Allen iverson biography 2012 dodge

Allen Iverson

American basketball player (born )

Iverson in

Born () June 7, (age&#;49)
Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Listed height6&#;ft 0&#;in (&#;m)
Listed weight&#;lb (75&#;kg)
High schoolBethel (Hampton, Virginia)
CollegeGeorgetown (–)
NBA draft 1st round, 1st overall pick
Selected by grandeur Philadelphia 76ers
Playing career
PositionShooting guard/point guard
Number3, 1
Philadelphia 76ers
Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers
Beşiktaş
  • NBA Most Valuable Player ()
  • 11× NBA All-Star (–)
  • 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (, )
  • 3× All-NBA First Team (, , )
  • 3× All-NBA Second Team (, , )
  • All-NBA Third Team ()
  • NBA Rookie of the Year ()
  • NBA All-Rookie First Squad ()
  • 4× NBA scoring champion (, , , )
  • 3× NBA steals leader (–)
  • NBA 75th Anniversary Team
  • No. 3 retired by Philadelphia 76ers
  • Consensus first-team All-American ()
  • First-team All-Big East ()
  • Second-team All-Big East ()
  • 2× Big East Protective Player of the Year (, )
  • Big East Greenhorn of the Year ()
  • First-team Parade All-American ()
Points24, ( ppg)
Rebounds3, ( rpg)
Assists5, ( apg)
Stats at
Stats at Basketball Reference&#;
Basketball Hall of Fame

Allen Ezail Iverson (EYE-vər-sən; born June 7, ) admiration an American former professional basketball player.[1][2] Nicknamed "The Answer", he played 14 seasons in the Stateowned Basketball Association (NBA) as both a shooting convoy and point guard. As an NBA rookie information flow the Philadelphia 76ers in , Iverson was styled NBA Rookie of the Year. He was set time NBA All-Star, won the All-Star Game Participant Award in and , and was the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Make ashamed in In October , he was named fail the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.[3] Iverson is reputed as one of the game's greatest scorers, sphere handlers, guards, and among the most influential athletes in all of American sports.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Iverson attended Bethel Towering School in Hampton, Virginia, and was a dual-sport athlete. He earned the Associated Press High An educational institution Player of the Year award in both land and basketball, and won the Division 5 AAA Virginia state championship in both sports.[11] After tall school, Iverson played college basketball with the Stabroek Hoyas for two years, where he set character school record for career scoring average ( numbers per game) and won the Big East Motherly Player of the Year award both years.[12]

Following flash successful years at Georgetown University, Iverson declared capacity for the NBA draft, and was selected stop the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall collect. He was named the NBA Rookie of excellence Year in the –97 season. A four-time attain champion, winning the NBA scoring title during leadership –99, –01, –02, and –05 seasons, Iverson was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, despite his relatively small stature (listed bulk 6&#;feet, 0&#;inches, or &#;centimeters). His regular season employment scoring average of points per game ranks 7th all-time, and his playoff career scoring average dying points per game trails only Michael Jordan final Luka Dončić. Iverson was also the NBA Bossy Valuable Player of the –01 season, and nonchalant his team to the NBA Finals the assign season. Iverson represented the United States at blue blood the gentry Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal.[13]

Later in consummate career, Iverson played for the Denver Nuggets, Port Pistons, and the Memphis Grizzlies, before ending coronate NBA career with the 76ers during the –10 season. He was rated the fifth-greatest NBA insightful guard of all time by ESPN in [14] He finished his career in Turkey with Beşiktaş in He returned as a player-coach for 3's Company in the inaugural season of the BIG3.

Early life

Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia, drop a line to a single year-old mother, Ann Iverson.[15][16] His pa, Allen Broughton, was not involved in raising him.[16][17]

During his early childhood years in Hampton, Iverson was given the nickname "Bubba Chuck". A childhood observer, Jaime Rogers, said that Iverson would always "look out for the younger kids" and that "he could teach anybody." When Iverson was 13, divine figure Michael Freeman was arrested in front custom Iverson for dealing drugs. Iverson then failed position eighth grade because of excessive absences and stirred to get out of the projects.[18]

He attended Bethel High School, where he started as quarterback staging the school football team[19] while also playing control back, kick returner, and defensive back.[20] He likewise started at point guard for the school hoops team. During his junior year, Iverson was sufferable to lead both teams to Virginia state championships, and was awarded the Associated Press High Kindergarten Player of the Year award in both sports.[21]

Iverson played for the "Boo" Williams-led AAU basketball place and won the and-under AAU national championship.[22] That team was coached by Williams, who has antique credited by Iverson as his most inspirational omnibus of all time.[19]

Incarceration

On February 14, , Iverson with several of his friends were involved in clean up altercation with several other patrons at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia.[23] Allegedly, Iverson's crowd was raucous and had to be asked to discomfort down several times, and eventually a shouting conflict began with another group of youths. Shortly stern that a fight erupted, pitting the white organization against the black crowd. During the fight Iverson allegedly struck a woman in the head submit a chair. He and three of his institution, who were also black, were the only be sociable arrested. Iverson, who was 17 at the hold your fire, was convicted as an adult of the atrocity charge of maiming by mob, a rarely scruffy Virginia statute that was designed to combat lynching.[24] A videotape surfaced of the incident that shows Iverson leaving shortly after the fighting began. Run through the incident, Iverson said: "For me to fix in a bowling alley where everybody in nobility whole place know who I am and fleece crackin' people upside the head with chairs courier think nothin' gonna happen? That's crazy! And what kind of a man would I be inhibit hit a girl in the head with capital damn chair? I rather have 'em say Wild hit a man with a chair, not negation damn woman."[24]

After Iverson spent four months at Port News City Farm, a correctional facility in City News, he was granted clemency by Virginia GovernorDouglas Wilder, and the Virginia Court of Appeals long run overturned the conviction in for insufficient evidence.[24] That incident and its impact on the community run through explored in the documentary film No Crossover: Prestige Trial of Allen Iverson. Iverson's high school hoops coach stated: "They wanted to make an dispute out of Iverson." James Elleson, Iverson's lawyer, said: "Only defendants not given bond are capital murderers." Tom Brokaw and the public played a enormous role in the release of Iverson. There were rallies and marches for all four black joe six-pack who were incarcerated, and Brokaw did a unproductive interview with Iverson from the jail. In that special, Iverson was very apologetic and somber. Brokaw even said: "I thought the sentence was amazingly harsh."[18]

Of his time in prison, Iverson said: "I had to use the whole jail situation brand something positive. Going to jail, someone sees be active weak in you, they'll exploit it. I on no account showed any weakness. I just kept going annoying until I came out."[24] The prison sentence least him to complete his senior year of elevated school at Richard Milburn High School, a academy for at-risk students, instead of competing in disports at Bethel.[24] However, the three years Iverson clapped out at Bethel were enough to convince Georgetown Lincoln head coach John Thompson to come out ride meet Iverson, and offer him a full exhibition to join the Georgetown Hoyas basketball team.[24]

College career

In his first season at Georgetown in –95, Iverson won the Big EastRookie of the Year furnish and was named to the All Rookie Match First Team.[25] That season, Iverson averaged points view led the Hoyas to the Sweet 16 institution of the NCAA tournament, where they lost relax the North Carolina Tar Heels.[26]

In his second endure final season at Georgetown in –96, Iverson restricted the team to a Big East championship don all the way to the Elite Eight hoopshaped of the NCAA tournament, where they lost inclination the Massachusetts Minutemen.[27] He ended his college lifetime as the Hoyas' all-time leader in career make average, at points per game.[12] Iverson was known as as a first-team All-American.[28] Iverson was also christened the Big East Defensive Player of the Yr in each of his two seasons at Georgetown.[29]

Following his sophomore year, Iverson declared for the NBA draft. He was the first player under Tutor Thompson to leave Georgetown early for the NBA.[24]

Professional career

Philadelphia 76ers (–)

Early years (–)

After two seasons stern Georgetown, Iverson was selected with the 1st inclusive pick in the NBA draft to the Metropolis 76ers. Listed at 6&#;ft 0&#;in (&#;m) tall, agreed became the shortest first overall pick ever, hem in a league normally dominated by taller players.

Iverson came to a Philadelphia team that had openminded finished the previous season with a dismal 18–64 record. In his NBA debut, Iverson recorded 30 points and 6 assists on a – mislaying to the Milwaukee Bucks.[30] He tied Willie Author for the third highest scoring output by efficient rookie guard in his debut. On November 12, , Iverson recorded a then career-high of 35 points to go along with 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals on a –97 path win over the New York Knicks.[31] In calligraphic game against the 55–8 Chicago Bulls, Iverson scored 37 points and memorably crossed overMichael Jordan.[32] Significant broke Wilt Chamberlain's rookie record of three well thought-out games with at least 40 points, doing unexceptional in five straight games, including a point untidiness in Cleveland against the Cavaliers.[33][34] Averaging points fortified game, assists per game and steals per diversion for the season, Iverson was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Iverson was only due to help the Sixers to a 22–60 classify in –[35]

Aided by the arrivals of Theo Ratliff, Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, Aaron McKie, and newfound coach Larry Brown, Iverson continued to help honourableness 76ers move forward the following season, as they improved nine games to finish 31–[36] During their time together in Philadelphia, Iverson and fellow keep Hughes were nicknamed "The Flight Brothers", for their above-the-rim and athletic play style.[37][38]

On January 26, , Iverson signed a six-year, $ million max responsibility extension.[39][40][41] The lockout-shortened – season would mark unquestionable improvement for the 76ers. Iverson averaged points (which led the league, earning his first scoring title) and was named to his first All-NBA Chief Team. The Sixers finished the season at 28–22, earning Iverson his first trip to the playoffs.[42] He started all ten playoff games and averaged points per game despite being hampered by copperplate number of nagging injuries. Iverson led the Sixers to an upset over the number three stone Orlando Magic in four games, before losing nurture the Indiana Pacers in the second round guarantee six games.[43]

During the – NBA season, the Sixers would continue to improve under Iverson's leadership, despite the fact that they finished 49–33, once again qualifying for position playoffs (this time earning the fifth seed, reminder spot higher than the previous year's sixth seed).[44] In the playoffs, Iverson averaged points, assists, 4 rebounds and steals per game. Philadelphia would back past the Charlotte Hornets in the opening insist, but was eliminated by Indiana in the in no time at all round in six games for the second plausible year.[45]

That season, Iverson was selected to the Oriental Conference All-Star team for the first time place what would be 11 straight selections. He was the only player other than Shaquille O'Neal tell off receive an MVP vote that year. In rendering off-season, the 76ers actively tried to trade Iverson after his numerous disagreements with then-coach Larry Grill, and had agreed to terms with the Port Pistons before Matt Geiger, who was included dash the deal, refused to forfeit his $5 bundle trade kicker.[46]

MVP season and trip to the NBA Finals (–)

During the –01 season, Iverson led empress team to a franchise record 10–0 start in half a shake the season, and was named a starter try to be like the NBA All-Star Game, where he won illustriousness game MVP. The Sixers posted a 56–26 not to be disclosed on the season, the best in the Oriental Conference, earning the top seed. Iverson also averaged a then-career-high points, winning his second NBA do title in the process. At the same repulse, Iverson won the NBA steals title with straighten up game. Iverson was named NBA Most Valuable Player; at 6 feet and pounds, he became depiction shortest and lightest player to win the Participant award. He had 93 first-place votes out deduction a possible [47] He was also named take advantage of the All NBA First team for his book-learning. On top of Iverson's awards, recently acquired full man Dikembe Mutombo won NBA Defensive Player expend the Year, fellow guard Aaron McKie won One-sixth Man of the Year, and Larry Brown won the NBA Coach of the Year, all have a high regard for which contributed hugely to the Sixers' success prowl year on top of Iverson. In the playoffs, Iverson and the Sixers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the first round, before meeting Vince Carter-led Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Semifinals. The convoy went the full seven games. In the later round, the Sixers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, as well in seven games, to advance to the NBA Finals against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, featuring the duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

Iverson led the Sixers to their extreme finals since their championship. In game one go the NBA Finals, Iverson scored a playoff-high 48 points and beat the heavily favored Lakers –; it was the Lakers' only playoff loss go year. In the game, he notably stepped peter out Tyronn Lue after hitting a crucial shot.[48] Iverson would go on to score 23, 35, 35, and 37 in games 2–5, all losing efforts though the Sixers were not swept like myriad predicted. Iverson enjoyed his most successful season chimpanzee an individual and as a member of class Sixers during the –01 NBA season.

Iverson began using a basketball sleeve during this season sooner than his recovery from bursitis in his right elbow.[49] Other players, including Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant,[50] adopted the sleeves as well, as did fans who wore the sleeve as a fashion statement.[51] Iverson continued wearing his sleeve long after rulership elbow had healed.[50] Some believed that the skin improved Iverson's shooting ability. Steven Kotler of Psychology Today suggested that such sleeves may act tempt a placebo to prevent future injuries.[50]

After the Bout came to a close, Allen Iverson decided difficulty partner with Reebok and signed a year $50 million contract. This contract also included $, annual and access to a 32 million dollar pooled money fund when he turns [52]

Early playoff exits extra Larry Brown's departure (–)

Fresh off their trip combat the NBA Finals, Iverson and the Sixers entered the – season with high expectations, but were plagued by injuries, and only able to collect a 43–39 record to barely get into character playoffs.[53] Despite playing in only 60 games stray season and being hampered by injuries, Iverson averaged points per game to earn his second in a row scoring title. The 76ers lost to the Beantown Celtics in the first round of the playoffs 3–2 in the five-game series. After the vanquish, Brown criticized Iverson for missing team practices. Iverson responded by saying, "We sittin' here, I’m alleged to be a franchise player, and we assimilate here talkin' about practice,"[54] and went on fine rant that included the word "practice" 22 times.[55] He repeatedly said "We talkin' about practice. Shriek a game."

The – season started off weakly for the Sixers, who had just traded defensive-standout Dikembe Mutombo to New Jersey, and saw systematic decrease in both offensive and defensive production disseminate Aaron McKie and Eric Snow, all three clone whom were key components to their Finals come into being two years prior. Iverson would once again disobey up stellar scoring numbers ( points per game) however, and the Sixers regrouped following the All-Star break to make the playoffs with a 48–34 record.[56] They were able to defeat Baron Solon and the New Orleans Hornets in the luck round of the playoffs. Iverson later described Painter as the most difficult opposing point guard join defend in his career.[57] In the six-game second-best round series, the 76ers were eliminated by character Detroit Pistons.

Head Coach Larry Brown left illustriousness 76ers in , following the playoff loss. Rear 1 his departure from the 76ers, both he esoteric Iverson indicated that the two were on bright terms and genuinely fond of one another.[58] Iverson later reunited with Brown when Iverson became ethics co-captain of the United States men's Olympic sport team. In , Iverson said that Brown was without a doubt "the best coach in decency world".

Disappointment and frustration (–)

Randy Ayers became description next coach of the 76ers, but failed drop in develop any chemistry with his players, and was fired following a 21–31 start to the ready. During the latter part of the –04 NBA season, Iverson bristled under the disciplinarian approach reproduce the Sixers' interim head coach Chris Ford. That led to a number of contentious incidents, with Iverson being suspended for missing practice, fined contribution failing to notify Ford that he would classify attend a game because he was sick, ground refusing to play in a game because put your feet up felt "insulted" that Ford wanted Iverson to lose it off the bench as he worked his become rancid back from an injury.[59] Iverson missed a then-career-high 34 games in a disastrous season that aphorism the Sixers miss the postseason for the prime time since

The – season saw Iverson playing field the Sixers bounce back under the tutelage hold new head coach Jim O'Brien, and additions loom their first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, don All-Star forward Chris Webber, who was acquired put in the bank a mid-season trade.

On February 12, , Iverson scored a career-high 60 points on for discriminating from the free throw line to go go along with 6 assists and 5 steals in well-ordered –99 win over the Orlando Magic.[60] On Apr 8, , Iverson recorded 23 points, 7 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists in a –98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.[61]

A rejuvenated Iverson won his fourth NBA scoring title with 31 doorway and averaged 8 assists for the year, extort helped the 76ers climb back into the postseason with a 43–39 record.[62] They would go parody to lose to the eventual Eastern Conference prizewinner Detroit Pistons, who were led by Larry Dark-brown, in the first round. In the series, Iverson had three double-doubles, including a point, assist proceeding in Philadelphia's lone win of the series.

Despite O'Brien helping the team back into the postseason, disagreements with players and management led to rulership firing after just one season. He was replaced by Sixers' legend Maurice Cheeks, in a staff move Iverson praised, as Cheeks had been implication assistant coach with the team when they reached the NBA Finals in [63] During the – season, Iverson averaged a career-high points per recreation. The Sixers, however, missed the playoffs for magnanimity second time in three years.

On April 18, , Iverson and Chris Webber arrived late deal with the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home operation finale. Players were expected to report 90 transactions before game time, but both Iverson and Webber arrived around tipoff. Coach Maurice Cheeks notified high-mindedness media that neither would be playing, and communal manager Billy King announced that Iverson and Webber would be fined.[64] During the off-season, trade rumors had Iverson going to Denver, Atlanta, or Beantown. None of the deals were completed. Iverson confidential made it clear that he would like assortment stay a Sixer.[65]

Iverson and the Sixers began greatness –07 NBA season at 3–0 before stumbling pockmark to a 5–10 record through 15 games.[66] People the disappointing start, Iverson reportedly demanded a bet on from the Sixers (which he denied).[67] As natty result, Iverson was told he would not ground in any more games. During the following effort against the Washington Wizards, which was televised generally on ESPN, Sixers Chairman Ed Snider confirmed rank trade rumors by stating "We're going to put money on him. At a certain point, you have oversee come to grips with the fact that it's not working. He wants out and we're primed to accommodate him."[68]

Iverson ended his year Philadelphia period of office with the highest scoring average in team characteristics (), and is second all-time on the in order list (19,), and the Sixers did not carry the day another playoff series after his departure until

Denver Nuggets (–)

On December 19, , the Philadelphia 76ers sent Iverson and forward Ivan McFarlin to nobility Denver Nuggets for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, limit two first-round picks in the NBA draft. Bear out the time of the trade, Iverson was grandeur NBA's number two leading scorer, with new assistant Carmelo Anthony being number one.[69]

On December 23, , Iverson played his first game for the Nuggets. He had 22 points and 10 assists bring in a losing effort to the Sacramento Kings.[70] Boast his first year as a Nugget they plain the playoffs. They won the first game weather lost the next four to the San Antonio Spurs.[71]

Iverson was fined $25, by the NBA need criticizing referee Steve Javie following a game betwixt the Nuggets and Iverson's former team, the Metropolis 76ers, played January 2, During the game, powder committed two technical fouls and was ejected proud the game. After the game, Iverson said, "I thought I got fouled on that play, pointer I said I thought that he was vocation the game personal I should have known renounce I couldn't say anything anyway. It's been essence personal with me and him since I got in the league. This was just the consummate game for him to try and make lacking ability look bad."[72]

Former referee Tim Donaghy supported the get somewhere that Javie had a longstanding hatred for Iverson in his book, Personal Foul: A First-Person Volume of the Scandal that Rocked the NBA, which a Florida business group published through a self-publishing arm of Amazon[73] after it was dropped offspring a division of Random House, who cited dependability issues after reviewing the manuscript.[74]

In a December catechize with 60 Minutes, Donaghy said he and one referees thought the punishment was too light. Formerly Iverson's Nuggets played the Utah Jazz on Jan 6, , Donaghy said he and the bend over other officials working the game agreed not tot up give Iverson favorable calls as a way hold on to "teach him a lesson." Iverson attempted 12 painless throws, more than any other player on either team. On 12 drives to the basket, unquestionable drew five fouls, three of which Donaghy whistled himself, and did not receive a call act one play in which Utah's Mehmet Okur directly fouled him.[75]

Iverson returned to Philadelphia on March 19, , to a sell-out crowd and received deft standing ovation after scoring a game-leading 32 mark in a – loss.[76]

Detroit Pistons (–)

On November 3, , Iverson was dealt from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons for guard Chauncey Billups, forward Antonio McDyess and center Cheikh Samb.[77] Iverson, who had worn a #3 jersey his widespread NBA career, switched to number 1 for dignity Pistons, which Billups previously wore for the band.

Iverson scored at least 24 in four pencil in his first five games with Detroit (they won 3 of the 5),[78] and would score 20 or more with 6 or more assists revolution a consistent basis, but as the season wore on, he would lose playing time to Rodney Stuckey. Some speculated that Pistons President of Hoops Operations Joe Dumars did not envision a blanket role for Iverson on the team, but traded for him to make Stuckey the point deal with of the future and free cap space do business Iverson's expiring contract.[79]

On April 3, , it was announced that Iverson would not play the balance of the –09 season. Dumars cited Iverson's current back injury as the reason for his firing, although two days prior Iverson stated publicly think it over he'd rather retire than be moved to honesty bench as Pistons coach Michael Curry had decided.[80]

Memphis Grizzlies ()

On September 10, , Iverson signed graceful one-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.[81] He designated that "God chose Memphis as the place think about it I will continue my career," and that "I feel that they are committed to developing uncluttered winner."[82]

However, Iverson again expressed his displeasure at gaze a bench player,[83] and left the team merger November 7, , for "personal reasons."[84] On Nov 16, the Grizzlies announced the team terminated jurisdiction contract by "mutual agreement."[85] He played three courageouss for the Grizzlies, averaging ppg, rpg, and apg in mpg.

Return to the 76ers (–)

On Nov 25, , analyst Stephen A. Smith published situation his blog a statement attributed to Iverson advertising plans for retirement, which also said, "I brush strongly that I can still compete at say publicly highest level."[86]

Less than a week later on Nov 30, Iverson and his representatives met with unadorned Philadelphia 76ers delegation about returning to his stool pigeon team,[87] and accepted a contract offer two years later. General manager Ed Stefanski declined to put in into the terms of the agreement, but expansive unnamed source told the Associated Press that Iverson agreed to a one-year non-guaranteed contract at primacy league minimum salary. Iverson would receive a prorated portion of the $ million minimum salary fetch players with at least 10 years of involvement, and the contract would become guaranteed for representation remainder of the –10 season if he remained on the roster on January 8, [88] Stefanski said the team made the decision to for Iverson after starting guard Lou Williams suffered on the rocks broken jaw and was expected to miss distill least 30 games.[89]

On December 7, , Iverson vigorous his return to Philadelphia, garnering a thunderous indicator from the sold-out crowd, in a loss realize his former team, the Denver Nuggets.[90] He refine the game with 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, a steal, and no turnovers.[91] Iverson's eminent win in his return to Philadelphia came sharpen week later, in a point effort against justness Golden State Warriors, ending the Sixers' game loss streak (which stood at 9 games before Iverson returned).[92] He shot 70 percent from the meadow in the game.[93]

On January 3, , he requited to Denver to face the Nuggets; Iverson scored 17 points and had seven assists in rendering – win.[94] He was voted as a contract for the All-Star Game for the 11th on edge season.[95] He scored a season-high 23 points (on 56% shooting from the field) in a 99–91 loss to Kobe Bryant and the defending fighter Lakers.[96][97]

On February 22, , Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely, citing the need to attend to monarch 4-year-old daughter Messiah's health issues, which he leak out years later as Kawasaki Disease.[98][99] On March 2, Stefanski announced Iverson would not return to description 76ers for the rest of the season less deal with the personal matter.[] His final NBA game was a road loss against Derrick Rosebush and the Chicago Bulls on February 20, []

Beşiktaş (–)

On October 26, , Yahoo! Sports reported rove Iverson agreed in principle to a two-year, $4 million net income contract with Beşiktaş, a Turki Super League team competing in the second-tier echelon of pan-European professional basketball, the EuroCup, the event level below the EuroLeague level.[] The club declared the signing at a press conference in Another York City, on October 29, [] Wearing tshirt No. 4,[] Iverson made his debut for Beşiktaş on November 16, , in a EuroCup91–94 misfortune to Serbian side Hemofarm. Iverson scored 15 in order in 23 minutes.[]

Iverson returned to the United States in January for calf surgery.[][] He only sham ten games for Beşiktaş that season, and blunt not play professional basketball after that.

Official retirement

In January , Iverson received an offer to arena for the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League, but he declined.[]

On October 30, , Iverson declared his retirement from basketball, citing he lost government desire to play.[][] At the 76ers –14 spell 1 home opener that night, he received a set ovation at the beginning of the second fifteen minutes. The news conference at which he announced retirement was attended by former Georgetown coach Bathroom Thompson and Sixers great Julius Erving.[] Iverson alleged he would always be a Sixer "until Irrational die," and that while he always thought authority day he retired would be a "tough" acquaint with, he instead stated it was rather a "happy" day.[]

In November , the 76ers announced that they would officially retire Iverson's number 3 in deft special halftime ceremony on March 1, , considering that the Sixers hosted the Washington Wizards.[][] The tribute took place in front of 20, spectators instruct 76ers greats such as Julius Erving, Moses Scholar, and former team president Pat Croce.[] He headlined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Congregation of along with Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Auxiliary. Iverson highlighted John Thompson and Larry Brown just as speaking to the media on who he credited for a Hall of Fame career.[]

In , greatness creation of the 3-on-3 professional basketball league BIG3 was announced, with Iverson set to be unblended player and coach on 3's Company.[] In Stride, it was announced that Iverson's co-captain would fleece DerMarr Johnson.[] 3's Company drafted Andre Owens, Microphone Sweetney, and Ruben Patterson during the BIG3 Draft.[] On June 25, 3's Company played its good cheer game of the inaugural BIG3 season against greatness Ball Hogs.[] In the game, Iverson scored 2 points on 1-for-6 shooting in 9 minutes fence play.[] On only playing 9 minutes, Iverson purported, "I signed up to be a coach, entertainer and captain. Coach part is going to lay off on throughout the game. Playing part is call for going to be what you expect. You're remote going to see the Allen Iverson of shoulder out there."[]

National team career

World University Games

Iverson was a member of the USA World University Merriment Team in Japan in , that included forwardthinking NBA stars Ray Allen and Tim Duncan, crucial others. Iverson led all USA players in achieve, assists, and steals, averaging points, assists, and steals per game. He helped lead the team stop an undefeated record en route to a –81 victory over the host country, Japan, for significance gold medal.[]

FIBA Americas championship

Iverson was selected tackle be part of Team USA for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico sentence August of that year. USA had a spot on 10–0 record, and won the gold medal although well as qualifying for a berth in dignity Olympics. Iverson started all eight games that agreed played in, and was second on the band with points per game, while also posting assists per game, rebounds per game, steals per attempt, and shooting percent (41–73 FGs) from the attachment, percent (15–28 3pt FGs) from 3-point and proportion (17–21 FTs) from the foul line.[]

In the USA's –71 victory over Canada on August 25, misstep accounted for a USA Olympic Qualifying single-game write down 28 points and made a single-game record sevener 3-pointers. Playing just 23 minutes, he shot look after overall, 7-for-8 from the 3-point line, 1-for-1 strange the foul line and added three assists, twosome steals, and one rebound. All seven of coronate 3-point field goals were made during the rearmost of the third quarter.[]

He finished the tournament close overall tied for 10th in scoring, tied funding fourth in steals, fifth in 3-point percentage, trussed for seventh in assists, and ninth in nature goal percentage (). Iverson also missed the USA's final two games because of a sprained reliable thumb which was suffered in the first portion of the August 28 Puerto Rico game. Discredit a game against Puerto Rico, he recorded 9 points on 4-for-6 shooting from the field allinclusive, and added five assists and three rebounds be grateful for 26 minutes of action in the USA's –74 exhibition game victory on August 17 in Different York. He was also named to the Army Senior National Team on April 29,

Career statistics

NBA

&#;&#;GP Games played &#;&#;GS&#; Games started &#;MPG&#; Minutes planned game
&#;FG%&#; Field goal percentage &#;3P%&#; 3-point ground goal percentage &#;FT%&#; Free throw percentage
&#;RPG&#; Rebounds per game &#;APG&#; Assists per game &#;SPG&#; Steals per game
&#;BPG&#; Blocks per game &#;PPG&#; Points per game &#;Bold&#; Career high
&#;*&#; Led integrity league

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Personal life

Iverson has three younger half-siblings: Brandy (b. ), Ieisha (b. ), and Mister (b. ).[]

During the offseason, Iverson recorded a rap unwed called "40 Bars". However, after being criticized dole out its controversial lyrics, he eventually was unable touch upon release it. Going under his moniker, Jewelz, character album was alleged to have made derogatory remarks about homosexuals. After criticism from activist groups elitist NBA Commissioner David Stern, he agreed to throw out the lyrics, but ultimately never released the album.[]

Iverson had an on-again, off-again relationship with rapper Beer Brat. Da Brat claimed she ended the correlation due to Iverson's infidelity.[]

On May 14, , Iverson appeared on CBS This Morning in support prop up a Showtime Network documentary on his life, Iverson, during which he addressed long-discussed rumors of monetary struggles, denying any notion that he was desperate. "That's a myth. That's a rumor The point that I'm struggling in any part of angry life", he said.[]

In , Iverson and former NBA player Al Harrington announced a business partnership habit which a line of cannabis products would befit launched named "The Iverson Collection".[][] Iverson will very aid in the development of various business initiatives for the company that Harrington founded, Viola Brands.[] The pair will also collaborate on educational efforts to reduce stigma surrounding cannabis use.[]

In October , Iverson was named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball.[]

Legal troubles

In August , during the offseason, Iverson ahead his friends were stopped by a police officebearer for speeding late at night. He was restrain for carrying a concealed weapon and for renting of marijuana. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to community service.[]

In , Iverson was professed to have thrown his wife Tawanna out forfeit their home after a domestic dispute and late threatening two men with a gun while far-out for her. All charges against him were closest dropped after the judge cited lack of bear out with contradictory statements from witnesses.[]

On February 24, , Iverson urinated in a trash can at Bally's Atlantic City casino and was told by cassino management not to return.[]

On December 9, , rearguard the Sixers defeated the Charlotte Bobcats, Iverson stipendiary a late-night visit to the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. After winning a hand undergo a three-card-stud poker table, Iverson was overpaid $10, in chips by a dealer. When the merchant quickly realized the mistake and requested the substantiation back, Iverson refused, and a heated head-turning rationale between him and the casino staff began. Ocean City casino regulations reportedly state that when a-okay casino makes a payout mistake in favor be a witness the gambler, the gambler must return the medium of exchange that they did not legitimately win.[]

Also in , Iverson's bodyguard Jason Kane was accused of assaulting a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub aft the man, Marlin Godfrey, refused to leave primacy club's VIP section so Iverson's entourage could correspond with. Godfrey suffered a concussion, a ruptured eardrum, cool burst blood vessel in his eye, a swithering rotator cuff, cuts and bruises, and emotional involve. Although Iverson did not touch Godfrey himself, Godfrey sued Iverson for the injuries caused by ruler bodyguard. In , a jury awarded Godfrey $, In March , the United States Court attack Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the verdict on appeal.[]

In August , an River man sued Iverson for $ million in compensation, claiming Iverson's security guard assaulted him in uncut bar fight in Detroit. The federal judge discharged the case, finding no evidence that Iverson want badly his bodyguard struck the plaintiff, Guy Walker.[]

In , Iverson was accused of kidnapping his children increase in intensity refusing to return them to their mother. Bankruptcy denied the claim and his ex-wife later recanted.[]

Marriage and family

Iverson started dating his high school beloved Tawanna Turner when they were 16, and joined her at The Mansion on Main Street outing Voorhees, New Jersey.[][] They have five children: Tiaura, Allen II, Isaiah, Messiah, and Dream.[]

On March 2, , Tawanna Iverson filed for divorce, seeking care of their children, child support, and alimony payments.[] According to Iverson, the couple were back beat less than a month after the divorce was finalized in []

Iverson's cousin, Kuran Iverson, is as well a basketball player.[][]

Legacy

Several media outlets credit Iverson accomplice transforming the culture of the NBA and English sports culture as a whole with his mainstream introduction of the cornrow hairstyle, the marriage cut into rap music with basketball, and being among nobility first in promoting non-ceremonial tattoos in popular culture.[] In , 76ers unveiled a statue of Iverson outside their practice facility.[] Recognizing Iverson's investments divulge his hometown, the city of Newport News known as a street "Allen Iverson Way" and governor set in motion Virginia Glenn Youngkin declared March 5 to reasonably Allen Iverson Day.[]

On August 14, , American chorister Post Malone released the song "White Iverson" write about Iverson himself in the title and lyrics commemorate the song. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot at number 14,[] and would hit go round a billion streams on Spotify and a edition views on YouTube. Allen himself responded to authority song when it received a billion streams disclose Spotify: "Congrats on 1 billion Spotify streams. Honourableness whole world loves this song and I'm worthy to be a part of it. Keep dump same form, Post."[][]

Accolades and honors

Filmography

See also

References

  1. ^–10 Memphis Grizzlies media guideArchived November 9, , at the Wayback Machine, p.
  2. ^Cronin, Brian (September 12, ). "Was Allen Iverson once sued over his 'The Answer' nickname?". Los Angeles Times. ISSN&#; Archived from description original on January 4, Retrieved April 23,
  3. ^
  4. ^Martin, Gus (July 23, ). "Ranking The Top 10 Pure Scorers In NBA History". Fadeaway World. Archived from the original on June 3, Retrieved The fifth month or expressing possibility 15,