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 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.
1983: Sixers First Finals Since Championship
In 2001, Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Post Malone Austin Richard Post is a highly successful American...
Shaquille O'Neal also known as Shaq is a retired American...
Timothy Francis Donaghy is a disgraced former professional basketball referee...
CBS is a major American commercial broadcast television and radio...
College basketball in the U S is governed by bodies...
Trending
7 months ago Brad Paisley Festival Canceled: Charity Blames Seminole Tribe, Seeks Immunity Waiver.
Osa Odighizuwa is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL He was...
Rhea Seehorn is an American actress and director most notably recognized for her role as Kim Wexler in the acclaimed...
5 months ago Ilhan Omar criticizes US, warns of police state under Trump's tactics.
5 months ago Kate Winslet Discusses Career on 60 Minutes; Pompeo Cut from Film
13 days ago Reba McEntire Helps Christopher Rich Recover After Stroke: 'Dragged Me Back'
Popular
Aftyn Alyssa Behn is an American politician currently serving as...
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Candace Owens is an American conservative political commentator and author...
Marjorie Taylor Greene known as MTG is a U S...
Maxine Waters is an American politician who has served as...