Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Allen Iverson
Discover the career path of Allen Iverson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
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.
1983: First Finals Since 1983 Championship
In 2001, Allen Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
2005: All-Star Game MVP
In 2005, Allen Iverson won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award for the second time.
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
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. The season was in 2005.
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.
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: 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.
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.
2009: Returned to the 76ers
During the 2009-10 season, Allen Iverson ended his NBA career with the 76ers.
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.
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.
2011: Played in Turkey with Beşiktaş
In 2011, Allen Iverson finished his professional basketball career in Turkey with Beşiktaş.
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.
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.
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