IT WON’T BE EASY FOR IVERSON

Allen Iverson during his
NBA heydays in file photo.

If Allen Iverson finally signs a contract to play in the Turkish league and then think he can dominate it just like the way he used to during his heydays in the NBA, well, he better think again. Former NBA player Joe Crispin, who is a veteran of several Euro leagues including Turkey, says the transition from the American pro game to Euro style of play would not be easy for Iverson, according to Philadelphia Sports Daily.

“The amount of practice is difficult for any American to get used to. But for Iverson it may be tougher, given his history. Maybe his hunger to perform well will overcome it, but it won’t be easy. Road games will surprise him no doubt, however. I know this comes as a shock to many people, but I found it easiest to compete in the NBA, not because the level of the players overseas is higher, but because the style of play is far from easy. The NBA is wide open and less physical [especially in the regular season], with better management by the officials and better players all around, so the adjustment to European play, particularly in Turkey, will be far from easy.

“I would be surprised if he heads over to Turkey and dominates the way people might be inclined to believe. He is a great player with great experience, but at his size, with his style of play, it won’t be easy.”