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PHILADELPHIA
Allen Iverson is set to retire from the NBA, according to an online report.
Commentator Stephen A. Smith published a statement on his Web site Wednesday attributed to Iverson. It said Iverson plans to retire but also that "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."
The statement also said Iverson, who played for Bethel High School in Hampton, has tremendous love for the game and the desire to play.
"His legacy would be huge," Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star LeBron James said. "He's one of the best when you talk about guys 6-foot and under in the game of basketball. He played injured and he played hard every single night. I don't think it should end this way, but if it does, he's left a lot of great things behind."
The 10-time All-Star played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.
It was the second straight ugly ending for Iverson, who was unhappy last season playing for the Pistons. He was upset that Detroit coach Michael Curry and Memphis' Lionel Hollins used the former MVP as a reserve.
The New York Knicks considered signing Iverson last week after he cleared waivers, before deciding he would take too much playing time away from younger players they are trying to develop.
The Knicks seemed to be the only team who would consider bringing in Iverson, so there was no guarantee he'd play in the NBA this season, anyway. Still, the announcement Wednesday came as a surprise to George Karl, who coached Iverson in Denver.
"I think he still has something left to give some team out there. If that's his decision, he'll go down in history, I think, as the greatest little guard ever to play the game of basketball," Karl said.
"I was happy to have him for a couple years and hopefully our paths will cross. But I have a sneaky feeling that somewhere along the way an injury or a circumstance with a team will open that window back up."
One of the NBA's great scorers, Iverson entered this season with a career average of 27.1 points that ranked fifth all time. Yet there was almost no interest in him this summer before he went to the Grizzlies on a one-year deal.
Iverson can still score, as he averaged 17.4 points with the Pistons last season. Yet he has made it clear he doesn't view himself as a backup, which has likely hurt his chances of signing with a contending team.
The 6-foot guard thanked former players and coaches in the statement, plus the fans in Memphis and Philadelphia, where he spent his best years. He said stepping away would allow him to spend more time with his wife and kids.
He also said he thought he could still play after 14 seasons.
"I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn't help my team the way that I was accustomed to," it read. "However, that is not the case."
Messages were left for Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, and his business manager, Gary Moore.
If this is the end for Iverson, he leaves with four scoring titles and a playoff scoring average of 29.7 points that ranks second only to Michael Jordan. He led the 76ers to the 2001 NBA finals but never won a championship.
Or he could choose to wait and see if a team in need of a scorer comes looking for him later this season.
"I don't ever believe anyone retires until they get to the point they have to," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "He had a great career if it is true, but I still think he has more to offer."
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prison yard team
The next team he will play with, will be in some State prison.
Allen Iverson
Ordinarily, the term "what have you done for me lately" wouldn't even apply but in this situation, you have got to ask yourself just that. What has Allen Iverson done in his career. Well let's see:
He was a scoring champion, led the league in steals, been an allstar for his entire career, averaged
an incredible 41 minutes per game, and he played with injuries that some players wouldn't even attempt to play with so they can save themselves for free agency. Sure he's had his share of off the court antics but in my opinion there isn't a guy (little guy with a big ass heart) in the entire nba that literally puts his heart and soul on the line for the win every night. That fact that he's never
been a gym rat and has done all this at the height of 6'0" makes you wonder. He's definitely going
to the hall of fame one day and he's earned the right to start. 34 years old is not that old when you
consider that some of your better point guards in the league right now are up in age. John Stockton played until he was over 40 and Jason Kidd is still playing and putting up tripple doubles, and the only reason Majic Johnson retired was due to the contraction of the HIV virus. By the way
Iverson
My comments that degrade Iverson are, "GOOD RIDDANCE." Rarely will anyone miss someone like Iverson....except you!
Throwing stones...
Some of you people who make comments that degrade Mr. Iverson should take an English class because you appear to be uneducated.
He should retired earlier...
He shoot too much and he is not a play maker and he demean his coach practice session...by not showing up. He was not not selected to the Olympic team and he dress up like a thug and his command of English language was horrible and Lebron called him legacy? Watch out bowling alleys, here comes the brawler and chair thrower.
"...his command of English language was horrible..."
Uh ... you're not exactly Mr. Grammar yourself, pal. Try to work on the ol' verb tenses:
"...he demean his coach..."
"He shoot too much ..."
"...he dress up like a thug ..."
"...Lebron called him legacy?"
AI needs the thank Gov Wilder
for giving him the pardon. Otherwise he'd be where any of us would be for the same crime... behind bars with a felony record.
And the telling part was when the dysfunctional NY Knicks wouldn't even sign him, he is a distraction and a detriment to any locker room, a poison.
Plus there was too many steel chairs around.
The New York Knicks considered signing Iverson last week after he cleared waivers, before deciding he would take too much playing time away from younger players they are trying to develop.
Please stay out of all local bowling alleys.
We should all hope he stays out of all the local bowling alleys for all of our safety.
Good Luck Ivy
I'm saddened to read about Iverson's impending retirement. I am a 6er fan and he was one of the team's more prolific shooters in recent years. He didn't always do what he should have off the court or at practice time (it's practice...we're talking about practice..loved that) but he certainly showed up for every game and played hard. I have no doubt he could still contribute but often times atheletes linger far longer than they should and go out with pity instead of praise (see MJ part 2). Good Luck Mr. Iverson. It's good to see a local guy succeed on a pro level. May God be with you and your family. You'll always be a 6er in the hearts of the 6er fans.
hmmm
And now how is he going to support the "lifestyle" he has? Someone should tell him dog fighting is illegal.