Iverson out in Philly?

We once again are seeing the possibility of Allen Iverson spending his last days with an NBA team.

First, it was the Memphis Grizzlies. Now, the Philadelphia 76ers.

Sixers head coach Eddie Jordan kept his team in the loop by alerting his guys about the chance A.I. may not be back. Applause for Jordan. Keeping the team in the dark would create more drama and raise more questions. Sounds like he learned something from PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem.

It's the circumstances that surround Iverson's "departure". It has been reported that Iverson sought a leave due to a family health concern. Sixers president Ed Stefanski felt this move was in the best interest of both the Sixers and Iverson.

Iverson will miss the next three games (at least) while attending to the matter.

If this is the end of Iverson in Philly, the next question must be asked: Where will Iverson go?

Not an easy question to answer. Iverson was choked up during his presser upon his return to Philly. I thought this was a win-win situation for the Sixers. They get a legend returning and Iverson gets to appropriately thank the Sixers faithful with another run in the City of Brotherly Love. I was glad to see him once again don the Sixers jersey.

Where, though? Only Iverson can really answer (no pun intended) that. I feel if Iverson wants a return to any NBA team, he must accept a diminished role. Like the role Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins wanted him to take. Okay, that situation wasn't handled properly, but in the end, that might be exactly what Iverson must accept.

Any team that desires a backup scorer would love to add A.I. on their roster. Iverson would obviously want a team that can get to the finals so he has another chance at a ring. Although 16 teams make the NBA's postseason on a yearly basis, the pickings are actually a little slim. We observed before the beginning of this season that the list of teams wanting Iverson was very, very short. But if he decides to swallow his pride and take that diminished role approach, that list would expand.

If this is truly A.I's swansong in the NBA, it's been a good ride. I've never witnessed a player, despite his size, so willing to take on the "big boys". No one could question his desire or heart.

And Iverson displayed all of that.

And I selfishly don't want it to end.