History of Allen Iverson in Timeline
Allen Iverson, nicknamed "the Answer", was a dominant NBA player known for his scoring, ball handling, and tenacious defense. Playing shooting guard and point guard, he won numerous awards including the 1997 Rookie of the Year, 2001 MVP, and two All-Star game MVPs. An 11-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Iverson is considered one of basketball's greatest players and a highly influential athlete.
June 7, 1975: Birth of Allen Iverson
On June 7, 1975, Allen Ezail Iverson was born. He would grow up to become a renowned professional basketball player, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
1979: Birth of Half-Sister Brandy
Allen Iverson's half-sister, Brandy, was born in 1979.
1990: Birth of Half-Sister Ieisha
Allen Iverson's half-sister, Ieisha, was born in 1990.
1992: Winning the AAU National Championship
In 1992, Allen Iverson showcased his basketball talents early on by playing for the "Boo" Williams-led AAU team and winning the 17-and-under national championship.
February 14, 1993: Bowling Alley Altercation
On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson was involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia, leading to his arrest and a controversial legal case.
1994: Successful First Season at Georgetown University
Allen Iverson's college basketball career began successfully in 1994 at Georgetown University, where he won the Big East Rookie of the Year award and led the Hoyas to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.
1995: Conviction Overturned and Clemency Granted
In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction related to the 1993 bowling alley incident was overturned due to insufficient evidence, and he was granted clemency by Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder.
1995: Leading Georgetown to the Elite Eight
In 1995, Allen Iverson's second season at Georgetown University saw him lead the team to a Big East championship and the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament.
1995: World University Games
Representing the USA World University Games Team in 1995, Allen Iverson led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, ultimately securing the gold medal with a win against Japan.
November 12, 1996: Career-High 35 Points Against the New York Knicks
On November 12, 1996, Allen Iverson delivered a standout performance, recording a then career-high of 35 points along with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in a road win against the New York Knicks.
1996: Selected First Overall in the NBA Draft
Allen Iverson made history in 1996 by being selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the shortest first overall pick ever.
1996: Declaring for the NBA Draft
After his sophomore year at Georgetown, Allen Iverson made the decision to declare for the 1996 NBA draft.
1996: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers
Allen Iverson's NBA journey began in 1996 when he was chosen as the first overall pick in the draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
August 1997: Arrest for Concealed Weapon and Marijuana Possession
In August 1997, Allen Iverson was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possessing marijuana after being stopped for speeding. He received a sentence for community service after pleading no contest.
1997: NBA Rookie of the Year Award
Allen Iverson received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1997, marking a strong start to his professional basketball career.
1998: First NBA Scoring Title
Allen Iverson secured his first NBA scoring title in 1998, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability.
1998: Disciplinary Issues and Missed Playoffs
Chris Ford stepped in as the interim coach for the remainder of the 2003-04 season. However, Iverson clashed with Ford's stricter approach, leading to several contentious situations. Iverson faced suspension for missing practice, fines for failing to inform Ford about missing a game due to illness, and even refused to play when asked to come off the bench while recovering from an injury. This tumultuous season saw Iverson miss a career-high 34 games, and the Sixers missed the playoffs for the first time since 1998.
1998: Improvement and First Playoff Appearance
The 1998-1999 NBA season marked significant improvement for Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson led the league in scoring, was named to his first All-NBA First Team, and led the Sixers to their first playoff appearance since his arrival.
January 26, 1999: Signing a Six-Year Contract Extension
Allen Iverson secured his future with the Philadelphia 76ers on January 26, 1999, by signing a lucrative six-year, $70.9 million contract extension.
1999: Sixers Improve with Iverson
During the 1999–2000 NBA season, the Sixers showed improvement under Iverson's leadership, finishing 49–33 and securing a playoff spot with the fifth seed.
2000: Playoff Run and Trade Attempts
In the 2000 playoffs, Iverson maintained an impressive average of 26.2 points, 4.8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Despite their efforts, the Sixers were eliminated by Indiana in the second round. The off-season was marked by the 76ers' attempts to trade Iverson due to conflicts with then-coach Larry Brown. A proposed deal with the Detroit Pistons fell through when Matt Geiger declined to forfeit his trade kicker.
2000: Record-Breaking Season Start
The 2000-2001 season began with a bang for Iverson and the Sixers, as they achieved a franchise record of 10 consecutive wins.
2000: Controversial Rap Single
During the 2000 offseason, Allen Iverson, using the name "Jewelz," recorded a rap single titled "40 Bars." However, it faced criticism for controversial lyrics, ultimately preventing its release.
2000: Start of 2000-2001 Season
The 2000-2001 NBA season began, which would become a landmark season for Allen Iverson.
2000: All-Star Debut and MVP Consideration
Iverson achieved a significant milestone in the 1999-2000 season by being selected for the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the first time, marking the beginning of 11 consecutive selections. His exceptional performance also earned him an MVP vote, making him one of only two players, the other being Shaquille O'Neal, to receive this honor.
2001: Cheeks Takes the Helm
Sixers' legend Maurice Cheeks was appointed as the new head coach. This move was welcomed by Iverson, as Cheeks had previously served as an assistant coach during their 2001 NBA Finals run.
2001: High Expectations and Injury Challenges
Entering the 2001-2002 season fresh from their NBA Finals appearance, Iverson and the Sixers carried high hopes. However, injuries plagued their journey, resulting in a 43-39 record, barely securing their playoff spot.
2001: Reebok Partnership
Following his successful 2001 season, Allen Iverson made a significant business move by partnering with Reebok, signing a 10-year, $50 million contract. This agreement included an annual payment of $800,000 and the promise of a $32 million trust fund accessible upon his 55th birthday.
2001: NBA MVP and All-Star Game MVP
In 2001, Allen Iverson achieved a significant milestone by winning both the NBA Most Valuable Player award and the All-Star Game MVP award.
2001: Leading the 76ers to the NBA Finals
In 2001, Allen Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals, showcasing his leadership and determination on the court.
2001: Memorable Finals Performance
In a remarkable Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals, Iverson delivered a playoff career-high of 48 points, leading the Sixers to a 107-101 victory against the favored Los Angeles Lakers. This win marked the Lakers' sole loss throughout the playoffs that year. Despite Iverson's consistent scoring prowess in the subsequent games, with 23, 35, 35, and 37 points, the Sixers faced defeat in those matches. The 2000-01 season proved to be a defining chapter in Iverson's career, showcasing both individual brilliance and team success.
2001: MVP Season and Finals Appearance
In the 2000-01 season, Iverson's exceptional performance led the Sixers to a 56-26 record, earning them the top seed in the Eastern Conference. He achieved a career-high average of 31.1 points, securing his second NBA scoring title. Additionally, he led the league in steals with 2.5 per game. His outstanding performance culminated in him being named the NBA Most Valuable Player, making history as the shortest and lightest player to receive this accolade. Furthermore, Iverson's leadership guided the Sixers to the NBA Finals, marking their first appearance since their championship win in 1983.
2002: Roster Changes and Playoff Run
The Sixers' 2002-2003 season got off to a shaky start with the trade of Dikembe Mutombo to New Jersey and a dip in performance from key players Aaron McKie and Eric Snow. Despite these setbacks, Iverson maintained his high scoring average of 27.6 points per game.
2002: Domestic Dispute and Allegations
In 2002, Allen Iverson faced allegations of throwing his wife, Tawanna, out of their home during a domestic dispute and threatening two men with a gun while searching for her. Due to a lack of evidence and conflicting witness statements, the charges were dropped.
2002: Scoring Title and Playoff Loss
In the 2001-2002 season, despite playing only 60 games due to injuries, Iverson displayed remarkable scoring prowess, averaging 31.4 points per game and earning his second consecutive scoring title. The 76ers faced a 3-2 defeat against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Following the loss, Coach Brown expressed criticism towards Iverson's absence from team practices. In response, Iverson made his now-famous "practice" statement, emphasizing the significance of games over practice sessions.
April 29, 2003: Selection to USA Senior National Team
On April 29, 2003, Allen Iverson was chosen to be a part of the 2003 USA Senior National Team.
2003: Birth of Half-Brother Mister
Allen Iverson's half-brother, Mister, was born in 2003.
2003: Coaching Change and Mutual Respect
Following the Sixers' playoff exit in 2003, Coach Larry Brown departed the team. Despite their past disagreements, both Brown and Iverson expressed mutual respect and fondness for each other.
2003: New Coach and Team Struggles
Randy Ayers took over as the Sixers' coach but struggled to establish a cohesive team dynamic. His tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed after a 21-31 start to the season.
2003: Playoff Series and Davis's Defense
The Sixers found their footing after the All-Star break, finishing the season with a 48-34 record and securing a playoff berth. They triumphed over Baron Davis and the New Orleans Hornets in the first round. Iverson later acknowledged Davis as the toughest point guard he had faced. However, their journey ended in the second round with a six-game loss to the Detroit Pistons.
2003: FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Allen Iverson was part of Team USA for the 2003 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where they went undefeated and won the gold medal, qualifying them for the 2004 Olympics.
February 24, 2004: Incident at Bally's Atlantic City Casino
Allen Iverson was asked not to return to Bally's Atlantic City casino after urinating in a trash can on February 24, 2004.
2004: Representing the United States at the Summer Olympics
Allen Iverson represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics, contributing to the team's bronze medal win.
2004: Qualification for the Olympics
Allen Iverson's participation in the 2003 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament contributed to Team USA's qualification for the 2004 Olympics.
2004: New Coach and Roster Additions
The 2004-05 season brought renewed hope with the arrival of new head coach Jim O'Brien and the additions of first-round draft pick Andre Iguodala and All-Star forward Chris Webber, acquired mid-season.
2004: Olympic Reunion
Their paths crossed again in 2004 when Iverson, as co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team, played under Coach Brown's leadership.
February 12, 2005: Career-High Scoring Night
On February 12, 2005, Iverson delivered an exceptional performance against the Orlando Magic, scoring a career-high 60 points. He showcased accuracy from the free throw line, making 24 out of 27 attempts. His performance also included 6 assists and 5 steals, contributing to the Sixers' 112-99 victory.
April 8, 2005: Assisting the Cavaliers
Iverson recorded 23 points, 7 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists in a 103-98 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
December 9, 2005: Dispute at Trump Taj Mahal Casino
Allen Iverson was involved in a dispute at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City on December 9, 2005, after refusing to return $10,000 in chips that were mistakenly overpaid to him by a dealer.
2005: Second All-Star Game MVP Award
Allen Iverson was awarded his second All-Star Game MVP in 2005, demonstrating his continued dominance and impact on the court.
2005: Team Rebound and Playoff Return
O'Brien's guidance helped the Sixers return to the playoffs, but disagreements with players and management led to his departure after just one season.
2005: Iverson's High Praise for Brown
In 2005, Iverson reaffirmed his admiration for Brown, hailing him as "the best coach in the world."
2005: Nightclub Assault Incident
In 2005, Allen Iverson was involved in a legal dispute following an incident at a nightclub in Washington, D.C. His bodyguard assaulted a man who refused to leave a VIP section, resulting in a lawsuit.
April 18, 2006: Fan Appreciation Night Incident
On April 18, 2006, Iverson and teammate Chris Webber were tardy for the Sixers' fan appreciation night and their final home game. Their late arrival, around tipoff, resulted in Coach Maurice Cheeks benching them for the game. General manager Billy King announced fines for both players. Trade rumors circulated during the 2006 off-season, linking Iverson to Denver, Atlanta, and Boston. However, none of these potential deals came to fruition. Iverson expressed his desire to remain with the Sixers.
December 19, 2006: Trade to the Denver Nuggets
On December 19, 2006, Allen Iverson was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Denver Nuggets. The Sixers received Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round picks in the 2007 NBA Draft. Iverson was the NBA's second-leading scorer at the time of the trade.
December 23, 2006: First Game for the Denver Nuggets
On December 23, 2006, Iverson made his debut for the Nuggets against the Sacramento Kings. Despite scoring 22 points and providing 10 assists, the Nuggets lost. This marked the beginning of Iverson's career in Denver.
2006: Career-High Scoring Average and Missed Playoffs
Iverson maintained his scoring prowess, averaging a career-high 33.0 points per game during the 2005-2006 season. However, the Sixers' playoff hopes were dashed for the second time in three years.
2006: Start of 2006-07 NBA Season and Trade Demand
The Philadelphia 76ers had a disappointing start to the 2006-07 NBA season, going 5-10 in their first 15 games. Following this, Allen Iverson reportedly requested a trade from the Sixers.
January 2, 2007: Iverson Fined for Criticizing Referee Steve Javie
On January 2, 2007, during a game against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson received two technical fouls and was ejected. He publicly criticized referee Steve Javie after the game, alleging a personal bias against him. Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for his comments.
January 6, 2007: Donaghy's Allegations and Iverson's Game Against the Jazz
On January 6, 2007, Allen Iverson and the Nuggets played against the Utah Jazz. This game became significant due to later revelations from referee Tim Donaghy, who alleged that he and fellow referees did not give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson." Iverson attempted 12 free throws during the game, more than any other player.
2007: Trade to the Denver Nuggets
The trade that sent Allen Iverson to the Denver Nuggets included two first-round picks in the 2007 NBA Draft, marking a significant moment for both teams' futures.
2007: Jury Awards Damages in Assault Case
A jury awarded $260,000 in damages to the man who was assaulted by Allen Iverson's bodyguard in 2005.
March 19, 2008: Return to Philadelphia
On March 19, 2008, Iverson returned to Philadelphia for the first time since being traded, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. He scored a game-high 32 points, but the Nuggets lost to the Sixers.
November 3, 2008: Trade to the Detroit Pistons
On November 3, 2008, the Denver Nuggets traded Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheikh Samb. This trade marked Iverson's third team in three years.
2008: Deactivation from the Pistons
Allen Iverson's time with the Detroit Pistons during the 2008-09 season ended with his deactivation. The Pistons cited a back injury as the reason, but it followed Iverson's public resistance to a bench role, signaling a potential turning point in his career.
2008: Ranked Fifth-Greatest NBA Shooting Guard by ESPN
In 2008, ESPN recognized Allen Iverson's impact on the game by ranking him the fifth-greatest NBA shooting guard of all time.
March 2009: Court Upholds Assault Case Verdict
In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a previous verdict in a lawsuit against Allen Iverson. The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in 2005 where Iverson's bodyguard assaulted a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub, resulting in significant injuries. Although Iverson himself did not physically harm the individual, the court found him liable for the actions of his bodyguard.
April 3, 2009: Deactivation from the Pistons
Allen Iverson's 2008-09 season ended prematurely when he was deactivated by the Pistons on April 3, 2009. Officially attributed to a back injury, the deactivation followed Iverson's public statement that he'd rather retire than accept a bench role.
September 10, 2009: Signing with the Memphis Grizzlies
Allen Iverson signed a one-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on September 10, 2009. He expressed optimism about the team's commitment to winning and viewed Memphis as a place to continue his career.
November 7, 2009: Departure from the Grizzlies
Allen Iverson's stint with the Memphis Grizzlies was short-lived. He left the team on November 7, 2009, citing "personal reasons." This decision came after he expressed dissatisfaction with his role as a bench player, marking another challenging chapter in his career.
November 25, 2009: Announcement of Retirement Plans
On November 25, 2009, a statement attributed to Allen Iverson announcing his plans for retirement was published. Despite the announcement, Iverson still expressed belief in his ability to compete at a high level.
December 7, 2009: Return to Philadelphia and Game Against the Nuggets
In a highly anticipated return to Philadelphia on December 7, 2009, Allen Iverson faced his former team, the Denver Nuggets. Despite receiving a warm reception from the crowd, the 76ers lost the game. Iverson finished with 11 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.
December 2009: Donaghy's Revelations About Officiating Iverson's Games
In December 2009, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy revealed in a 60 Minutes interview that he and other referees had intentionally made unfavorable calls against Allen Iverson during a game on January 6, 2007. Donaghy claimed this was done as retaliation for Iverson's criticism of referee Steve Javie in a previous game.
2009: Alleged Bar Fight Involving Iverson's Security Guard
In 2009, an alleged bar fight in Detroit took place, leading to a lawsuit against Allen Iverson. An Ohio man claimed Iverson's security guard assaulted him, but the lawsuit was later dismissed due to lack of evidence.
2009: Ending his NBA Career with the 76ers
Allen Iverson concluded his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009, marking the end of an era for both Iverson and the team.
2009: Return to the Philadelphia 76ers
After a brief retirement announcement, Allen Iverson returned to basketball in 2009, rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. The move came after an injury to Sixers guard Lou Williams, creating an opportunity for Iverson to return to his former team.
January 3, 2010: Game Against the Denver Nuggets
On January 3, 2010, Allen Iverson played against his former team, the Denver Nuggets, and secured a win. He scored 17 points and contributed 7 assists in the 108-105 victory for the Philadelphia 76ers.
January 8, 2010: Return to the Philadelphia 76ers
The contract that brought Iverson back to the 76ers for the 2009-10 season included a clause that would guarantee his salary for the remainder of the season if he remained on the roster past January 8, 2010. This provision highlighted the team's cautious approach in bringing back the veteran guard.
February 20, 2010: Final NBA Game
On February 20, 2010, Allen Iverson played his last NBA game. It was a road loss against Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls, marking the end of his illustrious and often controversial career in the league.
February 22, 2010: Departure from the 76ers and Daughter's Health Issues
Allen Iverson left the Philadelphia 76ers indefinitely on February 22, 2010, citing his need to attend to his daughter Messiah's health. He later revealed that she had been diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease, a serious illness primarily affecting young children.
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: Agreement with Beşiktaş
On October 26, 2010, news broke that Allen Iverson had reached an agreement to join Beşiktaş, a Turkish basketball team. This marked a significant move for Iverson, as he transitioned from the NBA to playing overseas.
October 29, 2010: Official Signing with Beşiktaş
The signing of Allen Iverson to Beşiktaş was officially announced on October 29, 2010, at a press conference held in New York City. This event solidified Iverson's move to Turkish basketball and generated significant media attention.
November 16, 2010: Debut for Beşiktaş
Allen Iverson made his debut for Beşiktaş on November 16, 2010, in a EuroCup game. Despite scoring 15 points, Beşiktaş lost the game. This marked Iverson's first professional game outside of the NBA.
January 2011: Return to the United States for Surgery
In January 2011, Allen Iverson returned to the United States to undergo surgery on his calf after playing only ten games for Beşiktaş that season. This marked the end of his professional basketball career.
August 2011: Lawsuit Dismissed Against Allen Iverson
In August 2011, a federal judge dismissed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Allen Iverson filed by an Ohio man who alleged Iverson's security guard assaulted him during a 2009 bar fight in Detroit. The judge found no evidence to support the claims.
2011: Concluding his Professional Career in Turkey
Allen Iverson's professional basketball career came to a close in 2011 after playing for Beşiktaş in Turkey.
2012: Sixers' Playoff Drought After Iverson's Departure
The Philadelphia 76ers did not win a playoff series after Iverson's departure in 2006 until 2012. This highlighted Iverson's impact on the team and their struggles in his absence.
January 2013: Declines D-League Offer
Allen Iverson declined an offer to play for the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League in January 2013.
October 30, 2013: Retirement Announcement
On October 30, 2013, Allen Iverson officially announced his retirement from basketball, stating that he had lost his desire to play. The announcement took place at the 76ers 2013–14 season home opener, where he received a standing ovation.
November 2013: Number Retirement Announcement
In November 2013, the 76ers announced their plans to retire Allen Iverson's number 3 jersey.
2013: Iverson and Ex-Wife Reconcile After Divorce
Despite a highly publicized divorce in 2010, Allen Iverson and his ex-wife, Tawanna, reportedly reconciled in 2013 shortly after the divorce was finalized.
2013: Iverson Accused of Kidnapping, Later Cleared
In 2013, Allen Iverson faced accusations of kidnapping his children and refusing to return them to their mother. Iverson denied the allegations, and his ex-wife later recanted the claim.
March 1, 2014: Number Retirement Ceremony
The 76ers officially retired Allen Iverson's number 3 jersey in a special halftime ceremony on March 1, 2014, during a game against the Washington Wizards.
May 14, 2015: Addresses Financial Struggle Rumors
On May 14, 2015, Allen Iverson appeared on CBS This Morning to promote his Showtime documentary, "Iverson." During the appearance, he addressed and denied rumors about experiencing financial difficulties.
August 14, 2015: Post Malone Releases "White Iverson"
On August 14, 2015, American singer Post Malone released the hit song "White Iverson," a tribute to Allen Iverson. The song reached significant milestones, surpassing a billion streams on Spotify and views on YouTube. Iverson himself acknowledged the song, congratulating Malone on its success.
2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
Allen Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming.
2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2016, Allen Iverson's lasting legacy in basketball was cemented with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
2017: BIG3 League Involvement
Allen Iverson became involved with the BIG3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league, in 2017. He took on roles as a player, coach, and captain for 3's Company.
October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection
In October 2021, Allen Iverson was honored with a selection to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the league's most influential players.
2021: Cannabis Business Partnership
In 2021, Allen Iverson partnered with former NBA player Al Harrington to launch a line of cannabis products called "The Iverson Collection."
October 2023: Reebok's Vice President of Basketball
Allen Iverson was appointed Reebok's Vice President of Basketball in October 2023.
2024: Iverson Honored with Statue, Street Name, and "Allen Iverson Day"
In recognition of his impact on basketball and his hometown, Allen Iverson received multiple honors in 2024. The 76ers unveiled a statue of him, Newport News named a street "Allen Iverson Way," and Virginia's governor declared March 5th as "Allen Iverson Day."