Allen Iverson to debut on Saturday

The reception AI has received in Turkey is one befitting a rock star. He is unquestionably the biggest NBA player in terms of career, and one of the shortest in terms of size to play in Europe. And play he will, this Saturday vs Oyak Renault.

Iverson has said that his main thing in this transfer was to be in a place where he was accepted and appreciated. Judging by the love he has received from fans, the Answer is getting the respect he deserves in Turkey. In the past AI has said that 99 % of the games in which he had high scores, he was fueled by the energy of the crowd. In the NBA, typical arena capacity is 20,000. In the low turnouts the attendence drops to 10,000. The Besiktas stadium, last checked had capacity for 4500. Can you imagine the energy AI will inspire in such a small space? Especially when it is occupied by people who have given him unconditional love and acceptance?

When AI moved to Detroit, I had high hopes. Same for Memphis. Ditto for the encore in Philly. This time, I’m positive we are in for something special. The Answer is in for a resurgence.

AI says he hopes to learn some Turkish before he leaves, I guess he must have heard the following by now. Uygulama? Uygulama? Biz Uygulama Bahsediyoruz!