As I’ve said over the past few days, I am really happy that Allen Iverson is once again a member of the Sixers. I grew up a fan of The Answer, and he remains my favorite active basketball player (Sir Charles will always top my list). I freely admit that I was misty eyed during Monday’s night announcement of the starting lineups and overwhelmed with emotion.

That being said, I take issue with Iverson showing up late on his first night back in town. He hadn’t even played a game and already he was breaking the rules. Iverson arrived at the Wachovia Center around five minutes to six last night, little more than an hour before tip off.

The cause? “Traffic,” said Iverson, having to answer questions once again about a subject that caused so many problems with coach Larry Brown during his first go around with the Sixers.

So what was new coach Eddie Jordan’s reaction to his new star’s tardiness? “No. It didn’t mean anything to me,” said Jordan. “We don’t run through plays for five guys who are going out there to shoot shots (before the game).”

During his introductory press conference last Thursday, Iverson openly talked about the mistakes he made in the past, about how he is only human and will undoubtedly make more mistakes. Certainly nobody would disagree with the notion that Allen Iverson would stumble along with the way, but I doubt many would have guessed it would have come this early, or been the infraction he was most famous for during his first ten years here.

I love the guy, but I find this unacceptable. We’re not talking about practice, we talkin about a game.

I guess some things never change.

“A 6 foot guard from Georgetown…”

Come on, tell me you didn’t get goosebumps. Whether you like Allen Iverson, or hate him, you watched Monday night. And if you’re an AI fan, you made sure to set the DVR and get home in time to turn the game on a little before 7 PM to make sure you didn’t miss the starting lineups, which you knew would be televised.

In case you missed it, the video is below.

Yea, the Sixers lost, and A.I.2 ended up stealing the show with a point performance, but it was really special seeing No. 3 back in a Sixers uniform again. True, it’s obvious he’s lost a little on his shot, and still has some work to do before he gets back to the appropriate NBA conditioning level, evidenced by his scoring only 11 points in 37 minutes and missing seven of his 11 shots.

But for someone who was at the Wachovia Center in June of 1996 for the Sixers Draft Party to watch the sophmore guard from Georgetown become the team’s first number one pick since Doug Collins in 1973 (video below), it was special. I was 13 when Iverson was drafted and have spent half of my life rooting for him. He is my player, and rational or not, I am happy that he’s come home.

Is he the answer to the Sixers’ seemingly lost season? Probably not. But he is The Answer to my lack of interest of my favorite sports team growing up.

Welcome back Allen, it’s nice to have you home again.

Saturday was a tough night for Philly sports.

Peter Laviolette’s debut as the new coach of the Flyers was not exactly the first impression he was hoping to leave the faithful of the Orange and Black. It was a debut that will leave a bitter taste in his mouth for some time to come. And it started immediately.

The Washington Capitals struck in the first minute of the game, as well as on five of their first 17 shots on their way to an 8-2 win. All without star Alexander Ovechkin.

The firing of coach John Stevens was supposed to be a wake up call for the reeling Flyers; a jolt to jump start a run back up the Eastern Conference standings. Instead the Flyers looked as bad as ever. Goalie Ray Emery continued to struggle, having his worst outing of the season. He allowed five goals before being replaced by backup Brian Boucher midway through the second period, giving him a 5.36 goals-against average and .814 save percentage in his last five starts. Boucher did not fair much better, allowing three goals of his own.

It was not entirely Emery’s fault, as the Capitals were gift wrapped a nine-minute power play. After receiving a high stick by the Capitals’ Matt Bradley, Dan Carcillo retaliated with a cross check and then dropped his gloves to fight. Bradley appeared to drop his glove, indicating that he wanted to fight, and Carcillo knocked him out with a right hook to the face. One punch and the fight was over.

Referee Stephane Auger gave Carcillo two minutes for cross checking, two minutes for instigating, five for fighting, a ten minute misconduct, and a game misconduct. He didn’t give Bradley any penalties. The Capitals scored three goals during the power play, effectively ending the game.

The game was the worst debut for a Flyers coach in team history, who are losers of seven of their last eight.

In Charlotte, the Sixers did not fare as poorly as their Wachovia Center roommates, but still found themselves on the wrong end of the box score. Despite leading most of the game, including a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Sixers lost on a Raymond Felton layup with 4.7 seconds left in the game. Andre Iguodala missed a jumper at the buzzer and the Sixers lost their ninth straight game.

It’s been a tough week in Philly, with off-the-court news dominating the excitement as the Sixers announced the signing of Allen Iverson, who expects to make his debut Monday night at the Wachovia Center against the Denver Nuggets. The firing of Stevens and subsequent hiring of Laviolette dominated much of the news on Friday. Throw in the singing of Placido Polanco by the Phillies, and there has been little discussion of the play on the court/ice.

Both the Sixers and Flyers are rapidly heading farther and farther down in the standings. The Sixers are tied for 13th in the Eastern Conference with the New York Knicks, barely ahead of the 1-18 Nets. The Flyers are last in the Atlantic Division, and are also tied for 13th in the Eastern Conference.

Both teams look to rebound Monday night. The Sixers take on the Nuggets at home in Iverson’s debut and the Flyers head across the border to face the struggling Montreal Canadiens.

Sixers‘ GM Ed Stefanski announced Wednesday that the team has agreed to terms with their former number one pick, Allen Iverson. The deal is reportedly a non-guaranteed prorated contract for the league minimum, meaning the Sixers would owe Iverson approximately $600,000 and would be free to cut him before January without being responsible for the remainder of his contract.

Iverson, agent Leon Rose, and his personal manager, Gary Moore met with Stefanski, assistant GM Tony DiLeo, coach Eddie Jordan and assistant coach and former teammate Aaron McKie on Monday to discuss the possibility of his return.

Stefanski and Rose met again on Tuesday.

Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider gave his approval for the deal on Monday, saying that the final decision was up to Stefanski and the basketball operations people.

The Sixers, losers of seven straight, are in desparate need of a pick-me-up. Point guard Lou Williams will be sidelined another seven weeks with a broken jaw. Starting in his place is rookie Jrue Holiday. They have the second worst attendance in the league.

“In light of the recent injury to Lou Williams, which will sideline him for close to eight weeks, we felt that Allen was the best available free agent guard to help us at this time,” said Stefanski in a statement released by the team.

Iverson would, at the very least, provide the Sixers with an increase in attendance and fan interest. It does not seem likely that by signing him they could get worse as a team. It will allow Iverson to retire with the Sixers, the team that made him the superstar he once was.  The way I see it, it’s a win-win for both sides.

Iverson will make his debut Monday night at home against the team the Sixers originally traded him to, the Denver Nuggets.

There are currently two debates raging in the Philly sports world.

First, who wants Sixers’ center Samuel Dalembert out of the city more: Dalembert, or the city? According to a report this morning by ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Sixers are in talks with the Sacremento Kings, and possibly the Boston Celtics, about a deal that would send the embattled center to the Left Coast for Kenny Thomas. The Celtics would get Andres Nocioni. Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine would also come to the Sixers, and the Kings would get J.R. Giddens.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News’ Sixers’ beat reproter, Kate Fagan, the deal does not appear to be close to happening. She also remarked, “don’t think Dalembert is content being a Sixer. His party is actively looking for a new home for the Sixers’ center.”

On the flip side, a comment by The 700 Level’s Enrico Campitelli aptly sums up the city’s feelings on the possible departure of the former Seton Hall grad:

Okay, let’s play a game. Here’s part of a quote from a Yahoo! post.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings were apparently discussing a deal that would send Samuel Dalembert out West in exchange for…

Do you even care what the end of that sentence is?

Uh, no, says the city. Enough said.

The second debate surrounds the health and well being of one of the city’s favorite sons, Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook. After suffering his second concussion of the season, whether he will, or should, play again is the question of the day. Westbrook will meet with two concussion specialists in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Eagles’ head trainer Rick Burkholder released the following statement:

“The Eagles will first have Westbrook consult with neuropsychologist Mark R. Lovell, PhD,” the statement read. “Following that visit Westbrook and Lovell will consult with neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon, MD.  Dr. Lovell has been consulting with the Eagles’ medical staff on Westbrook’s recovery from the first concussion during the past three weeks.”

As a result, a debate has been raging whether Westbrook, who is 30 years old and already showing signs of the affects that the wear and tear of his position can have, should retire. A poll on Philly.com asking that question shows that 78.6% of the almost 2500 respondents believe that Westbrook should hang up the pads. Remember, this is a city that has lived through Eric Lindros and Keith Primeau. This is also a city that, despite its overblown reputation to the contrary, is one of brotherly love and cares for the well being of its sports stars.

No matter what the media and fans think, the debate will ultimately be decided by one person. Westbrook will likely not be easily deterred from an eventual return, whether it be later this season or next year. However, if Tuesday’s trip to Pittsburgh results in a couple recommendations to retire, coupled with a growing number of former football players suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, the Eagles’ ultimate weapon could be forced to put his long term health ahead of his short term financial well being.

Consider your suffering eased, I have returned. After a month and a half hiatus, I am back at Hot Stove Philly, and you may all now breath a collective sigh of relief. Woo. Good.

Unfortunately, it seems I may have returned to the Philly sports world with little to be excited about. The Phillies season is over. The Eagles are inconsistent at best, and embarrassing at worst. The Sixers make the Eagles look good. The Flyers are the best thing going, and they’re in fourth place in their division. Could it be possible that the Phillies’ off season is the most interesting thing in Philly sports right now?

As the kids say today, wtf mate?

Despite another incredible season that saw the Fightins get to their second straight World Series, they were clearly outmatched by a superior Yankees team. The Bronx Bombers had better hitters, better starting pitching and a better bullpen. Hard to win when under those circumstances.

The series put into sharp contract the glaring holes that need to be addressed by GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and his team this off season. Now that they’ve let Pedro Feliz go, the team’s first priority is a starting third baseman, with Mark DeRosa, Adrian Beltre and Chone Figgins the top three contenders on the Phillies’ list, or so we assume.

The Phillies’ next priority has to be the bullpen. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported today that he believes Detroit closer Brandon Lyon would be a great fit in Philadelphia as a late inning set up man and emergency closer, should Brad Lidge decide to relive 2009 next season. Olney believes that “perhaps the best of the guys who might be OK coming in as a set-up man, and he’s coming off a solid season in which is posted a 2.86 ERA for the Tigers, allowing just 56 hits in 78.2 innings, with 57 strikeouts.”

There are several holes in the bullpen that need to be plugged, and the bench, that was so good just a year ago, needs a thorough rejuvination. The hot stove is heating up with free agency set to begin in just four days and it looks to be a particularly interesting one for Amaro and the Phils.

Across the street at Lincoln Financial Field, Andy Reid and the Eagles are headed in quite the opposite direction, as they find themselves loser of two in a row after falling to the San Diego Chargers Sunday 31-23.

The Birds have looked great at times this season (Carolina, New York) and awful at others (Oakland, Dallas). Their once heralded offensive line has been anything but, a result of the plague of injuries that has besought the group like a pack of demons. The defense as a whole is not much healthier. At least they have an excuse for playing lousy.

The offense? Even with a healthy Brian Westbrook (if you can ever call him that anymore) and Desean Jackson to start the game, the Eagles struggled to put points on the board, failing to get the ball in the endzone until the fourth quarter. That’s including three trips inside the Chargers 10-yard line in the second and third quarters. Kicker David Akers was a little too busy yesterday.

The reason? Donovan McNabb. Andy Reid. No O-line. None of the above. All of the above. Take your pick. The Eagles are uninspiring this season after what has to be one of the most exciting and hopeful off seasons in recent team history. Did I mention I hate training camp?

Luckily for the Eagles, the Sixers are even more uninspiring. Unfortunately for the Eagles, nobody cares about the Sixers so everyone is still talking about the Birds.

The Sixers are not living up to their offseason expectations either, which is pretty impressive considering how low those expectations were to begin with. The team is averaging 28.43 fans a game. Elton Brand, who is supposed to be the team’s best player, and is at least the team’s most expensive player, doesn’t play in the fourth quarter. Their center of the future, Marreese Speights is reportedly out until January with a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. They are, once again, the worst three point shooting team in the NBA. And they’ve won just four out of their last five games, their lone win coming against the 0-10 New Jersey Nets. And yet, thanks to an incredibly mediocre Eastern Conference, the Sixers are in third place in the Atlantic Division, one game back of the 5-5 Toronto Raptors. There’s a lot of basketball left to played and the Sixers have a great chance of being one of the many teams that will make the playoffs, so there is still hope that they will yet again miss out on a meaningful draft pick.

The Orange and Black are pretty much the only thing left to be happy about in Philly right now, winners of seven of their last 10. They are tied for the second best record over that period in the Eastern Conference with the surging Buffalo Sabres, topped only by their rivals up the Turnpike, the 14-4 New Jersey Devils, who have lost just once in their previous 10 games.

The Flyers boast the best goals for/goals against ratio in the NHL, scoring 1.44 goals for every goal they’ve allowed. They’ve scored the tenth most goals in the NHL with 59, and have allowed the third fewest in the league with 41.

Chris Pronger has been everything he was promised to be and more. He is second in the NHL with a plus minus rating of 13 and was named the league’s “nastiest and most intimidating” defender by The Hockey News. And according to the Philadelphia Daily News, he was named “the ‘best corner man,’ for winning puck battles along the boards. Pronger also figured in the discussion for ‘best shutdown defender,’ ‘best first passer,’ and honorable mention for ‘best point shot.’” He currently has a six-game point streak, recording seven assists and nine points and is second on the team behind Jeff Carter with 17 total points. Oh, and the Flyers have the NHL’s best power play unit, in large part thanks to Pronger.

Rookie winger James van Riemsdyk has also been everything he was hyped to be, coming into Monday’s game against the Devils fourth on the team in points with 15. He trails Carter, Pronger and captain Mike Richards. Not bad company for a kid not two years removed from the draft.

So while the Eagles and Sixers leave us wanting much, much, much more, the Flyers are worth watching, and the Phillies’ off season will be one filled with intrigue and ainticipation as we march to February and the start of Spring Training.

We apologize for our hiatus here at Hot Stove Philly but promise to bring you all the latest breaking news and commentary that you have come to love from here on out.

I have gotten a lot of criticism over the past several days, from readers and friends alike, over my cold indifference to the idea of Michael Vick playing for the Eagles. I have a couple friends who now refuse to root for the Eagles, and have received numerous emails from readers claiming they are done with the team, a few going as far to say they will never watch an NFL game again.

I do not like Mike Vick at all. I never have. I know people who went to Virginia Tech with him and have heard a number of stories about what a jerk he was even back then. I have never thought he was a very good quarterback, despite being an impressive athlete. I am an animal lover and thought what he did was morally abhorent and offensive. I do not believe that he is genuinely a changed person or that he all of a sudden believes that dog fighting is now evil. I think he has a team of PR people that told him that dog fighting is evil and that he needs to say that, and work with animal rights groups, in order to get his career back on track.

And I don’t care that he’s playing for the Eagles. Am I particularly thrilled he’s playing for my team? No. But I made a decision a long time ago that I was going to “root for the laundry,” as they say. The name on the front of the jersey is what is ultimately important to me, not the name on the back. And I know that sounds callous, and some people think I’m full of BS.

That’s not to say I don’t get invested in players, and I don’t root for them, and don’t become fans of the individual players. When Charles Barkley (my all time favorite pro athlete) was traded to the Suns, I was absolutely devastated. I couldn’t believe it. But I continued to root for the Sixers. That was the moment when i realized that as a fan, it had to be about the team, not the people. Players come and go, but the team is what endures.

Obviously, trading Chuck and signing Vick are two very different things, but as a fan I feel that I have to look at them in the same cold, objective manner. Does Mike Vick help my team’s chances to win a SuperBowl? That’s the only question that matters to me.

So call me callous; call me heartless; tell me I am blinded by my team loyalty. But Mike Vick will be gone in a couple years and the Eagles will still be here. And I will root for his replacement, just like I rooted for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang.

Like I said, it’s about the laundry.

The Sixers are expected to sign 7′-1″ center Primoz Brezec within the next couple days.

The native of Slovenia agreed in principle to become Samuel Dalembert’s backup on Tuesday.

“I think Primoz will fit in well in [new coach] Eddie Jordan’s system because he’s a shooter, he can pick and pop, and he’s savvy,” said Brazec’s agent Marc Cornstein, who also represents Dalembert. “He gives them insurance and flexibility up front.”

Brazec entered the NBA in 2000 as the 27th-overall pick by the Indiana Pacers. He has career averages of 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds while playing with the Pacers, Charlotte Bobcats, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors.

In other news, it appears as though the Sixers will not be re-signing forward Donyell Marshall.

“He did a wonderful job for us last year,” said Sixers GM Ed Stefanski. “But right now we feel like we are going to go in a different direction. Right now our thought process is to bring a couple of guys into camp to compete for that spot.”

Last season was Marshall’s 15th in the NBA. In 25 games, he averaged 3.8 points in 7.6 minutes and shot 45.5 percent from the three-point line.

The move is somewhat odd as Marshall could be counted on for at least one or two threes a game on a team that was dead last in three-pointers last season.

According to his agent, Andy Miller, who also represents former Sixers’ point guard Andre Miller, Marshall had expressed interest in returing to the team, but received what they believed was a sub-par offer.

“But I have not received a phone call from the Sixers saying they are interested in re-signing him,” Miller said. “At this point, it would seem overly optimistic to think they are just waiting to fill other positions before addressing Donyell’s spot. . . . I thought last season Donyell went above and beyond the call of duty for what he was brought in to do. I thought he rose to the challenge every time he was called.”

Former head coach Randy Ayers is rejoining the Sixers as an assistant coach for the 2009-2010 season.

Ayers lasted just 52 games in 2003-2004 as the successor to head coach Larry Brown after spending six seasons as his assistant.

“You move on, you move forward,” he said last night. “If you don’t, the game will pass you by.”

Ayers joins Mike O’Koren, Jim Lynam and Aaron McKie as assistants to new head coach Eddie Jordan.

The Sixers were 21-31 with Ayers at the helm before he was eventually replaced that offseason by Chris Ford. Since then, he has logged two seasons as an assistant with the Orlando Magic and two under Jordan with the Washington Wizards.

“It’s great to be back, especially with an organization I respect, and with Eddie, with whom I’ve had a good rapport,” Ayers said. “Once he talked to me about his plans and what they’re trying to do, I was fine with it. And coming in with Eddie makes it feel right for me. We just clicked in our time together. He teaches you how to play basketball.”

Free agent guard Royal Ivey is re-signing with the Sixers.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Oh sorry, I fell asleep there because I was suffering from an extreme case of not caring.

Apparently Ivey tweeted on his twitter (that sounds so dirty doesn’t it?) on Saturday that he was, “Going back to Philly!”

According to a report by Philadelphia Inquirer Sixers beat writer Kate Fagan, barring an unexpected fallout, he will be back for a second season.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sorry again.

Ivey opted out of the second year of his contract in mid-June, instead opting to travel the league, finding out first hand that no other teams even know he plays in the NBA, let alone want to sign him.

He averaged 3.0 points per game last season for the Sixers (yea, I know, who knew?).