Maturing Iverson Excited, Poised for Big Season

Having recently signed a contract extension with the Sixers, you would think that that was what Allen Iverson would be most excited about during the off-season. But what most excites him is the commitment the team has shown to acquiring top-notch talent, and the opportunity to take on a greater role as a vocal leader.

That is exactly what new coach Randy Ayers is expecting him to do this season, and Iverson has done nothing so far that indicates he won’t fulfill those expectations. Iverson has had a successful and celebrated career, but what clearly drives him now is the pursuit of a championship.

“I’m willing to do anything to help win a championship,” said Iverson. “If (Ayers) tells me to play center, I’ll look at him like he’s crazy, but I’ll do it.

Iverson poses for pictures at Media Day. Andy Proper / Sixers.com

“As a rookie, you come in thinking you’re going to win a championship every year, and then eight years go by and you have money and success, but you don’t have what you really want the most.”

Because of the team’s off-season acquisitions of forwards Glenn Robinson and Marc Jackson, Iverson feels confident that this year may be his best chance yet to achieve the ultimate goal of a title.

“Coming into this season, this has been the most exciting for me since my first year,” said Iverson. “We have more depth. Guys are going to be fighting for playing time. We have a lot of guys that can do major things on the basketball court. By getting Glenn Robinson and Marc Jackson, that is the start of something that can be great.”

Iverson knows, however, that the real key to getting back to the Finals will be what got them there the last time – strong defense.

“It’s going to take a strong defensive effort,” said Iverson. “That’s what it’s going to take for us to be better than we were the year we went to the Finals. We have to be a defensive team first.”

The road to the Championship will no doubt be lined with pitfalls that might have gotten the better of Iverson in his youth. But things have slowed down for the veteran, and he now sees most potential problems a mile away.

“Something is going to come up, but it’s important for me to act like an eight-year veteran, and deal with it,” said Iverson. “That’s just a part of growing up as a person and as a basketball player. You know it’s coming, so deal with it when it comes.”

Dealing with problems during the season, and the often harsh media criticism that accompanies those problems is something the younger players on the team will have to learn about. But Iverson is intent on doing his best to prepare them for what is to come.

On what advice he would give new Sixers players, Iverson said, “The criticism here is more harsh than anywhere in the world. You better not have any feelings in Philadelphia. I had to learn the hard way plenty of times.”

For now, Iverson and his teammates are not worried about controversy, and are only brimming with the optimism that the start of a new season usually brings. This positive attitude is particularly noticeable in the Sixers’ star player, which bodes well for a season where expectations are customarily high.

“I just feel stronger than I did last year, faster than I did,” said Iverson. “I’m ready to get going, and I’m ready to try this thing over one more time.”

For more news, photos and video on Allen Iverson, be sure to check out his Player Guide

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