Allen Iverson has had some financial trouble since he last played in the NBA more than five years ago. His former coach, the legendary Larry Brown, would like to see the Philadelphia 76ers help Iverson out by giving him a job.
And not just any job.
As Mike Sielski of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes, Brown has spent months lobbying the Sixers to hire Iverson as an assistant general manager.
“I just wish there was some way that he could be involved,” Brown said. “Just teach him about the organization and let him figure it out, figure out how he can help. He can certainly judge talent. He certainly has people’s respect. Kids will listen to anything he said. He’s certainly bright as hell.
“Just teach him how to be involved with the NBA, whatever level you want, but I think ultimately I’d like to see him get into management. I think he’d be a huge asset.”
The Sixers honored Iverson with a jersey retirement ceremony last year, but it seems like that is as far as they want to take their post-basketball relationship with him. The team is aware of the ugly legal battles Iverson has had with his ex-wife Tawanna Turner, and Iverson’s disturbing history with her was again brought to light in Kent Babb’s new biography.
Brown, who feels the Sixers need more basketball people in their analytics-driven front office, doesn’t think the team should be scared off by Iverson’s checkered past.
“What did he mean to Philly?” Brown said. “What does this franchise need more than anything right now, besides players? It needs a shot in the arm, something where you can say, ‘They’re trying to do it the right way.'”
It’s unclear how badly Iverson needs the money, as there have been rumors that a friend of his saved $35 million of Iverson’s money for him in a trust fund.
While we respect that Brown is rallying for a player with whom he had an up-and-down relationship, his endorsements are likely falling on deaf ears.
