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. 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.
June 7, 1975: Allen Iverson Born
On June 7, 1975, Allen Ezail Iverson was born. He later became a professional basketball player known as "The Answer".
1979: Birth of Half-Sister Brandy
In 1979, Allen Iverson's half-sister, Brandy, was born.
1983: First Finals Since 1983 Championship
In 2001, Allen Iverson led the Sixers to their first NBA finals since their 1983 championship
1990: Birth of Half-Sister Ieisha
In 1990, Allen Iverson's half-sister, Ieisha, was born.
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.
February 14, 1993: Involved in Bowling Alley Altercation
On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson and several friends were involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia, leading to his arrest and conviction.
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.
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 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.
August 1997: Iverson Arrested for Weapon and Marijuana Possession
In August 1997, Allen Iverson was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana after being stopped for speeding. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to community service.
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: Iverson Records "40 Bars" Rap Single
In 2000, Allen Iverson, under the moniker Jewelz, recorded a rap single called "40 Bars". Due to controversial lyrics, particularly derogatory remarks about homosexuals, the album was not released despite initial plans and revisions.
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: Iverson Accused of Domestic Dispute and Threatening Men
In 2002, Allen Iverson was accused of throwing his wife out of their home after a domestic dispute and later threatening two men with a gun. However, all charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence and contradictory witness statements.
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: Birth of Half-Brother Mister
In 2003, Allen Iverson's half-brother, Mister, was born.
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.
February 24, 2004: Iverson Banned from Bally's Atlantic City Casino
On February 24, 2004, Allen Iverson was banned from Bally's Atlantic City casino for urinating in a trash can.
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.
December 9, 2005: Iverson Involved in Dispute at Trump Taj Mahal Casino
On December 9, 2005, Allen Iverson was involved in a dispute at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City after refusing to return $10,000 in chips that a dealer had mistakenly overpaid him. Casino regulations required him to return the mistakenly paid money.
2005: Iverson praised Larry Brown
In 2005, Allen Iverson stated that Larry Brown was "the best coach in the world".
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: Iverson's Bodyguard Accused of Assault
In 2005, Allen Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, was accused of assaulting a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub. The man sued Iverson for the injuries caused by his bodyguard.
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.
April 18, 2006: Iverson and Webber fined
On April 18, 2006, Iverson and Chris Webber arrived late to the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home game finale. As a result, both were fined.
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.
January 2, 2007: Iverson fined for criticizing referee Steve Javie
On January 2, 2007, Allen Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing referee Steve Javie following a game between the Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers, after being ejected from the game for two technical fouls.
January 6, 2007: Referees agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls
On January 6, 2007, before a game between Iverson's Nuggets and the Utah Jazz, referee Donaghy stated that he and the two other officials working the game agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls.
2007: Jury Awards Damages in Lawsuit Against Iverson's Bodyguard
In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for injuries caused by Allen Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, in a 2005 nightclub assault.
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: Rated fifth-greatest NBA shooting guard of all time by ESPN
In 2008, Allen Iverson was rated the fifth-greatest NBA shooting guard of all time by ESPN.
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.
March 2009: Verdict Upheld in Lawsuit Against Iverson's Bodyguard
In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals upheld a verdict from 2007 ordering Jason Kane, Allen Iverson's bodyguard, to pay Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for injuries sustained in a 2005 nightclub assault.
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.
November 25, 2009: Iverson announced plans for retirement
On November 25, 2009, Allen Iverson, through analyst Stephen A. Smith, announced plans for retirement, but also stated that 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, 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.
December 2009: Donaghy 60 Minutes interview
In December 2009, referee Donaghy revealed in an interview with 60 Minutes that he and fellow referees thought the punishment for Allen Iverson criticizing referee Steve Javie in January 2007 was too light.
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.
2009: Alleged Bar Fight Involving Iverson's Security
In 2009, a bar fight in Detroit allegedly involved Allen Iverson's security, leading to a lawsuit against Iverson in 2011.
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.
February 22, 2010: Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely
On February 22, 2010, Allen Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely, citing the need to attend to his daughter Messiah's health issues, which years later he revealed as Kawasaki Disease.
March 2, 2010: Tawanna Iverson Files for Divorce
On March 2, 2010, Tawanna Iverson filed for divorce from Allen Iverson, seeking custody of their children, child support, and alimony payments.
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.
January 2011: Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery
In January 2011, Allen Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery. He only played ten games for Beşiktaş that season, and did not play professional basketball after that.
2011: Finished career in Turkey with Beşiktaş
In 2011, Allen Iverson finished his professional basketball career in Turkey with Beşiktaş.
2012: Sixers did not win another playoff series
The Sixers did not win another playoff series after Iverson's departure until 2012.
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.
2013: Iverson and Wife Reconcile After Divorce
In 2013, Allen Iverson stated that he and his wife Tawanna were 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. He denied the claims, and his ex-wife later recanted.
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.
May 14, 2015: Iverson Denies Financial Struggles on CBS This Morning
On May 14, 2015, Allen Iverson appeared on CBS This Morning and addressed rumors of financial struggles, refuting claims that he was struggling.
August 14, 2015: Post Malone Releases "White Iverson"
On August 14, 2015, Post Malone released the song "White Iverson". The song became a major hit, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving over a billion streams on Spotify and a billion views on YouTube.
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.
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 Harrington Partner for Cannabis Line
In 2021, Allen Iverson partnered with Al Harrington to launch "The Iverson Collection", a line of cannabis products under Harrington's company, Viola Brands. The collaboration includes educational efforts to reduce stigma surrounding cannabis use.
October 2023: Iverson Named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball
In October 2023, Allen Iverson was named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball, with Shaquille O'Neal named as the President of Basketball.
2024: 76ers Unveil Statue of Iverson; Newport News Names Street After Him
In 2024, the 76ers unveiled a statue of Allen Iverson outside their practice facility. Additionally, the city of Newport News named a street "Allen Iverson Way," and the governor of Virginia declared March 5 to be Allen Iverson Day, recognizing Iverson's impact and investments in his hometown.
2025: Iverson Appears in Buffalo Bills Schedule Release Video
In 2025, Allen Iverson appeared in the Buffalo Bills' schedule release video as part of a gag where he was mistakenly recruited instead of using artificial intelligence to create the video.
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