Allen Iverson: I’d Rather Retire

Allen Iverson is currently coming off the bench for the Detroit Pistons. Iverson, who has long said he doesn’t enjoy coming off the bench, recently said that he’d rather retire than sign with an NBA team who wants him to play from off the bench.

Allen Iverson, Detroit Pistons (Image: Newscom)

This summer, Iverson will become a free agent. It sounds like his main request in the upcoming offseason is to find a team that will let him start. Considering that he’s undersized, 33-years-old and has taken more than his share of bumps and bruises, it may not be easy for a team to guarantee Iverson a starting role.

This season with the Pistons, Iverson has had one of the worst seasons of his career. He’s averaging 17.4 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per game. From the field, Iverson is shooting 41.6%. His points per game mark is the lowest of his career that spans back to the 1996-97 season.

Following the Iverson for Chauncey Billups trade, the Pistons have massively underachieved. They are currently the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 36-39. With the 9th seeded Charlotte Bobcats trailing by only two games, it’s not assured that the Pistons will even make the playoffs.