Image via Complex Original
It's been a long time coming. The Philadelphia 76ers are set to retire Allen Iverson's number tonight. No player can ever duplicate the heart, passion for the game, and will to win. Also, his hatred for practice will forever live on in sports history. Iverson managed to amass 24,368 points, 10 All-Star nods, four scoring championships, and an MVP, over his 12-year career. Those are awards and stats that any player would love to have.
There are tons of special moments that flew under the radar. That includes his rookie season when he set a rookie record with 40-plus points in five consecutive games. He also set a playoff steals record with 10 in one of his first playoff games in 1999. Those great on-court moments are complemented by a multitude of off-the-court moments including some pranks on his teammates as well as his relationships with important people in his life from his mother to college coach John Thompson. Check out Rare Photos and Video of Allen Iverson That You Probably Haven't Seen Before.
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The Early Years
Jean shorts with Nikes were the ultimate sign of the times.
Bringing it Back
Shoulders slumped and hands on the head like he knows he's going to be an NBA star.
Hoya Pride
The ultimate father-son relationship as far as college basketball went. A.I.'s also dripping swag with those Nike's.
Poppin' Tags
Back in the day when the NBA had the tag on the draft cap. Can every draft be like 1997's?
Allen Iverson's First Game
Sherman Douglas and the Milwaukee Bucks didn't even know what hit 'em.
Making History
Iverson's great rookie year went under the radar because the Sixers sucked. The fact that he ran off five consecutive 40-plus point games as a rookie was special.
Playoff Record
Iverson and his Sixers made their first playoff appearance in eight seasons defeating Penny's heavily favored Magic 3-1 in 1999.
2001 MVP
While fighting top flight big men like Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett, the little guy managed to win the MVP trophy taking 93 of a possible 124 first-place votes.
NBA Finals Hop
Even though his team lost in the NBA Finals in five games, Iverson still was putting up crazy scoring numbers. He averaged an astounding 35.6 PPG in those games despite facing the hounding Lakers defense.
The Olympic Guard Duo
That Olympic team might've been a debacle, but this shot is legendary.
Rearrangement
For any other NBA player, this would be embarrassing. For Iverson, it's just another day at the office.
Motherly Love
There's nothing like some good old fashioned motherly love even if you're an All-Star and MVP guard.
It Ain't Right
Don't tell A.I. how to feel. He was well known for his funny interactions with players and referees throughout his career. The G.O.A.T. of working the refs is The Answer.
All-Star Game Arrival
If you haven't seen The Answer's performance in the 2001 All-Star Game, shame on you. He won the MVP for the Eastern Conference with 25 points in a ridiculously competitive All-Star game.
Escaping T-Mac and the Rockets
Allen Iverson was doing things like this on the regular. He was able to score over the trees despite being under six feet.
High Octane 1-2 Punch
While they never won a playoff series together in a short amount of time. It was still a fun ride from the start when they combined for 51 points in their first game together.
Iverson vs. Nash
Those Phoenix vs. Denver games were so high-scoring back in the day. How does A.I. not have a job in the NBA?
2. Last All-Star Dance
While his last All-Star nod was questionable, it was good to see Iverson finish out what would be his last full season of basketball with his tenth appearance.
Home is Where the Heart is
Philadelphia and A.I. are synonymous and his NBA career will forever be remembered for him pulling the Sixers out of the Eastern Conference cellar along with coach Larry Brown. Denver, Detroit, Memphis who?
