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. Primarily a shooting and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 with the Philadelphia 76ers. An 11-time NBA All-Star, Iverson earned All-Star Game MVP awards in 2001 and 2005, and was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2001. His achievements led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, and he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Iverson is widely recognized as one of basketball's greatest scorers and ball handlers, as well as one of the most influential athletes in American sports.

Sections (6)

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

1983: Last Finals Appearance

Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship season.

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.

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, averaging 20.4 points.

1995: Sophomore Season at Georgetown

During his second season at Georgetown, in 1995-96, Allen Iverson led the team to a Big East championship. He was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

1995: USA World University Games Team Member

In 1995, Allen Iverson was a member of the USA World University Games Team in Japan alongside future NBA stars Ray Allen and Tim Duncan. Iverson led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, averaging 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.9 steals per game, contributing to an undefeated record and a 141–81 victory over Japan for the gold medal.

November 12, 1996: Career-High 35 Points

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

1996: Drafted by the 76ers

After two seasons at Georgetown, Allen Iverson was selected with the 1st overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft to the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the shortest first overall pick ever.

1996: Declared for NBA Draft

Following his sophomore year, in 1996, Allen Iverson declared for the NBA draft, being the first player under Coach Thompson to leave Georgetown early for the NBA.

1996: Declared for NBA Draft, Picked by 76ers

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

1997: NBA Rookie of the Year

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

1998: First Scoring Title

In 1998, 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.

January 26, 1999: Contract Extension

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

1999: Improved Season

During the 1999–2000 NBA season, the Sixers continued to improve under Iverson's leadership.

2000: Successful Season

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

2000: Playoff Appearance

In 2000, Allen Iverson averaged 26.2 points in the playoffs for the Sixers, who advanced past the Charlotte Hornets but were eliminated by Indiana in the second round.

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.

2000: All-Star Selection

In 2000, Allen Iverson was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team.

2000: NBA Scoring Title

In 2000, Allen Iverson won the NBA scoring title for the 2000–01 season.

2001: Partnership with Reebok

After the 2001 season came to a close, Allen Iverson decided to partner with Reebok and signed a 10-year $50 million contract, which also included access to a $32 million dollar trust fund when he turns 55.

2001: MVP Season and NBA Finals Appearance

During the 2000-01 season, Allen Iverson led his team to a 10-0 start, won the All-Star Game MVP, and the NBA MVP. The Sixers posted a 56-26 record, and advanced to the 2001 NBA Finals.

2001: Season Expectations

Fresh off their trip to the NBA Finals, Iverson and the Sixers entered the 2001–2002 season with high expectations.

2001: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2001, Allen Iverson scored a playoff-high 48 points in game one of the NBA Finals, leading the Sixers to a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

2001: NBA All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP

In 2001, Allen Iverson won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award and was also named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2001: Sixers Reach NBA Finals

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

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

On April 29, 2003, Allen Iverson was named to the 2003 USA Senior National Team.

2003: Selection to Team USA for FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2003, Allen Iverson was selected to be part of Team USA for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. The team had a perfect 10-0 record, winning the gold medal and qualifying for the 2004 Olympics. Iverson started in eight games, averaging 14.3 points per game.

2003: Larry Brown's Departure from the 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, stating they were genuinely fond of each other.

2003: Randy Ayers Becomes Coach of the 76ers

In 2003, Randy Ayers became the coach of the 76ers. However, he was later fired due to a lack of chemistry with the players after a 21-31 start to the season.

2003: Playoff Elimination

In 2003, the 76ers were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the playoffs.

2004: Participation in the Olympics after qualifying in 2003

Following the qualification in 2003, Allen Iverson participated in the 2004 Olympics with Team USA after their perfect record in the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

2004: Summer Olympics Bronze Medal

In 2004, Allen Iverson represented the United States at the Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal.

2004: Iverson Reunites with Larry Brown

In 2004, Iverson reunited with Larry Brown when Iverson became the co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team.

2004: Sixers Add Andre Iguodala and Chris Webber

In the 2004-2005 season, the Sixers bounced back with new head coach Jim O'Brien and the addition of first-round draft pick Andre Iguodala and All-Star forward Chris Webber who was acquired mid-season.

2005: NBA All-Star Game MVP

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

2005: Maurice Cheeks Hired as Head Coach

In 2005, Maurice Cheeks was hired as the Sixers' head coach after Jim O'Brien was fired. Iverson praised the move.

2005: Sixers Bounce Back

In the 2004-2005 season, Iverson and the Sixers bounced back under the tutelage of new head coach Jim O'Brien.

December 19, 2006: Iverson Traded to Denver Nuggets

On December 19, 2006, the Philadelphia 76ers traded 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 Debuts for the Nuggets

On December 23, 2006, Iverson made his debut for the Denver Nuggets, recording 22 points and 10 assists in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.

2006: Iverson Reportedly Demands Trade

During the 2006-07 NBA season, after a disappointing start, Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers, leading to the team confirming they would trade him.

2007: Draft Picks

On December 19, 2006, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Iverson and forward 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 Returns to Philadelphia

On March 19, 2008, Iverson returned to Philadelphia and received a standing ovation after scoring a game-leading 32 points in a loss.

November 3, 2008: Iverson Traded to Detroit Pistons

On November 3, 2008, Iverson was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb. He switched to jersey number 1.

2008: Ranked Fifth-Greatest Shooting Guard by ESPN

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

2008: Iverson Plays for Pistons

On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008–09 season. Dumars cited Iverson's ongoing back injury as the reason for his deactivation, although two days prior Iverson stated publicly that he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench as Pistons coach Michael Curry had decided.

April 3, 2009: Iverson Deactivated for the Season

On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008–09 season due to a back injury. This came shortly after Iverson stated he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench.

September 10, 2009: Iverson Signs with Memphis Grizzlies

On September 10, 2009, Iverson signed a one-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, expressing his belief in the team's commitment to winning.

November 7, 2009: Iverson Leaves the Grizzlies

On November 7, 2009, Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies for "personal reasons" after expressing his displeasure at being a bench player.

November 25, 2009: Iverson Announces Plans for Retirement

On November 25, 2009, analyst Stephen A. Smith published a statement attributed to Iverson on his blog, announcing his plans for retirement, while also expressing his belief that he could still compete at the highest level.

December 7, 2009: Iverson Returns to Philadelphia

On December 7, 2009, Iverson made his return to Philadelphia, receiving a standing ovation. He scored 11 points in a loss against the Denver Nuggets.

2009: Returned to the 76ers

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

2009: Iverson Considers Return to Philadelphia 76ers

In late 2009, Iverson and his representatives met with the Philadelphia 76ers, about a return to his former team. He later accepted a one-year, non-guaranteed contract.

January 3, 2010: Iverson Returns to Denver with Sixers

On January 3, 2010, Iverson returned to Denver as a member of the Sixers, scoring 17 points in a win against the Nuggets.

January 8, 2010: Iverson's Contract Guaranteed if He Remains on Roster

Iverson agreed to a one-year non-guaranteed contract at the league minimum salary. According to the contract, Iverson's contract would become guaranteed for the remainder of the 2009–10 season if he remained on the roster on January 8, 2010.

February 20, 2010: Iverson's Final NBA Game

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

October 26, 2010: Iverson Agrees to Contract with Beşiktaş

On October 26, 2010, Iverson agreed to a two-year, $4 million net income contract with Beşiktaş, a Turkish Super League team.

October 29, 2010: Beşiktaş Announces Signing of Iverson

On October 29, 2010, Beşiktaş announced the signing of Iverson at a press conference in New York City.

November 16, 2010: Iverson Debuts for Beşiktaş

On November 16, 2010, Iverson made his debut for Beşiktaş, scoring 15 points in a EuroCup loss to Hemofarm.

January 2011: Iverson Returns to US for Surgery

In January 2011, Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery after playing ten games for Beşiktaş. He did not play professional basketball after that.

2011: Finished Career in Turkey

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

2012: Sixers Win Playoff Series After Iverson's Departure

The Sixers did not win another playoff series after Iverson's departure until 2012.

January 2013: Iverson Declines D-League Offer

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

October 30, 2013: Iverson Announces Retirement

On October 30, 2013, Iverson announced his retirement from basketball. He stated that he lost his desire to play.

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: Iverson to play and coach in BIG3 league

In 2017, the creation of the 3-on-3 professional basketball league BIG3 was announced, with Allen Iverson set to be a player and coach on 3's Company. On June 25, 3's Company played its first game of the inaugural BIG3 season against the Ball Hogs, with Iverson scoring 2 points in 9 minutes.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Allen Iverson was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Iverson and Al Harrington Announce Cannabis Business Partnership

In 2021, Allen Iverson and former NBA player Al Harrington announced a business partnership to launch a line of cannabis products named "The Iverson Collection" through Harrington's company, Viola Brands. They also planned to collaborate on educational efforts regarding cannabis use.