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. Predominantly a shooting guard and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 and won the MVP award in 2001. An 11-time NBA All-Star, Iverson also secured two All-Star Game MVP awards. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Iverson is celebrated as one of basketball's greatest scorers, ball handlers and most influential athletes.

Sections (6)

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

1983: Sixers First Finals Since Championship

In 2001, Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship.

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 at Georgetown University.

1995: Conviction Overturned

In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals for insufficient evidence, after spending four months in a correctional facility.

1995: Member of USA World University Games Team

In 1995, Iverson played for the USA World University Games Team in Japan alongside future NBA stars. He led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, averaging 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. The team went undefeated, securing a 141–81 victory over Japan for the gold medal.

1995: Second Season at Georgetown

In the 1995-96 season, Allen Iverson led the Georgetown team to a Big East championship and was named a first-team All-American, as well as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

November 12, 1996: Career-High 35 Points Against 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 win against the New York Knicks.

1997: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1997, as an NBA rookie with the Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

1998: Led the League in Scoring

During the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 season, Allen Iverson averaged 26.8 points, leading the league and earning his first scoring title. He was also named to his first All-NBA First Team.

1998: NBA Scoring Title

In 1998, Allen Iverson won the NBA scoring title.

2000: Started Season Strong

During the 2000-01 season, Allen Iverson led his team to a franchise record 10-0 start.

2000: NBA Scoring Title

In 2000, Allen Iverson won the NBA scoring title.

2001: MVP and Finals Appearance

In 2001, Allen Iverson was named NBA Most Valuable Player, won the NBA steals title, and led the Sixers to the NBA Finals.

2001: All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP

In 2001, Allen Iverson won the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2001: Game One Win Against Lakers

In game one of the 2001 NBA Finals, Iverson scored a game-high 48 points and beat the heavily favored Lakers 107-101, which was the Lakers' only playoff loss that year.

2004: Summer Olympics Bronze Medal

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

2004: Iverson Reunited with Brown in Olympics

In 2004, Allen Iverson reunited with Larry Brown, becoming the co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team.

2004: Qualified for 2004 Olympics

In 2004, Iverson helped Team USA achieve a perfect 10-0 record and win the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament, securing a spot in the 2004 Olympics.

2004: Sixers Bounce Back

In the 2004–2005 season, Iverson and the Sixers began to improve under the tutelage of new head coach Jim O'Brien, along with the additions of first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, and All-Star forward Chris Webber.

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

On February 12, 2005, Allen Iverson scored a career-high 60 points in a 112–99 win over the Orlando Magic. He shot 24-for-27 from the free-throw line and recorded 6 assists and 5 steals.

April 8, 2005: Iverson Recorded Career-High 16 Assists

On April 8, 2005, Allen Iverson recorded 23 points, 7 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists in a 103–98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2005: All-Star Game MVP

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

2005: Iverson and Sixers Continue to Improve

In the 2004-2005 season, the Sixers continued to improve under Jim O'Brien along with the additions of first round draft pick Andre Iguodala, and All-Star forward Chris Webber.

2006: Iverson Averaged Career-High in Points

During the 2005–2006 season, Allen Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game, but the Sixers missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.

2008: Rated Fifth-Greatest NBA Shooting Guard

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: Iverson's Number Retired

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 Headlined Hall of Fame Class

In 2016, Allen Iverson headlined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class along with Shaquille O'Neal and Yao Ming.

2016: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

2024: 76ers Unveiled Iverson's Statue

In 2024, the 76ers unveiled a statue of Iverson outside their practice facility. In recognition of his contributions, Newport News named a street "Allen Iverson Way," and Virginia's governor declared March 5 as Allen Iverson Day.