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 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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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).

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.

2004: Won Bronze Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2004, Allen Iverson represented the United States at the Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal.

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.

2005: Won All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2005, Allen Iverson won the All-Star Game MVP Award again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

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.