Allen Iverson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Allen Iverson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1983: Last Finals Appearance

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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).

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.

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: 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.

2005: NBA All-Star Game MVP

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Allen Iverson was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

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.