Iverson unlikely to wear green

PHILADELPHIA -- Even with all signs of Allen Iverson removed from the Wachovia Center, it was still all about the former MVP before last night's game between the Celtics and 76ers. What else would you expect with Boston rumored to be a possible destination for Iverson? At least Iverson appeared a good fit for a Celtics uniform when the Sixers said they would honor his trade request last Friday.

But circumstances change quickly in the NBA.

Executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said yesterday he had not talked with Sixers president Billy King for 48 hours. Ainge characterized the chances of a Boston-Philadelphia deal as "slim."

With no deal in sight, Iverson's stock appears to have fallen dramatically. Possible suitors now sound skittish about acquiring the talented but notoriously difficult All-Star guard. Minnesota, Golden State, and Denver remain the front-runners, with Dallas, Indiana, Chicago, and the Clippers other possibilities. Boston could reemerge in the Iverson sweepstakes, but likely only as a trading partner in a three- or four-team deal.

One question keeps coming up with every mention of Iverson possibly landing in Boston: Can Iverson and Paul Pierce coexist?

"I think it would work out with the two of us," said Pierce. "I played with the biggest jacker in league history in Antoine Walker, didn't I? He was just jacking up shots. At least Iverson might go hit them at a higher clip and get to the free throw line."

When asked for the key when playing with someone like Walker or Iverson, Pierce added: " You understand what type of player he is. Certain times when [Walker] took certain shots [that were ill-advised] I'd go and tell him. And he'd listen, especially coming from a player like me, whereas for other guys it would probably be hard to talk to him. But when you're playing with another guy who's an All-Star, there's a respect factor that comes into play."

Pierce did not fault Iverson for being a selfish player, or at least being perceived that way.

"I think all the great players in the league are selfish to some degree," said Pierce. "That's what separates the players who make the All-Star teams or are MVP candidates every year."

Despite a sore tailbone and assorted bruises that left him barely able to move Tuesday, Delonte West was back in action. Before posting 13 points in the Celtics' 101-81 victory over the Sixers, West talked about being part of a possible deal for Iverson.

"Besides franchise players in this league, [playing for another team] has crossed everybody's mind," said West. "You have to think at one moment, 'OK, if Iverson is coming, then I might be going.' I bet just about every team joked about it a little bit. But our veterans -- Paul, Wally [ Szczerbiak] and Scal [Brian Scalabrine] -- just kept everyone focused on winning basketball games."

West enjoyed his time at Saint Joseph's, and when asked if he would welcome a return to Philadelphia, West said, "Being home? Having cheesesteaks every day?" Then he stopped himself.

"Boston has been great to me," said West. "I'm enjoying every moment of it. But if the business aspect of it brings me to Philadelphia, I definitely wouldn't be mad at that."

Kendrick Perkins said the plantar fasciitis in his left foot has improved since he was deactivated 10 days ago. When he walks without the protective boot, he doesn't feel intense pain. "It's a whole lot better," said Perkins. But Perkins did not want to say he was ahead of schedule, leaving that determination to team physician Brian McKeon . . . With Szczerbiak returning from a sprained left ankle, Rivers brought the veteran in off the bench. The strategy proved wise as Tony Allen started, and finished with 16 points, and Szczerbiak had 14.