THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (09/12/10)

Allen Iverson's basketball future may be made in China. The out of favour guard may join another out of favour guard, Stephon Marbury in a move to the basketball leagues of the Far East. Iverson hasn't had many teams in the NBA answering his call to play but if he plays in China there is no question that he'll be the biggest NBA star to ever play over there (yeah Yao I said it). Iverson at 35 has a 'legitimate interest' from a CBA ball club according to his agent but with the NBA training camps opening in around a fortnight the same legitimacy cant be said for any American squads. It would be a real shame if A.I. doesn't return to the NBA but at the same time it'll be great to see his career flourish internationally and who knows he may finally taste victory out in Asia.



Another player who doesn't have much look with the NBA, Greg Oden may miss the start of the regular season. The injury prone, former top draft pick has yet to make his mark on the hardwood as many times his ailing knee has meant he's been carried off it. The Portland centre wants to blaze a trail for the season opener but he is being eased back into things slowly. A good sign is that the post presence Oden is running but it still feels like it'll be awhile before he's ready to bang in the paint. He's working with a strength and conditioning coach up in Vancouver, Canada so hopefully this healing process will make him available to be down for the NBA as soon as psychically possible. Oden is yet to have the opportunity to show the League how good he really is and we hope his time comes this year. Although he looks older than his years, it still feels like Oden is a rookie with all the games he hasn't been able to play.



One guy who will be ready for the NBA this season with the opportunity to play is free agent forward Louis Amundson, who has just inked a two-year deal with California's Golden State Warriors. Amundson is a veteran journeyman and the second year of this contract is a player option. The forward with an open suitcase gives the Warriors more frontcourt potency and depth. Last Year with the Phoenix Suns in 14.8 minutes per Amundson averaged career-bests of 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds. Amundson is a strong rebounding presence and a veteran with plenty of experience for the locker room. These are two things that the Warriors need on their side in battle and the tenacious, dynamic Amundson is now on their frontline.