Iverson takes his case to Twitter

By John McMullen

(Phan Magazine) - Despite all the flaws, Allen Iverson is still an NBA player.

Yeah, he's a 34-year-old undersized guard that struggles on the defensive end, ignores his own teammates and loathes practice. But, he remains a gifted offensive player that could be a big boost off the bench for virtually any team.

So, why is the enigmatic one still part of our 9.5 percent unemployment rate?

You don't have to be Captain Obvious to figure out A.I.'s act has finally worn thin. His exit from Philly, an underachieving stint in the Rocky Mountains and his embarrassing final days in the Motor City have soured all but the most loyal Iverson apologists.

Rumors of Iverson landing a new home have popped up periodically in the offseason. Memphis seemed to be the first serious suitor, followed by Miami, the Clippers, Greek powerhouse Olympiakos, Charlotte and New York.

Anyone that knows Iverson knows his preferred destination. It's not about winning for A.I. it's all about the night life. He's done The Big Apple thing to death, Charlotte's not even in the conversation and Beale Street could never match South Beach.

The Heat also have some upside thanks to Dwyane Wade and Michael Beasley. Still, it's the lure of the city that has Iverson and his posse interested.

Sure, Hollywood could give Miami a run for its money but the Clips are the Clips. Meanwhile, the Greek Isles could trump just about anything in this world but I'm not sure Iverson and his cronies know that.

It's the Heat or bust for A.I.

To that end, Iverson turned up the "heat" yesterday by taking to Twitter, the social networking and micro-blogging service that is all the rage in pro sports.

Iverson did his best Drew Rosenhaus impression, trying to drum up interest that isn't necessarily there.

"My people just informed me that we are getting close to a deal. I asked them to call me the when its done," Iverson Tweeted. I am so ready to know!"

Later the 10-time All-Star was back with this nugget.

"I have not been this eager with anticipation since the night before the NBA Draft in '96," Iverson wrote. "Then I knew where I was going, now I want to know."

Iverson even tried the maturity card.

"I have been blessed to make plenty of money in this league," A.I. Tweeted. "Now it's not about the money, it's about playing me getting back on the court."

Finally Iverson ended his Twitter-run...

"Playing every game like its my last. Stay tuned."

By the end of the day, Iverson was still unemployed and teams he doesn't even want to play for were letting him down easy.

His former coach, Larry Brown, who has had a love-hate relationship with the former MVP, claimed there were "issues" in the way of the Bobcats making him an offer.

"One is the money; we wouldn't want to make him an offer that would insult him," Brown told the Charlotte Observer. "And with three small guards (Raja Bell, D.J. Augustin and restricted free agent Raymond Felton) already on the roster, he wouldn't get to play the minutes he deserves. Until one or both of those things changes, I don't see it."

Meanwhile, a Knicks source told the New York Post that they "are not involved."

Still, Iverson's contrived attempt to speed things up seems to be working.

The Heat have already climbed above the luxury tax threshold and owner Micky Arison would have to match any contract Iverson signs, dollar-for-dollar, as the penalty to the league.

That said, basketball chief Pat Riley seems convinced that Iverson can help and is making his case on a daily basis.

Tweet that!