NBA

Iverson’s a walking contradiction

For A New Yorker who three years in a row purchased season tickets a section removed from the 76ers’ bench just to be assured of the opportunity to be entertained by Allen Iverson whenever in Philadelphia, it’s distressing to see his career tumbling (bouncing outta Graceland) so unhappily and dishonorably.

Two seasons ago, Iverson was an All-Star, averaging 26.4 points for a Nuggets team summarily swept by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Since, if you’re scoring at home or sponging off someone else, he’s been run out of more towns — Denver, Auburn Hills and Memphis — believe it or not, than Larry Brown.

Sad to say, in actuality, Iverson quit his last two pit stops. The same stubborn snag — an unbecoming, uncompromising repudiation to accept reservist duty — has served to reinforce the popular perception he’s a bad guy.

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I know different, as in completely the opposite. During his 10 years as a 76er, never once wasn’t Iverson straight up with me, never once did he lead me astray, as so many other NBA people are inclined to do, never once was he remotely disrespectful to my wife and children, who were often around the team on and off the court.

Regrettably, I failed to abide by his rigid scruples regarding family.

In the summer of 2002, Iverson was indicted on 14 counts of this, that and other nasty stuff — breaking and entering, wielding a weapon, throwing his wife into the street naked, etc. A court trial judged him innocent on all charges.

Prior to that, I’d authored an attempted stab at humor at his wife’s expense. A month or so later, our paths crossed in Memphis.

When I walked into the 76ers’ locker room before the game, I sensed some serious tension. Iverson shouted something derogatory in my direction and, forgetting the unflattering one-liner, I went over to find out what was up.

Without getting the attention of too many teammates (Eric Snow was nice enough to turn away and lower his head), Iverson let me know flat-out how disappointed he was I’d write something like that about his wife, and reminded me how considerate he’s always been of mine.

“You mean to tell me that one lousy line is worth ruining our relationship,” Iverson concluded.

It was a valuable lesson well-learned. Too bad Iverson never has had any hangers-on capable of offering him constructive criticism or willing to tell him something he doesn’t want to hear.

“Allen has one speed in life and on the court and his beliefs are very high and unbending,” someone on his periphery emphasizes. “He could be murderous as a sixth man, but he sees the role as a nothing but degrading.

“The same thing that makes him great is the same thing that’s killing him. His tombstone will read: Died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

When you’ve got the kind of talent Iverson is blessed with, it’s easy to fathom where he’s coming from. Even at 34, he’s consumed with conceit. He can’t imagine any defender being able to stop him.

Is Iverson convinced or confused? Yes, he still might have what it takes to be the top scorer or two for a fading franchise like the Pistons were last season, and shanty teams like the Grizzlies and Knicks.

On the other hand, his scoring sprees in Denver didn’t help the Carmelo Anthony-led Nuggets to get out of the first round. Moreover, not a single championship contender, well aware he wasn’t’ going to settle for nuclear sub status, reached out to him this past summer.

Who knows, maybe the realization he was unwanted by the elite explains why he keeps talking about winning being all-important at this point in his career, yet here he is again leaning toward signing with another loser . . . as opposed to hooking up with the 7-4 Heat. You’d think he’d jump at the chance to accompany Dwyane Wade.

Perhaps Iverson’s impediment — a repeat of what went down in Detroit and Memphis — is Pat Riley’s refusal to make any promises regarding a starting spot immediately or ever. Surely Riley informed Iverson he must earn it by outplaying Mario Chalmers.

The Knicks, of course, offer instant gratification and lots of it. Sure Iverson wants to win . . . as long as he’s being showcased, gets more than his share of shots and isn’t asked to sweat all that much on defense.

The perfect match: a self-interested player and a malfunctioning team coached by Mike D’Antoni who had no qualms about disrupting the Suns when they were in first place by importing the unbalancing act of Shaq, so Iverson’s appearance certainly can’t be cause for palpitations; a day-of-game 4 p.m. shoot-around at Madison Square Garden; and a limo in gear to easy on down the road to Atlantic City or up to Foxwoods.

“Allen used to have two weaknesses, drinking and gambling.” said someone in the know. “Now he only has one, the tables, and, again, he don’t play no backup. He has the same attitude as Jordan, very aggressive. He looks to take down the house.”

Hey, Donnie Walsh overlooked Brandon Jennings; least he can do is sign his stylistic ancient ancestor.

peter.vecsey@nypost.com