Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson is a professional athlete in the National Basketball Association. Iverson was selected as the number one pick in 1996 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and named rookie of the year. He has made 10 times All-Star appearance (winning All-Star MVP Award in 2001 and 2005). He was named NBA MVP in 2001. He lead the 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

After a short 3 games stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and a brief retirement, on December 3, Allen Iverson is back with Philadelphia 76ers. He is expected to play his first game against the Denver Nuggets on December 7, 2009. [1]

On March 2, 2010, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that Iverson will not return this season. He has not played since February 20, 2010. [2]

On June 18, 2010, Iverson's personal manager, Gary Moore, said that Iverson is planning a return to the NBA next season. [3]

Allen Ezail Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia, on June 7, 1975. He attended Bethel High School where he led the football team as quarterback to the state championship. He would later attend Georgetown University, under the tutelage of John Thompson. He would win two Big East Defensive Player of the Year Awards and represent the USA in the World University Games, where he would take home a gold medal.

Allen Iverson is widely considered one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game. He is third all-time in career scoring average behind only Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain and sports superstar Michael Jordan. He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 and the 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Iverson would be selected with the first pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He would quickly establish himself as one of the elite players in the NBA. With his short stature, big heart and his impressive speed he would become a Philadelphia fan favorite. He would go on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year, and be named to the NBA All Rookie First Team. As of 2008, he has been elected to nine NBA All-Star games, and three All-NBA First Teams. In 2001, he won the NBA Most Valuable Player. In 2007, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets along with Ivan McFarlin for Andre Miller and Joe Smith. The trade paired him with fellow superstar Carmelo Anthony making the Nuggets one of the most potent offensive teams in the NBA.

On November 3, 2008, ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that the Detroit Pistons will trade point guard Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets with forward Antonio McDyess for Allen Iverson. The deal was finalized around 1 p.m. EST on November 3, 2008. The trade has been the object of speculation for several months, but no official announcement has been made.Associated Press: Pistons, Nuggets swap Billups, McDyess for Iverson (November 3, 2008) Pistons general manager Joe Dumars hopes that Iverson will add punch as a high scorer for the team.ESPN: Iverson Deal a Risk for Pistons? Dumars Has His Reasons (November 3, 2008)

Iverson failed to attend a 2008 Thanksgiving day practice with the Pistons. Although he apologized, Iverson was fined and removed from the starting lineup of the November 28, 2008, game against the Milwaukee Bucks.ESPN.com: Pistons, Nuggets swap Billups, McDyess for Iverson

On April 2, 2009, Iverson spoke publicly about his new role as a bench player. He stated that he would rather retire than play off the bench.ESPN.com: Iverson Struggles with Bench Role

ESPN.com reports on September 10, 2009, Iverson signed a one-year deal worth $3.1 million with the Memphis Grizzlies.[1] Iverson only played three games with the Grizzlies after returning from a hamstring injury. During his tenure with the Grizzlies, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 assists and 22.3 minutes.

On November 16, 2009, the Grizzlies and Iverson agreed to part ways after leave of absence on November 7, 2009. He cleared the waiver on November 19, 2009 and became a free agent. On November 25, he announced that he is retiring from the NBA.[2]

A week after his retirement, Iverson signed a free-agent contract with the 76ers on December 2. In this contract, Sixers would pay him just under $650,000 if the contract is guarantee until the remainder of the season on January 10, 2010. [1]

On March 2, 2010, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that Iverson will not return for the remainder of the season. He averaged 13.8 points in 28 games in 2009-2010 season. [1]

• June 7, 1975: Born in Hampton, Virginia
• 1996-99: Drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers
• 1997: NBA Rookie of the Year Award
• 2001: NBA MVP
• 2007: Traded to the Denver Nuggets
• 2008: Traded to the Detroit Pistons
• 2009: Signed with the Memphis Grizzlies
• 2009: Back with the Philadelphia 76ers
• 2010: 76ers announce Iverson will not return this season.