History of Allen Iverson in Timeline
Allen Iverson, nicknamed "the Answer," is a retired American professional basketball player who played 14 seasons in the NBA. Predominantly a shooting guard and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 and won the MVP award in 2001. An 11-time NBA All-Star, Iverson also secured two All-Star Game MVP awards. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Iverson is celebrated as one of basketball's greatest scorers, ball handlers and most influential athletes.
June 7, 1975: Allen Iverson Born
On June 7, 1975, Allen Ezail Iverson was born. He would become a professional basketball player known as "The Answer."
1979: Birth of Half-Sibling Brandy
In 1979, Iverson's younger half-sibling, Brandy, was born.
1983: Sixers First Finals Since Championship
In 2001, Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship.
1990: Birth of Half-Sibling Ieisha
In 1990, Iverson's younger half-sibling, Ieisha, was born.
1992: AAU National Championship
In 1992, Allen Iverson played for the "Boo" Williams-led AAU basketball team and won the 17-and-under AAU national championship.
February 14, 1993: Involvement in Bowling Alley Altercation
On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson and his friends were involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia, leading to his arrest and conviction on a felony charge.
1994: Big East Rookie of the Year
In the 1994-95 season, Allen Iverson won the Big East Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All Rookie Tournament First Team at Georgetown University.
1995: Conviction Overturned
In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals for insufficient evidence, after spending four months in a correctional facility.
1995: Member of USA World University Games Team
In 1995, Iverson played for the USA World University Games Team in Japan alongside future NBA stars. He led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, averaging 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. The team went undefeated, securing a 141–81 victory over Japan for the gold medal.
1995: Second Season at Georgetown
In the 1995-96 season, Allen Iverson led the Georgetown team to a Big East championship and was named a first-team All-American, as well as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
November 12, 1996: Career-High 35 Points Against Knicks
On November 12, 1996, Allen Iverson recorded a then career-high of 35 points, along with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in a win against the New York Knicks.
1996: Declared for the NBA Draft
In 1996, Allen Iverson declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year at Georgetown.
1996: Selected First Overall in NBA Draft
In 1996, after two seasons at Georgetown, Allen Iverson was selected with the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
August 1997: Arrested for concealed weapon and marijuana possession
In August 1997, Iverson was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possessing marijuana after being stopped for speeding. He pleaded no contest and received a community service sentence.
1997: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1997, as an NBA rookie with the Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
1998: Led the League in Scoring
During the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 season, Allen Iverson averaged 26.8 points, leading the league and earning his first scoring title. He was also named to his first All-NBA First Team.
1998: NBA Scoring Title
In 1998, Allen Iverson won the NBA scoring title.
January 26, 1999: Signed Contract Extension
On January 26, 1999, Allen Iverson signed a six-year, $70.9 million contract extension with the 76ers.
1999: Continued improvement with the 76ers
During the 1999-2000 NBA season, the Sixers continued to improve under Iverson's leadership, finishing 49-33 and qualifying for the playoffs.
2000: Successful season as an individual
Allen Iverson enjoyed his most successful season as an individual during the 2000–01 NBA season.
2000: Started Season Strong
During the 2000-01 season, Allen Iverson led his team to a franchise record 10-0 start.
2000: All-Star Selection and Trade Attempts
In 2000, Allen Iverson was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team and the 76ers actively tried to trade Iverson after disagreements with the coach.
2000: NBA Scoring Title
In 2000, Allen Iverson won the NBA scoring title.
2000: Qualified for playoffs
In 2000, Allen Iverson's leadership helped the Sixers improve, qualifying for the playoffs with a 49-33 record.
2000: Recorded Rap Single "40 Bars"
In 2000, during the offseason, Iverson, under the moniker Jewelz, recorded a rap single called "40 Bars" for an album. Due to controversial lyrics alleged to contain derogatory remarks, he was unable to release it despite initially planning to change the lyrics after criticism.
2001: Signed with Reebok
After the 2001 season, Allen Iverson partnered with Reebok and signed a 10-year $50 million contract.
2001: Entered Season with High Expectations
In 2001, Allen Iverson and the Sixers entered the 2001-2002 season with high expectations, fresh off their trip to the NBA Finals.
2001: MVP and Finals Appearance
In 2001, Allen Iverson was named NBA Most Valuable Player, won the NBA steals title, and led the Sixers to the NBA Finals.
2001: All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP
In 2001, Allen Iverson won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
2001: Game One Win Against Lakers
In game one of the 2001 NBA Finals, Iverson scored a game-high 48 points and beat the heavily favored Lakers 107-101, which was the Lakers' only playoff loss that year.
2002: Practice Rant
In 2002, Allen Iverson responded to criticism for missing team practices with his infamous "practice" rant.
2002: Domestic Dispute and Gun Allegations
In 2002, Iverson was accused of throwing his wife out of their home after a domestic dispute and later threatening two men with a gun. However, all charges were dropped due to lack of evidence and contradictory witness statements.
2002: Started Off Poorly
The 2002-2003 NBA season started off poorly for the Sixers, who traded Dikembe Mutombo. Iverson still put up stellar scoring numbers (27.6 points per game).
April 29, 2003: Named to 2003 USA Senior National Team
On April 29, 2003, Iverson was named to the 2003 USA Senior National Team.
2003: Larry Brown Leaves 76ers
In 2003, Head Coach Larry Brown left the 76ers after their playoff loss. Despite the departure, both Brown and Iverson maintained a positive relationship. Iverson later expressed that Brown was "the best coach in the world".
2003: Birth of Half-Sibling Mister
In 2003, Iverson's younger half-sibling, Mister, was born.
2003: Randy Ayers became the next coach of the 76ers
In 2003, Randy Ayers became the next coach of the 76ers. He failed to develop chemistry with his players, and was fired following a 21–31 start to the season.
2003: Defeated Hornets
In 2003, the Sixers defeated the New Orleans Hornets in the opening round of the playoffs, with Iverson describing Baron Davis as his most difficult opposing point guard.
2003: Selection for FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament
In August 2003, Iverson was selected to be part of Team USA for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico.
2003: Iverson Signed Contract Extension
Prior to the start of the 2003-04 season, Iverson signed a 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension that would begin in 2005-06 and last through the 2008-09 season.
February 24, 2004: Incident at Bally's Atlantic City Casino
On February 24, 2004, Iverson urinated in a trash can at Bally's Atlantic City casino and was subsequently banned from returning by the casino management.
2004: Summer Olympics Bronze Medal
In 2004, Allen Iverson represented the United States at the Summer Olympics and won the bronze medal.
2004: Iverson Reunited with Brown in Olympics
In 2004, Allen Iverson reunited with Larry Brown, becoming the co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team.
2004: Qualified for 2004 Olympics
In 2004, Iverson helped Team USA achieve a perfect 10-0 record and win the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament, securing a spot in the 2004 Olympics.
2004: Sixers Bounce Back
In the 2004–2005 season, Iverson and the Sixers began to improve under the tutelage of new head coach Jim O'Brien, along with the additions of first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, and All-Star forward Chris Webber.
February 12, 2005: Iverson Scored Career-High 60 Points
On February 12, 2005, Allen Iverson scored a career-high 60 points in a 112–99 win over the Orlando Magic. He shot 24-for-27 from the free-throw line and recorded 6 assists and 5 steals.
April 8, 2005: Iverson Recorded Career-High 16 Assists
On April 8, 2005, Allen Iverson recorded 23 points, 7 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists in a 103–98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
December 9, 2005: Casino Argument at Trump Taj Mahal
On December 9, 2005, after winning a hand at a poker table at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Iverson was overpaid $10,000. He refused to return the money when the dealer requested it back, leading to a heated argument.
2005: Iverson Praised Larry Brown
In 2005, Allen Iverson called Larry Brown "the best coach in the world", highlighting their positive relationship after Brown's departure from the 76ers.
2005: All-Star Game MVP
In 2005, Allen Iverson won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award.
2005: Contract Extension Started
In 2005, Allen Iverson's 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension, which he signed before the 2003-04 season, officially began.
2005: Bodyguard Assault Allegation
In 2005, Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, was accused of assaulting a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub. The man, Marlin Godfrey, sued Iverson for the injuries caused by his bodyguard, even though Iverson himself did not physically assault Godfrey.
2005: Maurice Cheeks Replaced Jim O'Brien
In 2005, Maurice Cheeks replaced Jim O'Brien as the Sixers' head coach due to disagreements with players and management. Iverson praised the move, as Cheeks was an assistant coach when the team reached the NBA Finals in 2001.
2005: Iverson and Sixers Continue to Improve
In the 2004-2005 season, the Sixers continued to improve under Jim O'Brien along with the additions of first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, and All-Star forward Chris Webber.
April 18, 2006: Iverson and Webber Late to Fan Appreciation Night
On April 18, 2006, Allen Iverson and Chris Webber arrived late to the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home game finale. They were fined as a result.
December 19, 2006: Iverson Traded to Denver Nuggets
On December 19, 2006, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Allen Iverson and forward Ivan McFarlin to the Denver Nuggets for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round picks in the 2007 NBA draft.
December 23, 2006: Iverson's Debut for the Nuggets
On December 23, 2006, Allen Iverson made his debut for the Denver Nuggets, scoring 22 points and recording 10 assists in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.
2006: Iverson Reportedly Demanded Trade
After a disappointing start to the 2006–07 NBA season, Allen Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers, leading to him being told he would not play in any more games for the team. The trade rumors were confirmed by Sixers Chairman Ed Snider, who stated, "We're going to trade him."
2006: Iverson Averaged Career-High in Points
During the 2005–2006 season, Allen Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game, but the Sixers missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.
January 2, 2007: Iverson Fined for Criticizing Referee
On January 2, 2007, Allen Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing referee Steve Javie after a game between the Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson was ejected from the game after committing two technical fouls and said he felt the referee was calling the game personal.
January 6, 2007: Game Between Nuggets and Utah Jazz
On January 6, 2007, before a game between Iverson's Nuggets and the Utah Jazz, referee Donaghy said he and the two other officials agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson."
2007: Jury Awarded $260,000 to Marlin Godfrey
In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages as a result of the 2005 assault by Iverson's bodyguard.
2007: Draft Picks Received by 76ers
In 2007, the Philadelphia 76ers received two first-round picks as part of the trade that sent Allen Iverson to the Denver Nuggets on December 19, 2006.
March 19, 2008: Iverson Returned to Philadelphia
On March 19, 2008, Allen Iverson returned to Philadelphia to a sold-out crowd. He scored a game-leading 32 points in a 115–113 loss, receiving a standing ovation.
November 3, 2008: Iverson Traded to the Pistons
On November 3, 2008, Allen Iverson was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb. Iverson switched to jersey number 1 for the Pistons.
2008: Rated Fifth-Greatest NBA Shooting Guard
In 2008, Allen Iverson was rated the fifth-greatest NBA shooting guard of all time by ESPN.
2008: Iverson Traded to the Pistons
In 2008, Allen Iverson was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb.
2008: Iverson Contract in effect
In 2008, Allen Iverson was under the 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension he signed before the 2003-04 season.
March 2009: Court of Appeals Upheld Verdict
In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the verdict from the 2007 case, where Marlin Godfrey was awarded $260,000 for injuries caused by Iverson's bodyguard in 2005.
April 3, 2009: Iverson Deactivated for Remainder of Season
On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Allen Iverson would not play for the remainder of the 2008–09 season due to an ongoing back injury, though Iverson had stated he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench.
September 10, 2009: Iverson Signed with Memphis Grizzlies
On September 10, 2009, Allen Iverson signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
November 7, 2009: Iverson Left Grizzlies
On November 7, 2009, Allen Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies for "personal reasons" after expressing his displeasure at being a bench player.
November 25, 2009: Iverson Announced Potential Retirement
On November 25, 2009, analyst Stephen A. Smith published a statement attributed to Allen Iverson on his blog, announcing plans for retirement, while also stating he felt he could still compete at the highest level.
December 7, 2009: Iverson Returned to Philadelphia
On December 7, 2009, Allen Iverson made his return to Philadelphia, receiving a thunderous ovation from the sold-out crowd. He finished the game with 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, a steal, and no turnovers, in a loss against his former team, the Denver Nuggets.
December 2009: Donaghy Interviewed
In December 2009, Donaghy stated in an interview with 60 minutes that he and fellow referees thought Iverson's punishment after criticizing referee Steve Javie on January 2, 2007 was too light.
2009: Ended NBA Career with the 76ers
During the 2009-10 season, Allen Iverson ended his NBA career with the 76ers.
2009: Iverson Met with 76ers Delegation
In 2009, Allen Iverson and his representatives met with a Philadelphia 76ers delegation about returning to his former team.
January 3, 2010: Iverson Returned to Denver
On January 3, 2010, Allen Iverson returned to Denver to face the Nuggets, scoring 18 points and recording seven assists in the 108–105 win.
January 8, 2010: Iverson's Contract Guaranteed
On January 8, 2010, Allen Iverson's one-year non-guaranteed contract with the Philadelphia 76ers became guaranteed for the remainder of the 2009-10 season.
February 20, 2010: Iverson's Final NBA Game
On February 20, 2010, Allen Iverson played his final NBA game, which was a road loss against Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.
February 22, 2010: Iverson Left the 76ers Indefinitely
On February 22, 2010, Allen Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely to attend to his daughter Messiah's health issues, which he later revealed was Kawasaki Disease.
March 2, 2010: Tawanna Iverson Filed for Divorce
On March 2, 2010, Tawanna Iverson filed for divorce, seeking custody of their children, child support, and alimony payments.
October 26, 2010: Iverson Agreed to Contract with Beşiktaş
On October 26, 2010, it was reported that Allen Iverson agreed in principle to a two-year, $4 million net income contract with Beşiktaş, a Turkish Super League team.
October 29, 2010: Beşiktaş Announced Signing of Iverson
On October 29, 2010, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Allen Iverson at a press conference in New York City.
November 16, 2010: Iverson Debuted for Beşiktaş
On November 16, 2010, Allen Iverson made his debut for Beşiktaş in a EuroCup game, scoring 15 points in 23 minutes.
January 2011: Iverson Returned to the US for Surgery
In January 2011, Allen Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery, after playing only ten games for Beşiktaş.
August 2011: $2.5 Million Lawsuit Dismissed
In August 2011, a federal judge dismissed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Iverson, related to a 2009 bar fight in Detroit, due to lack of evidence implicating Iverson or his bodyguard in the alleged assault.
2011: Finished Career in Turkey
In 2011, Allen Iverson finished his professional basketball career in Turkey with Beşiktaş.
2012: Sixers Finally Won Playoff Series
In 2012, the Sixers won another playoff series, something they hadn't done since Allen Iverson's departure.
January 2013: Iverson Declined Offer to Play in D-League
In January 2013, Allen Iverson received an offer to play for the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League, but he declined the offer.
October 30, 2013: Iverson Announced Retirement from Basketball
On October 30, 2013, Allen Iverson announced his retirement from basketball, citing he lost his desire to play. He received a standing ovation at the 76ers' home opener that night.
November 2013: 76ers Announced Retirement of Iverson's Number
In November 2013, the 76ers announced that they would officially retire Allen Iverson's number 3 in a special halftime ceremony on March 1, 2014.
2013: Reconciliation after Divorce Finalization
In 2013, Iverson stated that he and his wife were back together less than a month after their divorce was finalized.
2013: Kidnapping Accusation
In 2013, Iverson was accused of kidnapping his children and refusing to return them to their mother. He denied the accusation, and his ex-wife later recanted.
March 1, 2014: Iverson's Number Retired
On March 1, 2014, the 76ers retired Allen Iverson's number 3 in a special halftime ceremony. The ceremony took place in front of 20,000 spectators and 76ers greats such as Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and former team president Pat Croce.
May 14, 2015: Appeared on CBS This Morning
On May 14, 2015, Iverson appeared on CBS This Morning in support of a Showtime Network documentary about his life, addressing and denying rumors of financial struggles.
August 14, 2015: Post Malone Released "White Iverson"
On August 14, 2015, American singer Post Malone released the song "White Iverson". The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 14, and would hit over a billion streams on Spotify and a billion views on YouTube.
2016: Iverson Headlined Hall of Fame Class
In 2016, Allen Iverson headlined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class along with Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming.
2016: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2016, Allen Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2017: BIG3 League Announcement
In 2017, the creation of the 3-on-3 professional basketball league BIG3 was announced, with Iverson set to be a player and coach on 3's Company.
October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Allen Iverson was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Business Partnership with Al Harrington
In 2021, Iverson partnered with Al Harrington to launch "The Iverson Collection", a line of cannabis products under Harrington's Viola Brands. They also planned to collaborate on educational initiatives regarding cannabis use.
October 2023: Named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball
In October 2023, Iverson was named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball, alongside Shaquille O'Neal as President of Basketball.
2025: Appeared in Buffalo Bills' Schedule Release Video
In 2025, Iverson participated in the Buffalo Bills' schedule release video as part of a gag where Josh Allen suggested using "AI" (misinterpreted as Allen Iverson) to create the video.
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