PHILADELPHIA — Allen Iverson is talking about a comeback.
And the Philadelphia 76ers are at least discussing the idea of bringing back their former franchise superstar.
A person with knowledge of the talks says the Sixers have been approached about signing the recently retired guard, and team management has held internal discussions about bringing Iverson back.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because talks have not been made public, says Iverson is among the free-agent candidates the Sixers are considering to replace injured point guard Lou Williams, who’s expected to miss eight weeks after jaw surgery.
“I think we would look at all the options for sure, but nothing has really happened,” Peter Luukko, COO of Comcast- Spectacor, which owns the 76ers and Flyers, told The Associated Press. “We have had no formal discussions.”
With no apparent interest from NBA teams, Iverson announced his plan to retire last week. His statement read more like a job pitch for a playoff contender rather than a final farewell.
Iverson said he planned to retire, but also stated that “I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”
The statement also said Iverson has tremendous love for the game and the desire to play, adding there is “a whole lot left in my tank.” He could find out how much in Philadelphia, where he spent the first 10-plus seasons of his career.
The 10-time all-star was the NBA MVP in 2001 when he led the Sixers to the NBA Finals. He was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1996 draft.
Fed up with losing and his relationship with former coach Maurice Cheeks irrevocably broken, Iverson wanted out in 2006, and he was traded to the Nuggets. He played for Denver until early last season when he was traded to Detroit.
Former Sixers coach Larry Brown, now coaching the Charlotte Bobcats, said it would be great to see Iverson reunited with the Sixers.
“I just want to see him back in the league. He’s loved in Philly,” Brown said before the Bobcats played at Washington. “He did a phenomenal job for that franchise. If you look at games now, they’re not nearly as exciting. There’s not as many people at the games. We need him in the league.”
The 6-foot Iverson played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.
Iverson’s agent, Leon Rose, and 76ers team president Ed Stefanski did not immediately return messages for comment.
Iverson would find a Sixers team in the same mediocre shape he left it amid squabbles with management. The Sixers have lost five straight and are 5-11 entering today’s game at San Antonio.
Allen to spend time with ailing son.
Celtics guard Ray Allen is spending time with his ill son and may miss the opener of Boston’s four-game road trip.
Allen was not at the Celtics’ practice Saturday and coach Doc Rivers didn’t know whether he would make the trip to Miami for the game against the Heat tonight.
Allen went to a hospital to be with his son Walker after Friday night’s victory over the Raptors. Walker Allen was diagnosed with diabetes during the 2008 NBA Finals.
Magic’s Barnes fined.
Orlando forward Matt Barnes has been fined $20,000 for throwing a basketball into the stands.
The Heat’s Michael Beasley dunked over Barnes for the game-winner Wednesday with 1.6 seconds left. Barnes threw the ball into the stands in disgust.
The Associated Press
