ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 9, 1997 TAG: 9704090063
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHICAGO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Allen Iverson knows image is everything in the NBA - and his image could use some work - but he feels he deserves the award.
It's fashionable to tout Minnesota's Stephon Marbury, Vancouver's Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Boston's Antoine Walker as candidates for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Philadelphia's Allen Iverson? He's a punk. A trash-talker. A ball hog. A brash kid who even dissed Michael Jordan early this season.
The former Hampton, Va., prep standout also is the best choice for top rookie. At least, that's what Jordan thinks.
``Because of the excitement that he brings,'' the Chicago star said, ``he's the leading candidate without a doubt.''
Jordan even compared Iverson to himself Monday night in the closing minutes of the Bulls' 128-102 victory over the 76ers.
After Iverson sliced through four Bulls to score two of his career-high 44 points, Jordan turned to those seated on press row and said: ``Was I a one-man offense like that when I was a rookie? I just wanted to know, because it was so long ago.''
It's interesting that Jordan has so many nice things to say about Iverson, because the rookie's image took a beating early this season after the two argued on the court. Among other things, Iverson said he didn't have to respect Jordan, perhaps the best player to lace up sneakers.
``I feel like I deserve it, and I want the award,'' Iverson said. ``But ever since that incident, the media has been on me. It's like, `He said something to Michael Jordan, so let's dog him.' If something like that can cost me the award, then the award is not worth getting.''
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines KEYWORDS: BASKETBALLby CNB