The NBA All-Star Game will have to make do without a representative from the sad-sack 76ers.

Allen Iverson, who was voted a starter for the East despite playing only a few games for the Sixers, has now bowed out, again citing personal reasons believed to involve his daughter’s illness.

As with almost anything involving A.I., there’s an element of intrigue about his status. He has missed the Sixers last five games, having been out of the lineup since Jan. 31.

No one is saying exactly what the problem is with his daughter, and I’m not really sure anyone needs to know. One thing is certain, it only fuels the mystery involving the team and Iverson.

His daughter’s illness did not appear initially as if it would prevent Iverson from heading to Dallas for the All-Star festivities. Up until yesterday he had indicated he would be there, and would be in the starting lineup for the East.

Then yesterday the story changed, and Iverson bowed out. He won’t be alone. Kobe Bryant also will be missing as he continues to nurse a sore heel.

Iverson has played in a total of 25 games this season, three of them in an aborted start with the Memphis Grizzlies that went south in a hurry.
He announced he would retire, then instead returned to the place where he became a superstar, Philadelphia.

Now he is merely an enigma. His play has not been up to the standards that he set here years ago. Iverson is averaging 14.7 points and 4.2 assists per game.

There is now even speculation that Iverson might be done, that he might step away from game and retire.

I’m thinking not. He might be done with practice, but I don’t see A.I.
quitting the game altogether. At least not yet.

Then again, I don’t exactly see him as a bench player or sixth man, either.

As I said, the situation surrounding Iverson continues to be shrouded in mystery.

He has confounded any number of teammates and coaches. Now everyone else is wondering exactly what the next chapter in Iverson’s career will be.