By Tim Thomas

The debate continues in the league on whether the Olympic committee will select Allen Iverson for the USA Olympic Team for the 2004 Games. Jason Kidd, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady and Tim Duncan have already made the team, and they deserve it. Allen Iverson should be on there as well.

As Allen Iverson put it the other day, he knows it has nothing to do with his basketball ability. The likely reason behind the possible snub is his image. But the man deserves to be on the squad. His accomplishments speak for themselves: he's an MVP, been to the finals, a 2-time scoring champion and multiple-time all-star.

Is he the best role model on the planet? Maybe, maybe not, but how relevant is that?

Iverson is without a doubt one of the most famous players around, and definitely the toughest player in the league with aggressive play despite a diminutive stature. Also, he has improved his image from a few years ago. If you don't believe AI should be on the team, try telling Shaquille O'Neal, who said last week that Allen Iverson is one of the 5 greatest players ever in this league with his heart, effort and wonderful play despite being a little man in a league of giants. Iverson has even said that if he doesn't make the team, he will root hard for his fellow Americans to bring home the gold.

The Olympic committee would be blessed to have an individual like AI, someone who has respect for the game, and wants to do whatever it takes to win. Now isn't that a sign of a true American, to give it your all and have the desire to overcome obstacles to succeed?


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