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 debuted with the Philadelphia 76ers, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1997. A celebrated player, Iverson was an 11-time NBA All-Star, winning the All-Star Game MVP twice, and the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He is considered one of basketball's best scorers, ball handlers and one of the most influential athletes in American sports.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 7, 1975: Allen Iverson's Birth

On June 7, 1975, Allen Ezail Iverson was born. He later became a professional basketball player known as "The Answer."

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1979: Birth of Half-Sibling Brandy

In 1979, Allen Iverson's younger half-sibling, Brandy, was born.

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1983: First Finals Since 1983 Championship

In 2001, Allen Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship.

1990: Birth of Half-Sibling Ieisha

In 1990, Allen Iverson's younger half-sibling, Ieisha, was born.

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1992: AAU National Championship Win

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: Bowling Alley Altercation

On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson and his friends were involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia, resulting in 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 while playing for Georgetown University.

1995: Continued Success at Georgetown

During his second season at Georgetown in 1995-96, Allen Iverson led the team to a Big East championship and the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament, also being named a first-team All-American and Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

1995: Iverson played in the USA World University Games

In 1995, Allen Iverson participated in the USA World University Games held in Japan, playing alongside future NBA stars like Ray Allen and Tim Duncan, leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals, and helping the team secure a gold medal victory against Japan with a score of 141–81.

1995: Conviction Overturned

In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals due to insufficient evidence, after serving four months in a correctional facility.

November 12, 1996: Career-High 35 points against New York Knicks

On November 12, 1996, Allen Iverson recorded a then career-high of 35 points along with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals on a 101–97 road win over the New York Knicks.

1996: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

In 1996, Allen Iverson was selected with the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the shortest first overall pick ever at 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m).

1996: Declared eligibility for the NBA draft

In 1996, after two years at Georgetown University, Allen Iverson declared his eligibility for the NBA draft and was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

August 1997: Iverson Arrested for Gun and Marijuana Possession

In August 1997, Allen Iverson was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana after being stopped for speeding, and he was later sentenced to community service after pleading no contest.

1997: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1997, Allen Iverson was named NBA Rookie of the Year with the Philadelphia 76ers.

1998: Led the league in points and Named to First All-NBA team

During the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 season, Allen Iverson averaged 26.8 points, leading the league and earning his first scoring title, and was named to his first All-NBA First Team.

1998: NBA Scoring Title

In 1998, Allen Iverson won his first NBA scoring title.

1998: Sixers Missed Postseason

In 2003 Iverson missed a then-career-high 34 games in a disastrous season that saw the Sixers miss the postseason for the first time since 1998.

January 26, 1999: Signed Contract Extension

On January 26, 1999, Allen Iverson signed a six-year, $70.9 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers.

1999: Playoff Appearance

In 1999-2000, Allen Iverson led the Sixers to another playoff appearance, qualifying for the playoffs.

2000: Individual and Team Success

Allen Iverson enjoyed his most successful season as an individual and as a member of the Sixers during the 2000–01 NBA season.

2000: Start of Successful Season

During the 2000-01 season, Allen Iverson led his team to a franchise record 10-0 start.

2000: Playoff Appearance

In 1999-2000, Allen Iverson led the Sixers to another playoff appearance, qualifying for the playoffs.

2000: All-Star Selection and Trade Attempt

In 2000, Allen Iverson was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the first time, and the 76ers actively tried to trade him due to disagreements with the coach.

2000: NBA Scoring Title

In 2000, Allen Iverson won his second NBA scoring title.

2000: Iverson Records Rap Single "40 Bars" and Faces Controversy

In 2000, Allen Iverson, under the moniker Jewelz, recorded a rap single called "40 Bars" that was alleged to have derogatory remarks about homosexuals, but he was unable to release it due to controversy and criticism.

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2001: High Expectations and Injuries

Following their NBA Finals appearance, Allen Iverson and the Sixers entered the 2001-2002 season with high expectations, but were plagued by injuries.

2001: Partnership with Reebok

In 2001, Allen Iverson partnered with Reebok and signed a 10-year $50 million contract, which included $800,000 annually and access to a 32 million dollar trust fund when he turns 55.

2001: All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP

In 2001, Allen Iverson was named a starter at the NBA All-Star Game and won the game MVP award, leading the Sixers to a 56-26 record, also winning his second NBA scoring title, the NBA steals title, and being named NBA Most Valuable Player.

2001: NBA MVP and NBA Finals appearance

In 2001, Allen Iverson was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and led his team to the NBA Finals.

2001: NBA Finals Debut

In game one of the 2001 NBA Finals, Allen Iverson scored a game-high 48 points, leading the Sixers to victory against the Lakers, and stepping over Tyronn Lue after hitting a crucial shot.

2001: Cheeks Assistant Coach

Maurice Cheeks had been an assistant coach with the team when they reached the NBA Finals in 2001.

2002: Scoring Title and "Practice" Rant

In 2002, Allen Iverson earned his second consecutive scoring title, averaging 31.4 points per game despite injuries, and famously responded to criticism about missing practice with a rant that included the word "practice" 22 times.

2002: Iverson Accused of Domestic Dispute and Threatening Men

In 2002, Allen Iverson was alleged to have thrown his wife Tawanna out of their home after a domestic dispute and threatened two men with a gun while looking for her; however, all charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.

2002: Poor Start to the Season

The 2002-2003 season started poorly for the Sixers, following trades and decreased performance from key players, despite Allen Iverson's stellar scoring.

April 29, 2003: Iverson Named to 2003 USA Senior National Team

On April 29, 2003, Allen Iverson was officially named to the 2003 USA Senior National Team, marking his participation in international basketball competitions.

2003: Playoff Elimination

In 2003, Allen Iverson and the Sixers made the playoffs after regrouping, defeating the New Orleans Hornets but being eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in the second round.

2003: Iverson Joined Team USA for FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2003, Allen Iverson became a member of Team USA for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, contributing to the team's perfect 10-0 record and gold medal victory, securing a spot in the 2004 Olympics.

2003: Birth of Half-Sibling Mister

In 2003, Allen Iverson's younger half-sibling, Mister, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Larry Brown left 76ers

In 2003, Head Coach Larry Brown departed from the 76ers following their playoff loss. Subsequently, both Brown and Iverson expressed mutual respect and affection. Larry Brown left the 76ers in 2003.

2003: Iverson signed a 4-year contract extension

Prior to the start of the 2003-04 season, Allen Iverson signed a 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension, set to commence in the 2005-06 season and run through the 2008-09 season. Iverson signed the contract extension in 2003.

2003: Randy Ayers Became Coach

Randy Ayers became the next coach of the 76ers in 2003, but was later fired. Also during the latter part of the 2003–04 NBA season, Iverson bristled under the disciplinarian approach of the Sixers' interim head coach Chris Ford leading to suspensions and fines.

February 24, 2004: Iverson Told Not to Return to Bally's Atlantic City Casino

On February 24, 2004, Allen Iverson urinated in a trash can at Bally's Atlantic City casino, resulting in casino management asking him not to return.

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 Larry Brown

In 2004, Allen Iverson reunited with Larry Brown, becoming the co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team. The reunion took place in 2004.

2004: USA qualified for the Olympics

In 2004, as a result of the perfect record obtained in the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament, USA qualified for a berth in the Olympics.

2004: Sixers Bounced Back

The 2004–2005 season saw Iverson and the Sixers bounce back under the tutelage of new head coach Jim O'Brien, and additions of their first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, and All-Star forward Chris Webber, who was acquired in a mid-season trade. This happened in 2004.

February 12, 2005: Iverson career-high 60 points

On February 12, 2005, Allen Iverson achieved a career-high 60 points, along with 6 assists and 5 steals, in a 112–99 victory against the Orlando Magic. He shot 24-for-27 from the free throw line.

April 8, 2005: Iverson 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 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

December 9, 2005: Iverson Involved in Dispute at Trump Taj Mahal Casino

On December 9, 2005, Allen Iverson visited the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and was overpaid $10,000 in chips by a dealer after winning a hand at a poker table. He refused to return the money when the dealer realized the mistake, leading to a heated argument.

2005: Iverson's praise for Larry Brown

In 2005, Allen Iverson publicly declared that Larry Brown was unequivocally "the best coach in the world," solidifying their positive relationship. Iverson made this statement in 2005.

2005: All-Star Game MVP

In 2005, Allen Iverson won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award for the second time.

2005: Iverson's Bodyguard Accused of Assault in Nightclub Incident

In 2005, Allen Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, was accused of assaulting a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub, leading to a lawsuit against Iverson for the injuries caused to the victim.

2005: Cheeks Replaces O'Brien

In 2005, Maurice Cheeks replaced Jim O'Brien. During the 2005–2006 season, Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game.

2005: Contract extension begins

In 2005, the 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension that Iverson signed in 2003 officially commenced with the 2005-06 season.

2005: Sixers Bounce Back

April 18, 2006: Iverson and Webber Late

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. Trade rumors swirled during the off-season, but Iverson expressed his desire to remain a Sixer.

December 19, 2006: Iverson Traded to Nuggets

On December 19, 2006, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Allen Iverson and 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 Nuggets Debut

On December 23, 2006, Allen Iverson debuted for the Denver Nuggets, scoring 22 points and providing 10 assists in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.

2006: Iverson Career-High

During the 2005–2006 season, Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game. The Sixers, however, missed the playoffs for the second time in three years in 2006.

January 2, 2007: Iverson Fined For Criticizing Referee

On January 2, 2007, Allen Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing referee Steve Javie after a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls.

January 6, 2007: Donaghy Referees Teach Iverson Lesson

Before Iverson's Nuggets played the Utah Jazz on January 6, 2007, Donaghy said he and the two other officials working the game agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson."

2007: Jury Awards Damages in Lawsuit Against Iverson

In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages in a lawsuit against Allen Iverson for injuries caused by Iverson's bodyguard in a 2005 nightclub incident.

2007: Draft Picks Traded

On December 19, 2006, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Iverson and Ivan McFarlin to the Denver Nuggets for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round picks in the 2007 NBA draft.

March 19, 2008: Iverson Returned to Philadelphia

On March 19, 2008, Allen Iverson returned to Philadelphia to a sell-out crowd and received a standing ovation after scoring a game-leading 32 points in a 115–113 loss.

November 3, 2008: Iverson Traded To 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 number 1 for the Pistons.

2008: Iverson's contract extension continues

In 2008, Allen Iverson's 4-year contract extension, which he signed in 2003, was still in effect, as it was set to run through the 2008-09 season.

2008: Rated Fifth-Greatest NBA Shooting Guard by ESPN

In 2008, ESPN rated Allen Iverson the fifth-greatest NBA shooting guard of all time.

2008: Traded to Detroit Pistons

On November 3, 2008, Iverson was dealt from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons for guard Chauncey Billups, forward Antonio McDyess and center Cheikh Samb.

March 2009: Appeals Court Upholds Verdict in Lawsuit Against Iverson

In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the verdict in the lawsuit against Allen Iverson, stemming from a 2005 incident where his bodyguard assaulted a man at a nightclub.

April 3, 2009: Iverson Deactivated

On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Allen Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008–09 season due to his ongoing back injury. Two days prior, Iverson stated publicly that he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench.

September 10, 2009: Iverson Signed With Grizzlies

On September 10, 2009, Allen Iverson signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He expressed his belief in the team's commitment to developing a winner.

November 7, 2009: Iverson left the Grizzlies

On November 7, 2009, Allen Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies for "personal reasons" due to his displeasure at being a bench player. He played three games for the team.

November 25, 2009: Iverson announced plan to retire

On November 25, 2009, analyst Stephen A. Smith published a statement attributed to Allen Iverson on his blog, announcing Iverson's plans for retirement. However, the statement also indicated that Iverson felt he could still compete at the highest level.

December 7, 2009: Iverson's Return to Philadelphia

On December 7, 2009, Allen Iverson made his return to Philadelphia, receiving a thunderous ovation from the sold-out crowd in a game against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. He scored 11 points and contributed 6 assists.

December 2009: Donaghy Interview

In a December 2009 interview with 60 Minutes, Donaghy said he and fellow referees thought Iverson's fine was too light.

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2009: Returned to the 76ers

During the 2009-10 season, Allen Iverson ended his NBA career with the 76ers.

2009: Iverson Involved in Bar Fight in Detroit

In 2009, there was a bar fight in Detroit in which Iverson's security guard assaulted a man.

2009: Met with Sixers for Return

Less than a week after announcing plans for retirement, Allen Iverson and his representatives met with a Philadelphia 76ers delegation about returning to his former team in 2009.

January 3, 2010: Iverson Returned to Denver

On January 3, 2010, Allen Iverson returned to Denver to face the Nuggets, scoring 17 points and providing seven assists in a 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 would become guaranteed for the remainder of the 2009–10 season if he remained on the roster.

February 20, 2010: Iverson's final NBA game

On February 20, 2010, Iverson's final NBA game was a road loss against Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.

February 22, 2010: Iverson Left 76ers Indefinitely

On February 22, 2010, Allen Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely to attend to his daughter's health issues. He revealed years later that she had Kawasaki Disease.

March 2, 2010: Tawanna Iverson Files for Divorce

On March 2, 2010, Allen Iverson's wife, 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 contract with Beşiktaş, a Turkish Super League team.

October 29, 2010: Announcement of the signing with Beşiktaş

On October 29, 2010, the club announced Allen Iverson's signing at a press conference in New York City.

November 16, 2010: Iverson Made Debut

On November 16, 2010, wearing jersey No. 4, Allen Iverson made his debut for Beşiktaş in a EuroCup 91–94 loss to Hemofarm. Iverson scored 15 points in 23 minutes.

January 2011: Iverson returned to the United States

In January 2011, Allen Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery. He only played ten games for Beşiktaş that season.

August 2011: Iverson Sued for $2.5 Million in Damages

In August 2011, Allen Iverson was sued by an Ohio man for $2.5 million in damages, claiming that Iverson's security guard assaulted him in a 2009 bar fight in Detroit; however, the case was later dismissed by a federal judge due to lack of evidence.

2011: Played in Turkey with Beşiktaş

In 2011, Allen Iverson finished his professional basketball career in Turkey with Beşiktaş.

2012: Sixers win playoff series

Iverson ended his 10-year Philadelphia tenure with the highest scoring average in team history, and the Sixers did not win another playoff series after his departure until 2012.

January 2013: Declined D-League Offer

In January 2013, Allen Iverson received an offer to play for the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League, but he declined.

October 30, 2013: Iverson Announced Retirement

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 2013–14 season home opener that night.

November 2013: Number Retirement Announced

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: Iverson and Wife Reconcile After Divorce

In 2013, Allen Iverson and his wife reportedly got back together less than a month after their divorce was finalized.

2013: Iverson Accused of Kidnapping Children

In 2013, Allen Iverson was accused of kidnapping his children and refusing to return them to their mother, but he denied the claim, and his ex-wife later recanted.

March 1, 2014: Iverson's Number Retired

On March 1, 2014, Allen Iverson's number 3 was officially retired by the 76ers in a special halftime ceremony. The ceremony took place in front of 20,000 spectators and 76ers greats.

May 14, 2015: Iverson Denies Financial Struggles on CBS This Morning

On May 14, 2015, Allen Iverson appeared on CBS This Morning to promote a Showtime documentary about his life and addressed rumors of financial difficulties, which he denied, calling them a myth.

August 14, 2015: Post Malone Releases "White Iverson"

On August 14, 2015, Post Malone released the song "White Iverson", which became a hit, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulating over a billion streams on Spotify and a billion views on YouTube.

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2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Allen Iverson headlined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 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 and Iverson's Role

In 2017, the BIG3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league, was announced, with Allen Iverson designated to be both a player and coach for the team 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: Iverson Partners with Al Harrington for Cannabis Product Line

In 2021, Allen Iverson and Al Harrington announced a business partnership to launch a cannabis product line called "The Iverson Collection", with Iverson also contributing to business initiatives for Harrington's company, Viola Brands.

October 2023: Iverson Named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball

In October 2023, Allen Iverson was appointed as Reebok's Vice President of Basketball, alongside Shaquille O'Neal who was named as the President of Basketball.

2024: 76ers Unveil Statue of Iverson

In 2024, the 76ers unveiled a statue of Allen Iverson outside their practice facility, and the city of Newport News named a street "Allen Iverson Way," while the governor of Virginia declared March 5 to be Allen Iverson Day.

2025: Iverson Appears in Buffalo Bills' Schedule Release Video

In 2025, Allen Iverson made an appearance in the Buffalo Bills' schedule release video as part of a comedic skit where Josh Allen suggests using "AI" (misinterpreted as Iverson instead of artificial intelligence) to create the video.