Iverson to start Chapter Two in Philadelphia story

Yes, that was Allen Iverson practicing with the first team at the Philadelphia 76ers practice Sunday at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Practicing?

Sure was. Famous for his "practice" rant during a wild press conference in 2003, Iverson is officially back for a second go-round in Philadelphia.

The Sixers sure can use the help. They are 5-15 and have dropped nine straight games, including the most recent four-game swing through San Antonio, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Charlotte.

The Sixers have returned home, where they'll begin a five-game homestand on Monday against one of Iverson's former teams, the Denver Nuggets. The largest crowd of the season is expected at the Wachovia Center to see Iverson's second debut with the 76ers. As of Sunday night, only standing-room tickets were still available.

Plenty of Iverson jerseys are sure to pop up throughout the arena. But how much will "The Answer" play?

Keep in mind, Iverson played in only three games for the Memphis Grizzlies before being waived. He was granted a leave of absence from the Grizzlies on Nov. 7, which means by the time Monday's game against Denver tips off, it will be more than a month since he has competed against NBA-caliber players. Not counting Sunday's practice, of course.

The Sixers have not stated with 100 percent certainty that Iverson will start. But because the Sixers are so banged up, Iverson should be among the starters.

Guard Lou Williams is out with a broken jaw, rookie point guard Jrue Holiday did not play against the Bobcats on Saturday because of a strained rotator cuff and forward Andre Iguodala (ankle) was held out of practice Sunday and is considered a game-time decision against the Nuggets.

Forward Marreese Speights is already injured (knee) and guard Willie Green bruised his right hand against Charlotte.

This certainly points to Iverson starting and playing a significant number of minutes. It comes down to how physically fit he is.

"I'm not going to lie to myself," Iverson told reporters after practice on Sunday. "I'm not in the basketball shape that I want to be in. And at times out here I got real winded and once you get winded like that your arms get weak and your legs get weak. And obviously I'm going to have to be the judge of that and be honest with coach about when I'm going to have to get a blow because one thing I don't want to do is go out there and hurt the team. I want to contribute and do what's right for the team and if me not playing a lot of minutes is good for the team then that's exactly what we should do."

In Memphis, Iverson vehemently complained about coming off the bench for coach Lionel Hollins. But this is a new and improved Iverson, or at least it seems that way. At Iverson's press conference with the Philadelphia media last Thursday, he became teary and emotional through the 40-minute question-and-answer session.

He has a non-guaranteed, one-year contract with the 76ers now, which could be just the right medicine for the 34-year-old Iverson. If A.I. wants to play beyond this season, he must show the Sixers he can be the consummate teammate.

It all begins Monday night. Whether he plays 10 minutes or 40 minutes, whether he starts or comes off the bench, Iverson will likely score points in a variety of ways and entertain a packed arena.

For a franchise ranked 29th out of 30 teams in home attendance, that's not a bad way to start off this latest chapter in the Allen Iverson story.