Allen Iverson turns 34 this summer, he’s a free agent, and he’ll likely sign with his fourth team in four years. That is, if anyone will have him – the way he talked his way out of Detroit this season will be yet another pock mark on a career resume highlighted by the 5th best career scoring average in NBA history.

Here’s what Jason Whitlock wrote about Iverson last week:

Iverson’s career as an NBA legend died of self-inflicted wounds this season in Detroit. Much like the death of his role model, rapper Tupac Shakur, Iverson’s supporters will reject the news of his demise and predict a Machiavellian return, a Dr. J-like finish to Iverson’s career … Winning has never really mattered to Allen Iverson. He is the embodiment of everything that has gone wrong in America, an unexposed, all-style-little-substance Hall of Famer.

While it’s a redeeming column – mentions of Tupac, Lost, and Ron Jeremy always lighten the mood – for Whitlock after this complete and utter debacle regarding shady college basketball programs, bloggers rushed to the defense of Iverson, who has always been an NBA fan favorite (full disclosure: Us, included):

Dude’s 6-foot, 175 pounds. My size. I consider myself a decent baller, and I couldn’t even play JC ball.

AI’s playing in the freaking league, used to throw down on people in transition, was an MVP, and has averaged 27 ppg in his career when and only two players in NBA history ever averaged better than 30, Jordan and Wilt, so I think it’s safe to say he “overachieved” on the court at 6 foot, even if he is a headcase.

And then there was this:

Whitlock just writes off the amazing season Iverson and the Sixers had to “Larry Brown brow-beating him Nightly”. Didn’t Larry Brown brow-beat Iverson nightly in each of their seasons together? Hmm….anyone with any respect for, or knowledge of the game of basketball may want to take a closer look at WHY the Sixers were successful that season. But wait….alas….the solution was sitting right under Whitlock’s nose. He mentions above, “Aaron McKie, Eric Snow, Tyrone Hill and 34-year-old Dikembe Mutombo”, any bells going off yet Whitlock? Probably not. Let me enlighten you. Instead of crucifying Iverson for being born and bred as a talented scorer, Philly tried a little experiment in which they surrounded Iverson with highly talented defenders, rebounders, and unselfish role players who could help harness Iverson’s scoring abilities, while making up for his defensive woes. What was the result? One of the best seasons in Philadelphia Sixers modern history. And proof, that if managed correctly, Iverson was and could be a winner in the NBA.

Which gave us a thought for next season: Houston. The Rockets play outstanding defense, have all the necessary role players in place, and since T-Mac undoubtedly will get injured next year, Iverson will be the clutch (shot clock winding down, 4th quarter) offensive scorer that Houston will lament … as it’s getting bounced in the first round this season.