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Allen Iverson has yet to play a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers (in fact, he's yet to even join his teammates) but his impact has already been felt -- in the sales office. The team won't release exact numbers but Lara Price, the 76ers senior vice president of business operations, did confirm to the Philadelphia Inquirer that they sold more tickets on Wednesday, the day Iverson's agreement to return to Philadelphia became official, than they have any other day since single-game tickets were released in Oct. 10.
Given the start to the Sixers' season, the timing couldn't be better: the Sixers have won just five of their first 19 games, ranking 29th out of 30 in home attendance. Even if Iverson's arrival provides a short-term boost, the fact that he signed for the prorated veteran's minimum means it won't take long for the team's bean counters to see a return on their investment.
But what about his impact on the basketball court? As GM Ed Stefanski told reporters during a teleconference, that's what he's most concerned about. "Allen can play right away. If it means we start playing better basketball and win and can bring fans in, that's great," Stefanski said. "But to get attendance you have to win basketball games and we're aware of that. That's why we brought Allen in, to win basketball games."
Iverson's tireless energy has been a hallmark of his career, but at 34, it's unrealistic to think he's in mid-season form after missing the entire preseason with injury and playing only 67 minutes over three regular season games with the Grizzlies. Will the 76ers allow him to play himself into shape while playing starters' minutes?
On the surface it seems like they have no other choice, at least if they want to get off on the right foot and avoid the playing time controversies that's led to ugly breakups in his last two NBA stops. For what it's worth, Stefanski denied that Iverson was promised a starting role, but clearly understands what it will take to keep him happy.
"There was no guarantee from the organization or from Eddie Jordan," Stefanski said, before adding, "We are not bringing Allen Iverson in as a guy to add to the depth or a practice player; we are bringing him in to play basketball."
Injuries have played a large role in Philadelphia's struggles this year, as has their transition to Eddie Jordan's Princeton offense. Through 19 games, the Sixers rank 29th in offensive pace, but Stefanski is clearly hoping the addition of Iverson will help the team loosen the reins.
"We are running on makes and misses and are trying to bring the tempo of the game up," he said. "We've been successful in the sense that we're still in the game in the fourth quarter; we just haven't gotten over the hump. But just like Coach Jordan and many others have said, there are no moral victories, we need W's. That's why we're bringing him in."
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