NBA Blog: Iverson and Jackson get their wishes

Two big events happened in the NBA today, Nov. 16.  Stephen Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats and Allen Iverson’s contract was terminated by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Iverson, 34, signed a 1-year contract with the Grizzlies on Sept. 10, but only played in three games and left the team on Nov. 6.  Iverson allegedly left the team because he was unhappy about his role. Specifically he did not like coming off the bench.

Out on the west coast, Stephen Jackson finally got the change of scenery he has been requesting for weeks when the Warriors traded him along with A.C. Law to the Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. Jackson spent a little more than two-and-a-half seasons in Golden State, but wanted to be moved to a contender after the Warriors failed to make the playoffs in each of the last two years.

Although both players are well into their thirties, it is my opinion that they both can still play.

While Jackson didn’t get traded to a championship contender as he wished, he will turn the Bobcats into a definite playoff team because all Charlotte needed was a scorer, and that’s what Captain Jack does best. 

With Iverson it’s a bit trickier.  The Answer was an all star for the 10^th time last season, but failed to gather much interest on the free agent market in the offseason because of perceived attitude and injury problems.  Iverson didn’t think he should have been coming off the bench in Memphis and neither do I.  Does anyone really think Michael Conley is actually better than A.I.?

In case you’re wondering, that was a rhetorical question.  Off course A.I. is better.

But, what happens now?

I expect A.I. to take a little time off and then sign with the New York Knicks where he will get a chance to start games and score bunches of points while Jackson leads his Charlotte Bobcats to their first ever playoff appearance.  Bottom line is that they are both in better situations now than they were yesterday and that just goes to show you, if you’re ever unhappy, just cry until you get your way.