Editing Allen Iverson (section)

===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]].