Allen Iverson’s latest career whirlwind has taken him from retirement to All-Star. Critics are upset that he was chosen to represent the Eastern Conference as a starter for the 2010 All-Star game, but Iverson shrugs them off and says he’ll be ready to play the Feb. 14 game at Cowboys Stadium.
“The way I look at it is, what should I do?” Iverson said Friday night. “Should I worry about what those people say or concentrate on the million-plus people that voted for me? To me, it’s a no-brainer. My fans want to see me play and they have the right to put in who they want to put in the game.
“They voted me in, and it’s an honor. I don’t want to disrespect them by not participating in the game,” he said.
Iverson, who returned to Philadelphia in December, has played only 20 games this season and his 14.4 scoring average was well off his career mark (27.0).
The former NBA MVP still has a loyal fanbase and he received 1,269,568 votes to earn a spot in the East lineup with Cleveland’s LeBron James, Miami guard Dwyane Wade, Orlando center Dwight Howard and Boston forward Kevin Garnett.
Iverson briefly retired after an ill-fated stint with Memphis and his selection sparked criticism of the voting process.
He scored only 11 points on 4 of 14 shooting in Philadelphia’s 92-81 win over Dallas on Friday night. It was the first time the Sixers won this season (1-6) when Iverson scores less than 15 points.
Iverson has been bothered by an arthritic left knee that’s sometimes limited his availability. He’s been an All-Star for 11 straight seasons, but missed the 2007 game because of injury.
Iverson called the fan support a blessing and said fans love him because he’s never pretended to be perfect.
Iverson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft, but his first 10 turbulent seasons in Philadelphia were marred by rants about practice, run-ins with former coach Larry Brown, arrests and a failed rap career.
Information from Espn.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
