Editing Allen Iverson (section)

==Professional career==
===Philadelphia 76ers (1996–2006)===
====Early years (1996–2000)====
[[File:Allen Iverson Lipofsky.jpg|thumb|Iverson with the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in a 2001 game]]
After two seasons at [[Georgetown Hoyas|Georgetown]], Iverson was selected with the 1st overall pick in the [[1996 NBA draft]] to the [[Philadelphia 76ers]]. Listed at {{height|ft=6}} tall, he became the shortest first overall pick ever, in a league normally dominated by taller players.

Iverson came to a Philadelphia team that had just finished the previous season with a dismal 18–64 record. In his NBA debut, Iverson recorded 30 points and 6 assists on a 103–111 loss to the [[Milwaukee Bucks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611010PHI.html|title=Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers Box Score, November 1, 1996|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323174402/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611010PHI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He tied [[Willie Anderson (basketball)|Willie Anderson]] for the third highest scoring output by a rookie guard in his debut. On November 12, 1996, Iverson recorded a then career-high of 35 points to go along with 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals on a 101–97 road win over the [[New York Knicks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611120NYK.html|title=Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks Box Score, November 12, 1996|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021103243/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611120NYK.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In a game against the [[1996–97 Chicago Bulls season|55–8 Chicago Bulls]], Iverson scored 37 points and memorably [[Crossover dribble|crossed over]] [[Michael Jordan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/170312020|title=Bulls vs. 76ers – Box Score – March 12, 1997 – ESPN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210114115/https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/170312020|url-status=live}}</ref> He broke [[Wilt Chamberlain]]'s rookie record of three straight games with at least 40 points, doing so in five straight games, including a 50-point effort in Cleveland against the Cavaliers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1997-04-13/sports/25531721_1_sixers-loss-allen-iverson-cavs|title=Archives - Philly.com|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080320/http://articles.philly.com/1997-04-13/sports/25531721_1_sixers-loss-allen-iverson-cavs|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://phillysportshistory.com/2011/04/14/allen-iverson-scores-40-in-five-straight/|title=Allen Iverson Scores 40 in Five Straight Philly Sports History|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622024035/http://phillysportshistory.com/2011/04/14/allen-iverson-scores-40-in-five-straight/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Averaging 23.5 points per game, 7.5 assists per game and 2.1 steals per game for the season, Iverson was named the [[NBA Rookie of the Year]]. Iverson was only able to help the Sixers to a 22–60 record in [[1996–97 Philadelphia 76ers season|1996–97]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1997.html |title=1996–97 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802101639/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1997.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Aided by the arrivals of [[Theo Ratliff]], [[Eric Snow]], [[Larry Hughes]], [[Aaron McKie]], and new coach [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]], Iverson continued to help the 76ers move forward the following season, as they improved nine games to finish 31–51.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1998.html |title=1997–98 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=August 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802042652/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1998.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During their time together in Philadelphia, Iverson and fellow guard Hughes were nicknamed "the Flight Brothers", for their above-the-rim and athletic play style.<ref>[https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/836630-philadelphia-76ers-ranking-the-most-dazzling-duos-in-franchise-history Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking the Most Dazzling Duos in Franchise History]{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/dimemag/larry-hughes-allen-iverson-teammates-once-again/ |title=Larry Hughes & Allen Iverson: Teammates Once Again |date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908194538/https://uproxx.com/dimemag/larry-hughes-allen-iverson-teammates-once-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 26, 1999, Iverson signed a six-year, $70.9 million max contract extension.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/01/27/76ers-give-iverson-the-max/|title=76ers give Iverson the max|publisher=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=January 27, 1999|accessdate=February 25, 2022|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225193511/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/01/27/76ers-give-iverson-the-max/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-27-sp-2177-story.html|title=Iverson Lands a $70.9-Million Deal With 76ers|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=January 27, 1999|accessdate=February 25, 2022|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225193511/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-27-sp-2177-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=William C. Rhoden|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/05/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-past-is-a-drag-on-iverson-s-future.html|title=Sports of The Times; The Past Is a Drag On Iverson's Future|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 5, 1999|accessdate=February 25, 2022|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225194001/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/05/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-past-is-a-drag-on-iverson-s-future.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[1998–99 NBA lockout|lockout-shortened]] 1998–1999 season would mark great improvement for the 76ers. Iverson averaged 26.8 points (which led the league, earning his first scoring title) and was named to his first All-NBA First Team. The Sixers finished the season at 28–22, earning Iverson his first trip to the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1999.html |title=1998–99 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=November 4, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041104210626/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1999.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He started all ten playoff games and averaged 28.5 points per game despite being hampered by a number of nagging injuries. Iverson led the Sixers to an upset over the number three seeded [[Orlando Magic]] in four games, before losing to the [[Indiana Pacers]] in the second round in six games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1999.html |title=1999 NBA Playoffs Summary |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=November 4, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041104080049/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1999.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the [[1999–2000 Philadelphia 76ers season|1999–2000 NBA season]], the Sixers would continue to improve under Iverson's leadership, as they finished 49–33, once again qualifying for the playoffs (this time earning the fifth seed, one spot higher than the previous year's sixth seed).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2000.html |title=1999-00 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529200055/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2000.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the playoffs, Iverson averaged 26.2 points, 4.8 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Philadelphia would advance past the [[Charlotte Hornets]] in the opening round, but was eliminated by Indiana in the second round in six games for the second straight year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2000.html |title=2000 NBA Playoffs Summary |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915015624/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2000.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

That season, Iverson was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the first time of what would be 11 straight selections. He was the only player other than [[Shaquille O'Neal]] to receive an [[NBA Most Valuable Player|MVP]] vote that year. In the 2000 off-season, the 76ers actively tried to trade Iverson after his numerous disagreements with then-coach [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]], and had agreed to terms with the [[Detroit Pistons]] before [[Matt Geiger]], who was included in the deal, refused to forfeit his $5 million trade kicker.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCJ/is_5_28/ai_71187961
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050330030136/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCJ/is_5_28/ai_71187961
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=March 30, 2005
|title=Brotherly Love Like – Allen Iverson, under the coaching of Larry Brown, emerges as team captain of the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers
|date=March 2001
|first=John
|last=Smallwood, Jr.
|publisher=Basketball Digest
}}</ref>

====MVP season and trip to the NBA Finals (2000–2001)====
During the [[2000–01 NBA season|2000–01 season]], Iverson led his team to a franchise record 10–0 start to the season, and was named a starter at the [[2001 NBA All-Star Game]], where he won the game MVP. The Sixers posted a 56–26 record on the season, the best in the Eastern Conference, earning the top seed. Iverson also averaged a then-career-high 31.1 points, winning his second NBA scoring title in the process. At the same time, Iverson won the NBA steals title with 2.5 a game. Iverson was named [[NBA Most Valuable Player]]; at 6 feet and 165 pounds, he became the shortest and lightest player to win the MVP award. He had 93 first-place votes out of a possible 124.<ref>CBS Sports. "[http://www.cbssports.com/u/ce/multi/0,1329,3897007_54,00.html Six-foot Iverson smallest player to win MVP award ]{{dead link|date=July 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}". ''CBS Sports''. May 15, 2001. Retrieved on December 31, 2008.</ref> He was also named to the All NBA First team for his accomplishments. On top of Iverson's awards, recently acquired big man [[Dikembe Mutombo]] won [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year]], fellow guard [[Aaron McKie]] won [[Sixth Man of the Year]], and Larry Brown won the [[NBA Coach of the Year]], all of which contributed hugely to the Sixers' success that year on top of Iverson. In the playoffs, Iverson and the Sixers defeated the Indiana Pacers in the first round, before meeting [[Vince Carter]]-led [[Toronto Raptors]] in the Eastern Semifinals. The series went the full seven games, though Philadelphia eventually prevailed. In the next round, the Sixers defeated the [[Milwaukee Bucks]], also in seven games, to advance to the [[2001 NBA Finals]] against the defending champion [[Los Angeles Lakers]], featuring the duo of [[Kobe Bryant]] and Shaquille O'Neal.

Iverson led the Sixers to their first finals since their 1983 championship. In game one of the [[2001 NBA Finals]], Iverson scored a playoff-high 48 points and beat the heavily favored Lakers 107–101; it was the Lakers' only playoff loss that year. In the game, he notably stepped over [[Tyronn Lue]] after hitting a crucial shot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/finals2001/recap_phi_lal_010606.html?nav=SiteFragment |title=NBA Finals 2001 |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504074754/http://www.nba.com/finals2001/recap_phi_lal_010606.html?nav=SiteFragment |archive-date=May 4, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iverson would go on to score 23, 35, 35, and 37 in games 2–5, all losing efforts though the Sixers were not swept like many predicted. Iverson enjoyed his most successful season as an individual and as a member of the Sixers during the [[2000–01 NBA season]].

Iverson began using a [[basketball sleeve]] during this season during his recovery from [[bursitis]] in his right elbow.<ref>Chris Broussard. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/06/sports/pro-basketball-now-a-leader-iverson-turns-image-around.html Now a Leader, Iverson Turns Image Around] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225170453/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/06/sports/pro-basketball-now-a-leader-iverson-turns-image-around.html |date=February 25, 2015 }}". ''The New York Times''. June 6, 2001. Retrieved on December 31, 2008.</ref> Other players, including [[Carmelo Anthony]] and [[Kobe Bryant]],<ref name=Kotler>Steven Kotler. "[https://archive.today/20080507192227/http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-playing-field/200804/allen-iverson-kobe-bryant-and-basketballs-placebo-effect Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and Basketball's Placebo effect] ". ''Psychology Today''. April 17, 2008. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.</ref> adopted the sleeves as well, as did fans who wore the sleeve as a [[fashion statement]].<ref>Larry Platt. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=bdsrzKm6_AEC&pg=PA9 Only the Strong Survive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210114125/https://books.google.com/books?id=bdsrzKm6_AEC&pg=PA9#v=onepage&q&f=false |date=February 10, 2024 }}''. Harper Collins, 2003. 9.</ref> Iverson continued wearing his sleeve long after his elbow had healed.<ref name=Kotler/> Some believed that the sleeve improved Iverson's shooting ability. Steven Kotler of ''[[Psychology Today]]'' suggested that such sleeves may act as a [[placebo]] to prevent future injuries.<ref name=Kotler/>

After the 2001 season came to a close, Allen Iverson decided to partner with Reebok and signed a 10-year $50 million contract. This contract also included $800,000 annually and access to a 32 million dollar trust fund when he turns 55.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/allen-iverson-reebok-deal-1203524476/ | title=Allen Iverson's Reebok Deal: The Details of His Lifetime Contract | date=October 12, 2023 }}</ref>

====Early playoff exits and Larry Brown's departure (2001–2003)====
[[File:Iverson shoots.jpg|thumb|Iverson with the 76ers in 2003]]
Fresh off their trip to the NBA Finals, Iverson and the Sixers entered the 2001–2002 season with high expectations, but were plagued by injuries, and only able to muster a 43–39 record to barely get into the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2002.html |title=2001–02 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215084930/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2002.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite playing in only 60 games that season and being hampered by injuries, Iverson averaged 31.4 points per game to earn his second consecutive scoring title. The 76ers lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs 3–2 in the five-game series. After the defeat, Brown criticized Iverson for missing team practices. Iverson responded by saying, "We sittin' here, I'm supposed to be a franchise player, and we in here talkin' about practice,"<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/05/09/iverson_transcript/
|title=Allen Iverson news conference transcript
|date=May 10, 2002
|publisher=CNNSI.com
|access-date=December 13, 2006
|archive-date=December 10, 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210075601/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/05/09/iverson_transcript/
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> and went on a rant that included the word "practice" 22 times.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-07 |title=The little-known story behind Iverson's 'practice' rant |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29143112/the-little-known-story-allen-iverson-practice-rant |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He repeatedly said "We talkin' about practice. Not a game."

The 2002–2003 season started off poorly for the Sixers, who had just traded defensive-standout [[Dikembe Mutombo]] to New Jersey, and saw a decrease in both offensive and defensive production from [[Aaron McKie]] and [[Eric Snow]], all three of whom were key components to their Finals appearance two years prior. Iverson would once again put up stellar scoring numbers (27.6 points per game) however, and the Sixers regrouped following the All-Star break to make the playoffs with a 48–34 record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2003.html |title=2002–03 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=November 4, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041104214829/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2003.html |url-status=live }}</ref> They were able to defeat [[Baron Davis]] and the [[New Orleans Hornets]] in the opening round of the playoffs. Iverson later described Davis as the most difficult opposing point guard to defend in his career.<ref>{{Cite tweet |author =Allen Iverson |user=Sixers |number=588490173337440256 |date=April 15, 2015 |title=Baron Davis. #AskTheAnswer |access-date=April 16, 2015 }}</ref> In the six-game second round series, the 76ers were eliminated by the [[Detroit Pistons]].

Head Coach [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]] left the 76ers in 2003, following the playoff loss. After his departure from the 76ers, both he and Iverson indicated that the two were on good terms and genuinely fond of one another.<ref>{{cite web |author=Andy Friedlander |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sportsweek/20121109_Browns_relationship_with_Iverson__Answer_might_surprise_you.html |title=Brown's relationship with Iverson? Answer might surprise you |date=November 12, 2012 |publisher=Philly.com |access-date=March 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115073942/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sportsweek/20121109_Browns_relationship_with_Iverson__Answer_might_surprise_you.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Iverson later reunited with Brown when Iverson became the co-captain of the [[2004 United States men's Olympic basketball team]]. In 2005, Iverson said that Brown was without a doubt "the best coach in the world".

====Disappointment and frustration (2003–2006)====
[[File:Allen Iverson free throw.jpg|thumb|Iverson shoots a free throw against the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] in November 2005]]
[[Randy Ayers]] became the next coach of the 76ers, but failed to develop any chemistry with his players, and was fired following a 21–31 start to the season. During the latter part of the [[2003–04 NBA season]], Iverson bristled under the disciplinarian approach of the Sixers' interim head coach [[Chris Ford]]. This led to a number of contentious incidents, including Iverson being suspended for missing practice, fined for failing to notify Ford that he would not attend a game because he was sick, and refusing to play in a game because he felt "insulted" that Ford wanted Iverson to come off the bench as he worked his way back from an injury.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-03-15-notes-iverson-insulted_x.htm | work=USA Today | title=Iverson 'insulted' by decision to have him come off bench | date=March 15, 2004 | access-date=April 23, 2010 | archive-date=May 24, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524082921/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2004-03-15-notes-iverson-insulted_x.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> Iverson missed a then-career-high 34 games in a disastrous season that saw the Sixers miss the postseason for the first time since 1998.

The [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–2005 season]] saw Iverson and the Sixers bounce back under the tutelage of new head coach [[Jim O'Brien (basketball, born 1952)|Jim O'Brien]], and additions of their first round draft pick [[Andre Iguodala]], and All-Star forward [[Chris Webber]], who was acquired in a mid-season trade.

On February 12, 2005, Iverson scored a career-high 60 points on 24-for-27 shooting from the free throw line to go along with 6 assists and 5 steals in a 112–99 win over the Orlando Magic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200502120PHI.html|title=Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers Box Score, February 12, 2005|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-date=March 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307232906/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200502120PHI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 8, 2005, Iverson recorded 23 points, 7 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists in a 103–98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200504080PHI.html|title=Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers Box Score, April 8, 2005|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204002935/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200504080PHI.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

A rejuvenated Iverson won his fourth NBA scoring title with 31 points and averaged 8 assists for the year, and helped the 76ers climb back into the postseason with a 43–39 record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2005.html |title=2004–05 Philadelphia 76ers Roster and Statistics |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019135952/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2005.html |url-status=live }}</ref> They would go on to lose to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons, who were led by [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]], in the first round. In the series, Iverson had three double-doubles, including a 37-point, 15-assist performance in Philadelphia's lone win of the series.

Despite O'Brien helping the team back into the postseason, disagreements with players and management led to his firing after just one season. He was replaced by Sixers' legend [[Maurice Cheeks]], in a personnel move Iverson praised, as Cheeks had been an assistant coach with the team when they reached the NBA Finals in 2001.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/basketball/2030ap_bkn_ers_iverson.html |title=O'Brien fired }} {{Dead link|date=January 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> During the [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–2006 season]], Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game. The Sixers, however, missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.

On April 18, 2006, Iverson and [[Chris Webber]] arrived late to the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home game finale. Players were expected to report 90 minutes before game time, but both Iverson and Webber arrived around tipoff. Coach Maurice Cheeks notified the media that neither would be playing, and general manager [[Billy King (basketball)|Billy King]] announced that Iverson and Webber would be fined.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/COLUMNISTS14/604190348/1063|date=April 19, 2006|access-date=August 20, 2014|title=Now's time to get rid of A.I., Webber|first1=Kevin|last1=Roberts|website=courierpostonline.com|publisher=[[Gannett Company]]}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> During the 2006 off-season, trade rumors had Iverson going to Denver, Atlanta, or Boston. None of the deals were completed. Iverson had made it clear that he would like to stay a Sixer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2006/06/26/sixers_iverson_to_celtics_its_all_just_talk/ |work=The Boston Globe |title=Sixers' Iverson to Celtics? It's all just talk |date=June 26, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629143523/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2006/06/26/sixers_iverson_to_celtics_its_all_just_talk/ |archive-date=June 29, 2006 }}</ref>

Iverson and the Sixers began the 2006–07 NBA season at 3–0 before stumbling out to a 5–10 record through 15 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01/gamelog/2007/ |title=Allen Iverson 2006–07 Game Log |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019135729/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the disappointing start, Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers (which he denied).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2704221 |title=In first interview since trade, Iverson tells his story |publisher=ESPN |date=December 22, 2006 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112161410/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2704221 |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, Iverson was told he would not play in any more games. During the following game against the [[Washington Wizards]], which was televised nationally on [[ESPN]], Sixers Chairman [[Ed Snider]] confirmed the trade rumors by stating "We're going to trade him. At a certain point, you have to come to grips with the fact that it's not working. He wants out and we're ready to accommodate him."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2691152 |title=Trade talks heat up as Iverson sits two games |publisher=ESPN |date=December 9, 2006 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111055613/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2691152 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Iverson ended his 10-year Philadelphia tenure with the highest scoring average in team history (28.1), and is second all-time on the points list (19,583), and the Sixers did not win another playoff series after his departure until [[2012 NBA Playoffs|2012]].

===Denver Nuggets (2006–2008)===
[[Image:Iverson from behind.jpg|thumb|Iverson in January 2007 during his tenure with the [[Denver Nuggets]]]]
On December 19, 2006, the Philadelphia 76ers sent Iverson and forward [[Ivan McFarlin]] to the [[Denver Nuggets]] in exchange for [[Andre Miller]], [[Joe Smith (basketball)|Joe Smith]], and two first-round picks in the [[2007 NBA draft]]. At the time of the trade, Iverson was the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]'s number two leading scorer, with new teammate [[Carmelo Anthony]] being number one.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2702501 |title=Miller, Smith go to Sixers in deal for Iverson |publisher=ESPN |date=December 20, 2006 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=August 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827145311/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2702501 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 23, 2006, Iverson made his debut for the Nuggets. He had 22 points and 10 assists in a losing effort to the [[Sacramento Kings]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Eddie Pells |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20061222/SACDEN/recap.html |title=Iverson Shines in Nuggets Loss to Kings |work=NBA.com |date=December 23, 2006 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203091705/http://www.nba.com/games/20061222/SACDEN/recap.html |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In his first year as a Nugget, they made the playoffs as a sixth seed. In the First Round, they won the first game and lost the next four to the [[2007 NBA Finals|eventual NBA champion]] [[San Antonio Spurs]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s3.html |title=Spurs Close Out Nuggets in Game 5 |work=NBA.com |date=May 3, 2007 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071356/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_w1s3.html |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing referee [[Steve Javie]] following a game between the Nuggets and Iverson's former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, played January 2, 2007. During the game, he committed two [[technical foul]]s and was ejected from the game. After the game, Iverson said, "I thought I got fouled on that play, and I said I thought that he was calling the game personal I should have known that I couldn't say anything anyway. It's been something personal with me and him since I got in the league. This was just the perfect game for him to try and make me look bad."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2721633 |title=Iverson fined $25,000 for postgame rant against Javie |publisher=ESPN |date=January 7, 2007 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026100442/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2721633 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Former referee [[Tim Donaghy]] supported the claim that Javie had a longstanding hatred for Iverson in his book, ''Personal Foul: A First-Person Account of the Scandal that Rocked the NBA'', which a Florida business group published through a self-publishing arm of [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11202/personal-foul-tim-donaghys-nba-tell-all-now-available
|title=Personal Foul: Tim Donaghy's NBA tell-all now available
|publisher=[[ESPN.com]]
|work=TrueHoop
|first=Henry
|last=Abbot
|date=December 3, 2009
|access-date=December 4, 2009
|archive-date=March 3, 2016
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211642/http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/11202/personal-foul-tim-donaghys-nba-tell-all-now-available
|url-status=live
}}</ref> after it was dropped by a division of [[Random House]], who cited liability issues after reviewing the manuscript.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tim Donaghy Again Forces an N.B.A. Investigation of Referees|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/sports/basketball/30refs.html|work=The New York Times|first=Howard|last=Beck|date=October 29, 2009|access-date=October 29, 2009|archive-date=May 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527195319/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/sports/basketball/30refs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a December 2009 interview with ''[[60 Minutes]]'', Donaghy said he and fellow referees thought the punishment was too light. Before Iverson's Nuggets played the [[Utah Jazz]] on January 6, 2007, Donaghy said he and the two other officials working the game agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson." Iverson attempted 12 [[free throw]]s, more than any other player on either team. On 12 drives to the basket, he drew five [[Foul (basketball)|foul]]s, three of which Donaghy whistled himself, and did not receive a call on one play in which Utah's [[Mehmet Okur]] clearly fouled him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/12624836/disgraced-former-ref-donaghy-details-scam-on-60-minutes |title=Disgraced former ref Donaghy details scam on '60 Minutes' |work=[[CBS Sports]] |date=December 8, 2009 |first=Ken |last=Berger |access-date=December 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525063638/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/12624836/disgraced-former-ref-donaghy-details-scam-on-60-minutes |archive-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref>

Iverson returned to Philadelphia on March 19, 2008, to a sell-out crowd and received a standing ovation after scoring a game-leading 32 points in a 115–113 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280319020 |title=Dalembert tallies winner for Sixers, who stave off Iverson, Nuggets |publisher=ESPN |date=March 19, 2008 |access-date=March 1, 2014 |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018032943/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280319020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Detroit Pistons (2008–2009)===
[[File:Allen Iverson v DeShawn Stevenson.jpg|thumb|Iverson being guarded by [[DeShawn Stevenson]] in December 2008]]
On November 3, 2008, Iverson was dealt from the [[Denver Nuggets]] to the [[Detroit Pistons]] for guard [[Chauncey Billups]], forward [[Antonio McDyess]] and center [[Cheikh Samb]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/iverson_081103.html|title=Pistons Acquire Allen Iverson from Denver in Exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb|website=[[NBA.com]]|access-date=November 4, 2008|archive-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108223726/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/iverson_081103.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to [[Rodney Stuckey]] already wearing Iverson's preferred #3 jersey, Iverson switched to number 1 for the Pistons, which Billups previously wore for the team.

Iverson scored at least 24 in four of his first five games with Detroit (they won 3 of the 5),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01/gamelog/2009/ |title=Allen Iverson 2008–09 Game Log |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=February 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222150855/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/iversal01/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and would score 20 or more with 6 or more assists on a consistent basis, but as the season wore on, he would lose playing time to [[Rodney Stuckey]]. Some speculated that Pistons President of Basketball Operations [[Joe Dumars]] did not envision a long-term role for Iverson on the team, but traded for him to make Stuckey the point guard of the future and free cap space with Iverson's expiring contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=IversonTrade-Dumars-081103|title=Ford: Why Dumars made the Iverson trade|date=November 4, 2008|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160308/http://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=IversonTrade-Dumars-081103|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008–09 season. Dumars cited Iverson's ongoing back injury as the reason for his deactivation, although two days prior Iverson stated publicly that he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench as Pistons coach [[Michael Curry (basketball)|Michael Curry]] had decided.<ref>[http://www.freep.com/article/20090403/SPORTS03/904030385/1051/Iverson+says+he+d+rather+retire+than+be+a+reserve] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406111404/http://www.freep.com/article/20090403/SPORTS03/904030385/1051/Iverson%2Bsays%2Bhe%2Bd%2Brather%2Bretire%2Bthan%2Bbe%2Ba%2Breserve|date=April 6, 2009}}</ref>

=== Memphis Grizzlies (2009) ===
On September 10, 2009, Iverson signed a one-year contract with the [[Memphis Grizzlies]].<ref name="nba.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_sign_allen_iverson-090910.html|title=Grizzlies sign four-time scoring champion Allen Iverson|website=[[NBA.com]]|access-date=December 23, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726201936/https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_sign_allen_iverson-090910.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He stated that "God chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career," and that "I feel that they are committed to developing a winner."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/09/god_chose_memphis.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=God Chose Memphis? | access-date=September 10, 2009 | archive-date=November 15, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115112943/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/09/god_chose_memphis.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

However, Iverson again expressed his displeasure at being a bench player,<ref>{{cite web |last=Spears |first=Marc J. |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-iversongrizzlies110309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |title=Grizzlies, Iverson off to rocky start |date=November 3, 2009 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=November 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106035040/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-iversongrizzlies110309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |url-status=live }}</ref> and left the team on November 7, 2009, for "personal reasons."<ref>{{cite web |last=Spears |first=Marc J. |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-iversonleaves110709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |title=Iverson leaves the Grizzlies |date=November 8, 2009 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=November 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111152618/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-iversonleaves110709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 16, the Grizzlies announced the team terminated his contract by "mutual agreement."<ref name="TSN waive">{{cite news
 |url = https://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=298628
 |title = Grizzlies part ways with Iverson
 |publisher = [[The Sports Network]]
 |date = November 16, 2009
|access-date = December 7, 2017
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131012110805/http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=298628
 |archive-date = October 12, 2013
|url-status = dead
}}</ref> He played three games for the Grizzlies, averaging 12.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, and 3.7 apg in 22.3 mpg.

===Return to the 76ers (2009–2010)===
[[File:Allen Iverson Sixers jumper2.jpg|thumb|Iverson, during his second stint in [[Philadelphia]], shoots a jump shot for the 76ers in 2010]]
On November 25, 2009, analyst [[Stephen A. Smith]] published on his blog a statement attributed to Iverson announcing plans for retirement, which also said, "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."<ref name="retirement announcement">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4690266|date=November 27, 2009|access-date=August 20, 2014|title=Report: Iverson to retire|website=[[ESPN]]|archive-date=August 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821155318/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4690266|url-status=live}}</ref>

Less than a week later on November 30, Iverson and his representatives met with a [[Philadelphia 76ers]] delegation about returning to his former team,<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4702589
|first=Marc
|last=Stein
|author-link=Marc Stein (reporter)
|title=Sources: Sixers closer to Answer
|date=December 1, 2009
|work=[[ESPN.com]]
|access-date=December 2, 2009
|archive-date=December 4, 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204170614/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4702589
|url-status=live
}}</ref> and accepted a contract offer two days later. General manager [[Ed Stefanski]] declined to go into the terms of the agreement, but an unnamed source told the [[Associated Press]] that Iverson agreed to a one-year non-guaranteed contract at the league minimum salary. Iverson would receive a prorated portion of the $1.3 million minimum salary for players with at least 10 years of experience, and the contract would become guaranteed for the remainder of the 2009–10 season if he remained on the roster on January 8, 2010.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/78396707.html
|title=Iverson's humble homecoming
|date=December 3, 2009
|first=Phil
|last=Jasner
|publisher=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]
|access-date=December 3, 2009
|archive-date=December 7, 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207010719/http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/sports/78396707.html
|url-status=live
}}</ref> Stefanski said the team made the decision to pursue Iverson after starting guard [[Lou Williams]] suffered a broken jaw and was expected to miss at least 30 games.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/sports_breaking/20091202_Iverson_agrees_to_non-guaranteed_deal_with_Sixers.html
|title=Iverson agrees to non-guaranteed deal with Sixers
|first=Joe
|last=Juliano
|date=December 2, 2006
|publisher=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]
|access-date=December 3, 2009
|archive-date=December 15, 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215103800/http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/sports_breaking/20091202_Iverson_agrees_to_non-guaranteed_deal_with_Sixers.html
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

On December 7, 2009, Iverson made his return to Philadelphia, garnering a thunderous ovation from the sold-out crowd, in a loss against his former team, the Denver Nuggets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4721932 |title=Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson starts Monday against Denver Nuggets |publisher=ESPN |date=December 7, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=December 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210203239/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4721932 |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the game with 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, a steal, and no turnovers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20091207/DENPHI/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore |title=The Game Happens Here |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604024200/http://www.nba.com/games/20091207/DENPHI/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore |url-status=live }}</ref> Iverson's first win in his return to Philadelphia came one week later, in a 20-point effort against the [[Golden State Warriors]], ending the Sixers' 12-game losing streak (which stood at 9 games before Iverson returned).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20091214/GSWPHI/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore |title=The Game Happens Here |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=April 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410132752/http://www.nba.com/games/20091214/GSWPHI/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore |url-status=live }}</ref> He shot 70 percent from the field in the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.nba.com/game/#!/0020900345/|title=NBA.com/Stats|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508221129/http://stats.nba.com/game/#!/0020900345/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On January 3, 2010, he returned to Denver to face the Nuggets; Iverson scored 17 points and had seven assists in the 108–105 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20091214/GSWPHI/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore|title=NBA.com – The Game Happens Here|website=[[NBA.com]]|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306032654/http://www.nba.com/games/20091214/GSWPHI/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore|url-status=live}}</ref> He was voted as a starter for the [[2010 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] for the 11th straight season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2010/allstar/2010/01/22/iverson.selection.ap/index.html |title=NBA.com: Iverson makes no apologies for All-Star start |website=[[NBA.com]] |access-date=January 2, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119111649/http://www.nba.com/2010/allstar/2010/01/22/iverson.selection.ap/index.html |archive-date=January 19, 2016 }}</ref> He scored a season-high 23 points (on 56% shooting from the field) in a 99–91 loss to [[Kobe Bryant]] and the defending champion Lakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/postgame_report_100129.html|title=SIXERS: Postgame Report – Lakers vs. Sixers – 1/29/2010|website=[[NBA.com]]|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305193413/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/postgame_report_100129.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.nba.com/game/#!/0020900678/|title=NBA.com/Stats|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508221129/http://stats.nba.com/game/#!/0020900678/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On February 22, 2010, Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely, citing the need to attend to his 4-year-old daughter Messiah's health issues, which he revealed years later as [[Kawasaki disease|Kawasaki Disease]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4936773 |agency=Associated Press |date=February 22, 2010 |title=Iverson out to spend time with daughter |access-date=May 26, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408095425/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4936773 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=pennyccwai|title=One of the most REALEST interview on Allen Iverson (2017) *talking about big3, nba etc.|date=May 25, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oHsDcLbpqI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/_oHsDcLbpqI| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=June 27, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On March 2, Stefanski announced Iverson would not return to the 76ers for the rest of the season to deal with the personal matter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/Iverson_officially_done_with_the_Sixers.html|title=Iverson officially done with the Sixers|work=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|date=March 2, 2010|access-date=March 3, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100307031916/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/Iverson_officially_done_with_the_Sixers.html| archive-date= March 7, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> His final NBA game was a road loss against [[Derrick Rose]] and the [[Chicago Bulls]] on February 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300220004|title=76ers vs. Bulls – Game Recap – February 20, 2010 – ESPN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307053429/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300220004|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Beşiktaş (2010–2011)===
On October 26, 2010, [[Yahoo! Sports]] reported that Iverson agreed in principle to a two-year, $4 million [[net income]] contract with [[Beşiktaş Cola Turka|Beşiktaş]], a [[Turkish Basketball Super League|Turkish Super League]] team competing in the [[European professional club basketball system|second-tier level of pan-European professional basketball]], the [[EuroCup Basketball|EuroCup]], the competition level below the [[EuroLeague]] level.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20101026/SPORTS08/10260377/1051/sports03/Iverson-joins-Turkish-team|title=Allen Iverson agrees to two-year deal with Turkish team|work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|date=October 26, 2010|access-date=October 26, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101029031052/http://www.freep.com/article/20101026/SPORTS08/10260377/1051/sports03/Iverson-joins-Turkish-team| archive-date= October 29, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> The club announced the signing at a press conference in New York City, on October 29, 2010.<ref name="Beşiktaş presser">{{cite news|title=Allen Iverson 'Ecstatic' To Go To Turkey|url=http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/sports/local_sports/102910-allen-iverson-ecstatic-to-go-to-turkey|date=October 29, 2010|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 29, 2010|archive-date=November 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115171721/http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/sports/local_sports/102910-allen-iverson-ecstatic-to-go-to-turkey|url-status=dead}}</ref> Wearing jersey No. 4,<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA MVP Iverson arrives in Istanbul to join Turkish team|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/90870/7192305.html|agency=Xinhua|access-date=September 1, 2013|date=November 9, 2010|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210114206/http://www.people.com.cn/|url-status=live}}</ref> Iverson made his debut for Beşiktaş on November 16, 2010, in a [[2010–11 Eurocup Basketball|EuroCup]] [[Eurocup Basketball 2010–11 Regular Season Group B#Game 1|91–94 loss]] to Serbian side [[KK Hemofarm|Hemofarm]]. Iverson scored 15 points in 23 minutes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/?gamecode=4|title=Beşiktaş ColaTurka – KK Hemofarm Stada Game Report|work=[[EuroCup Basketball|Eurocupbasketball.com]]|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=November 16, 2010|archive-date=April 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403233328/https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/?gamecode=4|url-status=live}}</ref>

Iverson returned to the United States in January 2011 for [[calf (anatomy)|calf]] surgery.<ref>{{cite web|title=Club Announcement about Allen Iverson|url=http://www.bjk.com.tr/en/haberler.php?h_no=3117&k_id=0|publisher=Beşiktaş|access-date=July 16, 2011|date=January 14, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Berger |first=Ken |title=Iverson out 6–8 weeks after leg procedure |url=http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/27336883 |work=CBS Sports |access-date=July 16, 2011 |date=February 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124115533/http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/27336883 |archive-date=November 24, 2011 }}</ref> He only played ten games for Beşiktaş that season, and did not play professional basketball after that.

===Official retirement===
In January 2013, Iverson received an offer to play for the [[Texas Legends]] of the [[NBA D-League]], but he declined.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2013-01-29/allen-iverson-return-to-nba-d-league-texas-legends-philadelphia-76ers|title=Allen Iverson says he won't go D-League route to return to NBA|work=SportingNews.com|first=Ken|last=Bradley|date=January 29, 2013|access-date=August 10, 2013|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102193019/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2013-01-29/allen-iverson-return-to-nba-d-league-texas-legends-philadelphia-76ers|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On October 30, 2013, Iverson announced his retirement from basketball, citing he lost his desire to play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/10/30/iverson-retires.ap/|title=Iverson at peace as he retires from basketball|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|date=October 30, 2013|access-date=October 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601122038/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/10/30/iverson-retires.ap/|archive-date=June 1, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="retire">{{Cite web |last=Windhorst |first=Brian |date=October 30, 2013 |title=Allen Iverson officially retires |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9903564/allen-iverson-retires-76er-day-die |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104052755/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9903564/allen-iverson-retires-76er-day-die |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=March 1, 2014 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> At the 76ers 2013–14 season home opener that night, he received a standing ovation at the beginning of the second quarter. The news conference at which he announced his retirement was attended by former Georgetown coach John Thompson and Sixers great [[Julius Erving]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20131030/MIAPHI/gameinfo.html|title=Heat at 76ers|work=NBA.com|access-date=December 23, 2014|archive-date=June 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601122007/http://www.nba.com/games/20131030/MIAPHI/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Iverson said he would always be a Sixer "until I die," and that while he always thought the day he retired would be a "tough" day, he instead stated it was rather a "happy" day.<ref name="retire" />

In November 2013, the 76ers announced that they would officially retire Iverson's number 3 in a special halftime ceremony on March 1, 2014, when the Sixers hosted the [[Washington Wizards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/131126-iverson-jersey-retirement|title=Philadelphia 76ers to Officially Retire Allen Iverson's Number "3" on March 1, 2014|website=[[NBA.com]]|access-date=December 23, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303080307/https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/131126-iverson-jersey-retirement|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/140228-iverson-ceremony-details|title=Sixers Announce Details for Historic Allen Iverson Retirement Ceremony on March 1|website=[[NBA.com]]|access-date=December 23, 2014|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128154320/https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/140228-iverson-ceremony-details|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140301/WASPHI/gameinfo.html|title=Wizards at 76ers|work=NBA.com|access-date=December 23, 2014|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302020003/http://www.nba.com/games/20140301/WASPHI/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He headlined the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] Class of 2016 along with Shaquille O'Neal and [[Yao Ming]]. Iverson highlighted John Thompson and Larry Brown when speaking to the media on who he credited for a Hall of Fame career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2016 |title=Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson headline the 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame class |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-nba-hall-of-fame-20160908-snap-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228210811/https://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-nba-hall-of-fame-20160908-snap-story.html |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=August 8, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2017, the creation of the 3-on-3 professional basketball league [[BIG3]] was announced, with Iverson set to be a player and coach on [[3's Company]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Parco|first=Nicholas|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/ice-cube-announces-big3-basketball-league-nba-stars-article-1.2944273|title=Ice Cube announces BIG3 basketball league for former NBA stars, will feature Allen Iverson as player and coach|work=[[New York Daily News]]|date=January 11, 2017|access-date=June 26, 2017|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801192848/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/ice-cube-announces-big3-basketball-league-nba-stars-article-1.2944273|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, it was announced that Iverson's co-captain would be [[DerMarr Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://big3.com/news/130-new-team-allen-iverson-and-dermarr-johnson-will-lead-3-s-company|title=NEW TEAM: Allen Iverson and Dermarr Johnson will Lead 3's Company|work=BIG3|date=March 8, 2017|access-date=June 26, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 3's Company drafted [[Andre Owens]], [[Mike Sweetney]], and [[Ruben Patterson]] during the 2017 BIG3 Draft.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=thebig3|number=858828372234739712|title=The full #BIG3Draft results are in! Retweet, debate and get excited for the June 25th season opener at @barclayscenter|date=April 30, 2017|access-date=June 26, 2017}}</ref> On June 25, 3's Company played its first game of the [[2017 BIG3 season|inaugural BIG3 season]] against the [[Ball Hogs]].<ref name=Polacek2017>{{cite web|last=Polacek|first=Scott|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717938-allen-iverson-calls-big3-debut-exciting-talks-playing-only-9-minutes|title='Exciting,' Talks Playing Only 9 Minutes|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|date=June 25, 2017|access-date=June 26, 2017|archive-date=June 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626041224/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717938-allen-iverson-calls-big3-debut-exciting-talks-playing-only-9-minutes|url-status=live}}</ref> In the game, Iverson scored 2 points on 1-for-6 shooting in 9 minutes of play.<ref>{{cite web|last=Conway|first=Tyler|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717908-big3-league-basketball-2017-results-allen-iverson-struggles-in-win|title=BIG3 League Basketball 2017 Results: Allen Iverson Struggles in Win|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|date=June 25, 2017|access-date=June 26, 2017|archive-date=June 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626074019/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717908-big3-league-basketball-2017-results-allen-iverson-struggles-in-win|url-status=live}}</ref> On only playing 9 minutes, Iverson stated, "I signed up to be a coach, player and captain. Coach part is going to go on throughout the game. Playing part is not going to be what you expect. You're not going to see the Allen Iverson of old out there."<ref name=Polacek2017/>