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 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

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."

Others born on this day/year

1979: Birth of half-sibling Brandy

In 1979, Allen Iverson's younger half-sibling, Brandy, was born.

1983: Last Finals Appearance

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

1990: Birth of half-sibling Ieisha

In 1990, Allen Iverson's younger half-sibling, Ieisha, was born.

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.

February 14, 1993: Bowling Alley Altercation

On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson and his friends were involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia. He was later convicted of maiming by mob.

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.

1995: Conviction Overturned

In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals for insufficient evidence after serving four months at Newport News City Farm.

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.

August 1997: Arrest for concealed weapon and marijuana possession

In August 1997, Allen Iverson and his friends were stopped for speeding. He was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana, pleaded no contest, and was sentenced to community service.

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.

1998: Sixers Make Postseason

The 2003-2004 season was disastrous for the Sixers, as they would miss the postseason for the first time since 1998.

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.

2000: Iverson records "40 Bars" rap single

In 2000, during the offseason, Allen Iverson recorded a rap single called "40 Bars" under the moniker Jewelz, which was alleged to contain derogatory remarks about homosexuals. The controversy surrounding the lyrics led to him being unable to release the album, despite initially agreeing to change the lyrics after criticism from activist groups and NBA Commissioner David Stern.

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.

2002: Practice Rant

In 2002, After the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs 3–2, Brown criticized Iverson for missing team practices, leading to Iverson's infamous "practice" rant.

2002: Domestic dispute and alleged threats with a gun

In 2002, Allen Iverson was alleged to have thrown his wife, Tawanna, out of their home after a domestic dispute. He was also accused of threatening two men with a gun while looking for her. All charges against him were later dropped due to lack of evidence and contradictory witness statements.

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: Birth of half-sibling Mister

In 2003, Allen Iverson's younger half-sibling, Mister, was born.

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.

February 24, 2004: Incident at Bally's Atlantic City Casino

On February 24, 2004, Allen Iverson urinated in a trash can at Bally's Atlantic City casino and was subsequently told by casino management not to return.

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.

February 12, 2005: Iverson Scores Career-High 60 Points

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

April 8, 2005: Iverson Records 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: Dispute at Trump Taj Mahal Casino

On December 9, 2005, after a Sixers game, Allen Iverson visited the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. He was overpaid $10,000 in chips at a three-card-stud poker table, and refused to return the money when the dealer realized the mistake, leading to a heated argument.

2005: NBA All-Star Game MVP

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

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 after the man refused to leave the VIP section for Iverson's entourage. The man, Marlin Godfrey, suffered significant injuries, and although Iverson did not physically harm Godfrey, Godfrey sued Iverson for the injuries caused by his bodyguard.

2005: Iverson Praises Larry Brown

In 2005, Iverson publicly stated that Larry Brown was undoubtedly "the best coach in the world."

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.

April 18, 2006: Iverson Arrives Late to Fan Appreciation Night

On April 18, 2006, Iverson and Chris Webber arrived late to the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home game finale, resulting in fines for both players. Trade rumors also circulated during the offseason.

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 Averages Career-High in Points

During the 2005–2006 season, Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game; however, the Sixers missed the playoffs.

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.

January 2, 2007: Iverson Fined for Criticizing Referee Steve Javie

Following a game on January 2, 2007, between the Nuggets and the 76ers, Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing referee Steve Javie after being ejected from the game.

January 6, 2007: Referees Allegedly Planned Unfavorable Calls Against Iverson

Before Iverson's Nuggets played the Utah Jazz on January 6, 2007, referee Donaghy claimed that he and two other officials agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson."

2007: Jury Awards Damages in Assault Case

In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for the injuries he sustained in the 2005 assault by Allen Iverson's bodyguard at a Washington, D.C. nightclub.

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.

March 2009: Verdict Upheld on Appeal in Assault Case

In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the 2007 verdict awarding Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for the injuries caused by Allen Iverson's bodyguard in 2005.

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.

December 2009: Donaghy's Interview with 60 Minutes

In a December 2009 interview with 60 Minutes, Donaghy said he and fellow referees thought the punishment for Iverson was too light.

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2009: Returned to the 76ers

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

2009: Alleged Bar Fight in Detroit

In 2009, an alleged bar fight involving Allen Iverson's security guard took place in Detroit, leading to a lawsuit in August 2011.

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.

February 22, 2010: Iverson Leaves 76ers Indefinitely

On February 22, 2010, Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely to attend to his daughter's health issues.

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 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.

August 2011: $2.5 Million Lawsuit Dismissed

In August 2011, a federal judge dismissed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Allen Iverson, filed by an Ohio man who claimed Iverson's security guard assaulted him in a 2009 bar fight in Detroit. The judge found no evidence that Iverson or his bodyguard struck the plaintiff.

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.

November 2013: 76ers Announce Retirement of Iverson's Number

In November 2013, the 76ers announced that they would officially retire Iverson's number 3 in a special halftime ceremony.

2013: Reconciliation After Divorce

In 2013, Allen Iverson stated that he and Tawanna Iverson were back together less than a month after their divorce was finalized.

2013: Accusation of Kidnapping Children

In 2013, Allen Iverson was accused of kidnapping his children and refusing to return them to their mother, Tawanna Iverson. He denied the claim, and his ex-wife later recanted.

March 1, 2014: 76ers Retire Iverson's Number

On March 1, 2014, the 76ers retired Iverson's number 3 in a special halftime ceremony, in front of many spectators and 76ers greats.

May 14, 2015: Iverson Denies Financial Struggles on CBS This Morning

On May 14, 2015, Allen Iverson appeared on CBS This Morning to support a Showtime Network documentary about his life, Iverson. During the appearance, he addressed rumors of financial struggles, denying them.

August 14, 2015: Post Malone Releases "White Iverson"

On August 14, 2015, American singer Post Malone released the song "White Iverson". Allen Iverson later responded to the song's success, congratulating Post Malone on reaching a billion streams on Spotify.

2016: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2016, Allen Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2016: Iverson Inducted into Hall of Fame

In 2016, Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, along with Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming.

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.

October 2023: Iverson Named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball

In October 2023, Allen Iverson was named Reebok's Vice President of Basketball.

2024: Statue Unveiled and Street Named After Iverson

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 his investments in his hometown.