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Allen Iverson Chat Transcript

The Answer chatted with fans after practice on Thursday.
NBAE/Getty Images

Allen Iverson returns for his ninth NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2004. The five-time All Star has scored 40 or more points 50 times, more than any other player in franchise history.

The 2001 league MVP, Iverson is among the Sixers' all-time scoring leaders (14,436), behind only Julius Erving (18,364), Dolph Schayes (19,247) and Hal Greer (21.586). The 6-foot guard has hit the 50-point or more plateau six times in 535 games.

During the summer of 2004, Iverson averaged 13.8 points per game, leading the USA Team to a Bronze medal finish in the Athens Olympics.

Drafted out of Georgetown in the 1998 NBA Draft, Iverson established the Crossover Foundation and hosts an annual Allen Iverson Celebrity Classic that benefits the Boys and Girls club in both Philadelphia and his native Hampton, Va.

Allen chatted live with fans right after practice on Thursday, Oct. 7. Check out the full transcript below.

Moderator: Practice is running a little late but Allen will be joining us shorty...

Lon (Philly): AI!... How are you healthwise? are you 100 percent entering camp?

Allen Iverson: 100 percent.

Larry Oakland,ca: what are workouts like in training camp

Allen Iverson: They've been great. We're in good condition and running up and down the court. Practices have been competitive and fun and I'm looking forward to the start of the season.

Demetrius, Savannah: How is your relationship with you new coach Jim O' Brien?

Allen Iverson: It's been great. We're both on the same page. As soon as he became coach he called me and told me what he expected of me. He expects me to lead on and off the floor and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

John (Jersey): How are you adjusting to coach O'Brien's system? Is it a good system for your skills?

Allen Iverson: I'm adjusting real well. It is a good system for me, because it's a run and gun style. He doesn't want guys to pass up open shots when we have them. Also with his system, I think we will be one of the top defensive teams in the league.

Jamar Miami: Hey Allen I feel that if your midrange shot gets better you will be unstoppable. I saw you shoot the ball really well in Athens. Have you been working on your shot and do you think that will carry over to this season?

Allen Iverson: I have been working on my shot, in addition to every other aspect of my game. You are right, though, I been working on my jumper, because guys have been trying to play off me and force me to shoot, so I need to respond to that.

D.C.: how do you prepare for a game?

Allen Iverson: On the day of the game, I rest, I sleep, eat, watch a movie or something and then head out to the gym.

Erica (New Castle, DE): I love your game. How was your overall Olympic experience?

Allen Iverson: It was a great experience for me, I got to see alot of things, playing in the international game, I learned alot of things. It was also great for my wife and kids to have that experience there, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

jake (Peru): What is the main difference you saw between the nba game and the international game?

Allen Iverson: They play the game more with their minds, than with their athletic ability. The play a more Karl Malone, John Stockton type game. They pass the ball like the Sacramento Kings and really think out their games and gameplans before they act.

RO (Detroit): What do you think about the addition of Corliss Wiliamson? I think he's just what we needed to bang around down low.

Allen Iverson: He adds a lot to our team. He gives us toughness, he has a great post game, he can hit the short jumper and he works hard. You can't reallly ask for more than that from a big guy and I think he was a tremendous pickup for us.

Chris (Fort Lauderdale): How is your relationship with Dalembert? He is from my home country (Haiti).

Allen Iverson: I think besides, Aaron McKie, he is the closest guy on the team to me. I took him under my wing when he was a rookie and he has really blossomed. He is one of the best shotblockers and defenders in the league, and he's only gonna get better.

Justin (Detroit): Can Willie Green (Detroiter) fill Eric Snow's shoes?

Allen Iverson: I think that's too big to ask Willie, to fill a ten-year player's shoes. Eric has been around, been to the playoffs and the finals. But the upside to Willie is tremendous. We should let him take his time and come into his own and he will be alright. We can expect him to be a superstar right away.

Carl (NJ): AI, I hear your going to be moving to more of a pg for this year... how do you think you will ahve to adjust your game for the move?

Allen Iverson: Yes, I will be playing the point. I won't have to adjust that much. It will be fun for me, to have the ball in my hands on the break. It will be a process for me at first, but I think I will be up for it. When guys try to step up on me, I'll be ready to get the ball to my teammates for a good shot.

Kansas City: You have lots of highlighted moments. What is your favorite play of your career?

Allen Iverson: Probably, shaking Jordan.

Jim (Philly): With you and COach O'Brien working together.. how far do you think this sixers team can go

Allen Iverson: The sky is the limit.

Allen Iverson: I'd like to thank the fans, because without you there would be no Allen Iverson, and I will keep on playing hard and I hope you will keep on supporting me.