After a short stint with the Memphis Grizzlies with no team looking to sign him in the near future, it looks like Allen Iverson is hanging it up. AI confirmed he will retire from the NBA after 13+ seasons on Stephen A. Smith’s blog Stephena.com:

“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. 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. However, that is not the case.” – AI

While AI went on to say he had “plenty in the tank” to give to a team, he did acknowledge he would be very happy to spend some time with his family.

Ever since his first overall selection in 1996 by the Philadelphia 76ers, there was something special about the ability Allen Iverson possessed. His playmaking ability and his pure talent to create with and without the ball brought a spark to the city of brotherly love.  He single-handedly made the 76ers significant at the turn of the century, taking them to the NBA Finals and winning MVP for the 2000-2001 season.

Yet despite his pure ability to score, his attitude was questioned at times.  “Practice”, to say the least, was not his forte. It was apparent Iverson loved winning, so much that an underachieving team did not mesh with AI. It is what led him to leave Philadelphia after 15 games into the 2006-07 season (and the eventual firing of then 76ers coach Jim O’Brien).

I have taken a great appreciation to Allen Iverson over the years. Being a die hard Celtics fan, I got to see AI a lot at the Fleet Center during the late 90s and early 2000s.  What I remember the most, however, are the playoff series. His performances in the postseason were remarkable, including Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals. The Lakers came in on a 20 game winning streak, expecting to sweep their way to the parade in downtown LA. That would not be the case – AI led the 76ers with 48 points, including 7 straight in overtime, while shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor. While the Sixers would eventually lose the series in five, it’s a game that sticks out in my head today.

Just for the record – Iverson appeared in 71 playoffs games. During those games, he averaged 29.7 points on 40% shooting, 6 assists, and 2.1 steals a game. That’s incredible.

While many might disagree with me, AI paved the way for undersized guards to blossom in the NBA. We see guards like Brandon Jennings (6’1″) and Rajon Rondo (6’1″) have a big presence in the NBA today. I honestly feel that without AI breaking into the league, who’s to say they would have got a chance to play?

You will be missed, Allen Iverson. Thank you for giving us lasting memories of your outstanding performances throughout your career. Good luck with your future endeavors.

Forever a fan,
-Duts