Standing just 6 feet tall Allen Iverson is considered one of the greatest little men in the game of basketball ever. Today it was announced that former Sixer, Nugget, Piston and Grizzlies guard, retired after 15 seasons of NBA basketball. The Big East standout was named MVP one season and participated in the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he came up short (no pun intended) against Shaq and Kobe, he made up for it with gritty performances. The guy definitely competed every play down the floor, making some amazing shots while getting banged up beyond belief.
The reported retirement came via a published statement on basketball commentator Stephen A. Smith’s website. The statement said Iverson plans to retire but also that “I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.” It went on to add that Iverson still has tremendous love for the sport.
The “Allen Iverson retired” news comes early in the NBA season during which Iverson played just 3 games for his latest team, the Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson requested a leave of absence for personal reasons before he and the team came to terms on a mutual waiver. It was said the New York Knicks considered signing the veteran guard, but backed off so they could allow their younger players to get adequate playing time.
Here is a the famous “Practice” video. I get a kick out of this everytime.
-by M.C.
news.gather.com
at 10:36 am
Iverson is a great individual player. His 10 MVPs prove that. But on the team level, he has not won anything. I wouldn’t call him a coach killer. But, I don’t think he is considered a character guy who is good for team chemistry. Last I heard, he was demanding to be a starts. At this stage in his career, he is a role play that comes off the bench. Iverson to Cleveland would make for an interesting season with Shaq and Bron Bron. Playing for a non-contender would just frustrate him even more.