Through the looking glass

Random thoughts by Michael Rushton

Okay, just tuned into the second half of the Philadelphia-Denver game. I missed the first half because I had to watch a movie with the recently-acquired Mrs. Rushton. Trying to explain to a woman you've only been married to for a month and a half you would rather watch a basketball game -- a sport you have adamantly admitted to being one of your least favorites -- than a movie she handpicked; not a good idea.

Anyway, watching Iverson in a Denver Nugget uniform is like seeing an ex-girlfriend for the first time after a nasty breakup. You know, you used to tell her how good she looked in those pants, but now you realize you found where that extra 10 pounds went.

So, here are some things I used to think about Iverson and what I think now.

Before: Ah, you see that. Allen is talking to the refs. Letting them know superstars get that call. Way to go Allen!
Now: Stop crying you big baby. Play the game like a man! Oh, come on. Get out of the ref's ear.

Before: Boy, Iverson is so good at drawing fouls.
Now: He sure has perfected the art of the flop. (Have to thank Steve Mix for that one, who I believe eluded to that fact on the air. My how quickly our friends turn.)

Before: See, that is what you need to do during a 3-on-1. Allen is a finisher!
Now: It's been a while since I played rec ball, but aren't you supposed to pass the ball when you have numbers?

Before: He's just keeping it real. You gotta remember where you came from.
Now: You can't tell me neck tattoos aren't painful...and ugly.

Before: That's right boy, that's the ANSWER!
Now: K-squared is a good nickname.

Before: We can't win if Iverson doesn't take over a game.
Now: What the hell did Miller just do? Pass? What the hell is that?

Before: Iverson looks tough in black and red.
Now: Iverson looks like a sissy in baby blue.

Before: Boy he's tough - plays hurt all the time.
Now: Iverson looks like a sissy with that baby blue arm thing.

Before: How come he doesn't pass more?
Now: Damn it Korver. Come on Dalembert! That's why Iverson never passed.

Always: Damn, he can play.