic performance by AI so far a 8.5 our of 10. If he wins the gold and improves his ball handling ability it is a win for everyone. For him, Larry Brown, the USA, and the Sixers.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He has been turnover prone and has not been able to handle pressure from some other point guards and these are guards from the European leagues and that sort of things these guys are not known for playing great defense.</div> That's a case of him over dribbling. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He has been turnover prone and has not been able to handle pressure from some other point guards and these are guards from the European leagues and that sort of things these guys are not known for playing great defense.</div> I highly agree with that. At times he would get by a defender and get into the lane, and is clueless on what's he plans on doing with the ball. While in mid-air he doesn?t know if he shoot the ball or pass the ball, and most times it ends up being a very sloppy pass or a turnover. He has to be more aware and be much more precautious. I?m sure down the stretch of next season, they will see how valuable Eric Snow was in terms of handling the basketball. <font size="1">BTW, I just reached my 1,000th Post! </font>
AI is not doing anything special but he is still doing a good job,his role on team is different so I dont expect to see the Philly AI. One thing I have noticed is that he isnt as streaky as he usally is so hopfully he has been working on his j. I dont think AI is doing a bad job but I think he hasnt been using all of his gears I think he is saving his top notch and I think he is going to have a big game sooner or later. What I am worried about is that this might take away some energy of AI's by the time the season starts..IM not saying he wont be ready but he might be banged up because he wont get much rest after the games end.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">AI is not doing anything special but he is still doing a good job,his role on team is different so I dont expect to see the Philly AI.</div> Yes his role on the team is very different then the one he plays in Philly, but how is he not doing anything special? He is the second leading scorer on the team and is only behind the guy that has one two of the last three mvp awards and is the co captin of team USA. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">One thing I have noticed is that he isnt as streaky as he usally is so hopfully he has been working on his j.</div> Yeah in the olympics some times I have seen him attempt more jumpers then he regularly would in a NBA game. I think one of the reasons he is doing that is to like you said improve it. Although he is representing his country and wants to win I think he realises his main goal this year is to lead the Sixers and for that reason he wants to improve his game all around to help them. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont think AI is doing a bad job but I think he hasnt been using all of his gears I think he is saving his top notch and I think he is going to have a big game sooner or later. What I am worried about is that this might take away some energy of AI's by the time the season starts..IM not saying he wont be ready but he might be banged up because he wont get much rest after the games end.</div> I think he may have one or two break out games yet to come, but not many considering all the players he has to share the ball with. Not to mention that his thumb injury may play a huge factor in how willing he is to drive the ball inside because he doesnt want to re injure it. I also think that this olympics wiull take a huge fatigue blow on AI. In fact I just made a thread about that very thing a little while ago. If he could not hold up last seasonw ith no olympics I am scarred to think what may happen this year with him playing with all these injuries in the olympics well not a lot, but injuries like a broken thumb and jammed finger. Hopefully he will be alright though.
Team USA Report Card <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ALLEN IVERSON: <font color="Red">B</font> AI gets strokes for courage and for trying to look for the pass before the shot. Although he's made some clutch buckets (particularly late in the game against Lithuania), his perimeter shooting has been erratic. On defense, he's gambling too often and is not battling his way through enough picks. Instead of being the dominant presence he is in the NBA, he's been mostly a hooper ordinaire. TO WIN: Iverson must step up and deliver. On defense, he should pressure the ball and be satisfied in turning his opponent rather than always looking for the rip. On offense, he must show no hesitation in penetrating the seams in the zone, and he must trust his athleticism and court-vision to create shots for himself and his teammates.</div> <div align="center">Link</div> ___________________________ <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I also think that this olympics wiull take a huge fatigue blow on AI. In fact I just made a thread about that very thing a little while ago. If he could not hold up last seasonw ith no olympics I am scarred to think what may happen this year with him playing with all these injuries in the olympics well not a lot, but injuries like a broken thumb and jammed finger. Hopefully he will be alright though.</div> I believe in his best interest he should take majority of the preseason games off. He should play maybe the last 3 preseason games or so just to make sure he jells with the team. I also think that he will be somewhat physically fatigued, but most importantly he may be exhausted mentally. With everything that's going on in Athens and then having to go back to Philly and play with guys such as Thomas and Dalembert opposed to Duncan and Odom it's going to be yet another change for him. He?s getting used to playing with this Olympic Team, and when heading back to Philly he?s going to be playing a new role (PG) and is going to have to adapt to a new playing style. So this is going to be a very hectic season for Iverson. Hopefully, he can pull through it all.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">I have been impressed with his performance so far as being the leader of team USA not so much impressed on the other hand at his job at point guard. He has been turnover prone and has not been able to handle pressure from some other point guards and these are guards from the European leagues and that sort of things these guys are not known for playing great defense..</div> I thought you'd like to know AI is playing shooting guard in these games and not point guard. His turnovers aren't that bad compared to what he usually faces. The Euros arn't really stopping AI at all on the offensive end. Not to metion AIS defnense has really benn great these games. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post"> Overall his Olympic time has been well spent he has gotten to study under Larry Brown a little longer and improve his point guard game. he also showed that he has improved his mid range shot a little through the Olympics and that he can get his teammates involved in the game now and knows he has to being the point guard..</div> Agree 100% <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">He needs to just improve his ball handling abilities not in terms of speed, or pushing the ball, just in terms of taking care of it. He will not be able to handle point guard job in the playoffs when it becomes a half court game unless he improves in that area. Also he needs to know that although he has to get his teammates involved looking for his own shots a little more often is not such a bad idea..</div> He is a very good speed dribbler and that is one of his specialtys. No need to get rid of it. He will be able to handle the Point in the play offs against guys like Jamal Tinsley, STephon Marbury, etc. Also he can get his own shots , but just pass a little more. NOthing wrong about being a shoot first PG espcially when your carrying a team. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">I give the Olympic performance by AI so far a 8.5 our of 10. If he wins the gold and improves his ball handling ability it is a win for everyone. For him, Larry Brown, the USA, and the Sixers.</div> AI has been the 2nd best player on this team thus far. A 8,5 seams reasonable and a 9 for Duncan is what I see. Ai has derastically improved his game this off season. We may be serious play off centenders and a 3rd seed if everything goes how I see it.
