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 guard and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 with the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson was an 11-time NBA All-Star, earning All-Star Game MVP honors twice, and was the NBA's MVP in 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Regarded as one of basketball's greatest scorers and ball handlers, Iverson is considered 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: First Finals Since 1983 Championship

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

1992: Won 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: Won Big East Rookie of the Year at Georgetown

In 1994, Allen Iverson won the Big East Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All Rookie Tournament First Team during his first season at Georgetown University.

1995: Led Georgetown to Big East Championship and NCAA Elite Eight

In 1995, Allen Iverson led the Georgetown Hoyas to a Big East championship and to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament. He was also named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

1995: Iverson Led USA to Gold at World University Games

In 1995, Allen Iverson led the USA World University Games Team in Japan in scoring, assists, and steals. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.9 steals per game, contributing to the team's undefeated record and a 141–81 victory over Japan for the gold medal.

November 12, 1996: Career High of 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 in a 101-97 road win over the New York Knicks.

1996: Declared for NBA Draft and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers

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

1996: Declared for the NBA Draft

In 1996, Allen Iverson declared for the NBA draft following his sophomore year at Georgetown.

1996: Drafted 1st Overall by Philadelphia 76ers

In 1996, Allen Iverson was selected with the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

1997: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

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

1998: NBA Scoring Title and All-NBA First Team

In 1998, Allen Iverson averaged 26.8 points, 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 the postseason

In 1998, The Sixers missed the postseason for the first time since 1998.

January 26, 1999: Signed Contract Extension with the 76ers

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

1999: Playoff Appearance and 28.5 Points Per Game

In 1999, Allen Iverson made his first playoff appearance, averaging 28.5 points per game, leading the Sixers to an upset over the Orlando Magic before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.

2000: Most Successful Season

During the 2000-2001 NBA season, Allen Iverson enjoyed his most successful season as an individual and as a member of the Sixers.

2000: Playoff Qualification

In 2000, Allen Iverson lead the Sixers to improve and qualify for the playoffs for the second straight year.

2000: Named NBA Most Valuable Player

In 2000, Allen Iverson was named the NBA Most Valuable Player.

2000: First All-Star Selection

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

2000: 76ers Tried to Trade Iverson

In the 2000 off-season, the 76ers tried to trade Allen Iverson due to disagreements with coach Larry Brown, nearly trading him to the Detroit Pistons before a player refused to waive his trade kicker.

2001: Scored 48 Points in Game One of the NBA Finals

During Game One of the 2001 NBA Finals, Allen Iverson scored a game-high 48 points, marking the highest ever scored in an NBA Finals debut.

2001: Led 76ers to the NBA Finals

In 2001, Allen Iverson led his team to the NBA Finals.

2001: Signed Contract with Reebok

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

2001: All-Star Game MVP, NBA Scoring Title and NBA MVP

In 2001, Allen Iverson was named a starter at the NBA All-Star Game and won the game MVP. He also won his second NBA scoring title, the NBA steals title and was named NBA Most Valuable Player.

2001: Won All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP

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

2001: Cheeks an assistant coach when they reached NBA Finals

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

2001: Expectations after NBA Finals Trip

In 2001, after making a trip to the NBA Finals, Iverson and the Sixers entered the 2001–2002 season with high expectations.

2002: Second Consecutive Scoring Title and Controversy

In 2002, Allen Iverson earned his second consecutive scoring title, averaging 31.4 points per game. After the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, Iverson responded to criticism regarding missed practices by going on a rant.

2002: Poor Season Start for Sixers

The 2002-2003 season started poorly for the Sixers, due to the trade of Dikembe Mutombo and decreases in production from key players.

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

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

2003: Iverson Joins Team USA for FIBA Americas Tournament

In 2003, Allen Iverson was selected for Team USA for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. He played a key role in the team's perfect 10-0 record, securing a gold medal and qualifying for the 2004 Olympics. During the tournament, Iverson averaged 14.3 points per game.

2003: Larry Brown left the 76ers

In 2003, Head Coach Larry Brown departed from the 76ers after their playoff loss. Despite his departure, both Brown and Iverson maintained a positive relationship. Later, Iverson would reunite with Brown as co-captain of the 2004 United States men's Olympic basketball team.

2003: Randy Ayers became the coach of the 76ers

In 2003, Randy Ayers became the next coach of the 76ers, but was fired after a 21-31 start to the season due to failing to develop any chemistry with his players. 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.

2003: Playoff Elimination by Detroit Pistons

In 2003, despite Allen Iverson's stellar scoring numbers, the 76ers were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the playoffs.

2003: Iverson signed a contract extension

Prior to the start of 2003–04 season, Allen Iverson signed a 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension which would begin in the 2005-06 and last through the 2008-09 season.

2004: Iverson Competes in the Olympics

In 2004, Allen Iverson participated in the Olympics as a result of Team USA's gold medal finish at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2003.

2004: Won Bronze Medal at Summer Olympics

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

2004: Iverson reunited with Larry Brown

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

2004: Sixers bounced back

In 2004, Iverson and the Sixers bounced back under new head coach Jim O'Brien, and additions of their first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, and All-Star forward Chris Webber.

February 12, 2005: Iverson scored a career-high 60 points

On February 12, 2005, Iverson scored a career-high 60 points, along with 6 assists and 5 steals, in a 112–99 win over the Orlando Magic.

April 8, 2005: Iverson recorded career-high 16 assists

On April 8, 2005, Iverson recorded 23 points, 7 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists in a 103–98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2005: Won All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2005, Allen Iverson won the All-Star Game MVP Award again.

2005: Contract Extension to begin

In 2005, Allen Iverson's 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension, which he signed prior to the 2003-04 season, was set to begin.

2005: Sixers bounced back

In 2005, Iverson and the Sixers had bounced back under 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.

2005: Maurice Cheeks replaced O'Brien as coach

In 2005, Maurice Cheeks replaced Jim O'Brien as the Sixers' head coach. O'Brien had been fired due to disagreements with players and management after only one season. Iverson praised the move, as Cheeks had been an assistant coach with the team when they reached the NBA Finals in 2001.

December 19, 2006: Iverson traded to the Denver 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 debuted for the Nuggets

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 averaged career-high 33.0 points per game

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

2006: Iverson reportedly demanded a trade

In 2006, after a disappointing start to the season, Allen Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers, leading to the confirmation of trade rumors and his exclusion from further games.

2007: Draft picks in the 2007 NBA draft

In 2007, the Philadelphia 76ers got two first-round picks in the NBA draft for trading Allen Iverson and Ivan McFarlin to the Denver Nuggets.

March 19, 2008: Iverson returned to Philadelphia

On March 19, 2008, Iverson returned to Philadelphia and received a standing ovation, scoring a game-leading 32 points in a 115–113 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. Iverson switched to number 1 for the Pistons.

2008: Iverson traded to Detroit Pistons

In 2008, Allen Iverson was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Detroit Pistons.

2008: Contract Extension to end

In 2008, Allen Iverson's 4-year, $76.7 million contract extension, which he signed prior to the 2003-04 season, was set to end.

April 3, 2009: Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008-09 season

On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Allen Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008–09 season due to an ongoing back injury. Allen Iverson stated publicly that he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench as Pistons coach Michael Curry had decided.

September 10, 2009: Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies

On September 10, 2009, Allen Iverson signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, expressing optimism about the team's potential.

November 7, 2009: Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies

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

December 7, 2009: Iverson returned to Philadelphia

On December 7, 2009, Allen Iverson made his return to Philadelphia, in a loss against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. He finished the game with 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, a steal, and no turnovers.

2009: Ended NBA career with the 76ers

Allen Iverson ended his NBA career with the 76ers during the 2009 season.

2009: Iverson met with the Philadelphia 76ers

In 2009, Allen Iverson and his representatives met with a Philadelphia 76ers delegation about returning to his former team, and accepted a contract offer two days later.

January 3, 2010: Iverson returned to Denver

On January 3, 2010, Allen Iverson returned to Denver to face the Nuggets; Iverson scored 17 points and had 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 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, Allen Iverson's final NBA game was a road loss against Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.

October 26, 2010: Iverson agreed to a contract with Beşiktaş

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

October 29, 2010: Beşiktaş announced the 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 debuted for Beşiktaş in a EuroCup loss to Hemofarm, scoring 15 points.

2011: Finished career in Turkey with Beşiktaş

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

January 2013: Iverson declined offer to play for the Texas Legends

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 his retirement from basketball

On October 30, 2013, Allen Iverson announced his retirement from basketball, citing the loss of desire to play. He received a standing ovation at the 76ers 2013–14 season 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.

March 1, 2014: 76ers retired Iverson's number

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.

2016: Iverson inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2016, Allen Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame along with Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming. Iverson highlighted John Thompson and Larry Brown on who he credited for a Hall of Fame career.

2017: Iverson to be Player and Coach in BIG3 League

In 2017, Allen Iverson became a player and coach for 3's Company in the newly formed BIG3 professional basketball league. His co-captain was DerMarr Johnson, and the team drafted Andre Owens, Mike Sweetney, and Ruben Patterson. During the inaugural season, Iverson stated he would focus more on coaching than playing.