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[h1]Allen Iverson Retiring from NBA, ESPN Radio Reports[/h1]
November 25, 2009 05:33 PM EST
views: 89 | rating: 4/10 (1 vote)
Stephen A. Smith announced just moments ago on ESPN 950 radio that Allen Iverson intends to retire from the NBA. The topic is already blowing up on Twitter and figures to make the ESPN front pages within hours.
The disgruntled guard is reportedly deciding to retire from basketball after a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, who chose not to start him, which drove an irreparable wedge between the two parties. The Grizzlies released Iverson on Nov. 16.
The future first-ballot Hall-of-Famer also apparently had trouble finding a suitor for his services. His reputation as a malcontent seems to be finally catching up to him. There's little doubt the guy can still play, with an average of 12.3 points in 22.3 minutes per game, but he can only be happy if the offense goes through him. It's debatable whether he ever even cared about winning championships.
However, along with his often controversial off-court behavior, Iverson retires as one of the NBA's truly all-time great scorers. His 24,020 career points currently have him 17th all-time between Kobe Bryant and Charles Barkley. He won four scoring titles and was renowned for his endurance and toughness, routinely leading the league in minutes per game.
Though his selfish behavior will leave a bad taste in the mouths of many in the media and the public, there's no doubt Iverson lived up to his billing as the #1 draft pick in 1997. If he had a better team around him in Philadelphia, he may even have that elusive championsip added to his resume. He'll have to settle for being one of the greatest shooters of his time, and perhaps all time.
November 25, 2009 05:33 PM EST
views: 89 | rating: 4/10 (1 vote)
Stephen A. Smith announced just moments ago on ESPN 950 radio that Allen Iverson intends to retire from the NBA. The topic is already blowing up on Twitter and figures to make the ESPN front pages within hours.
The disgruntled guard is reportedly deciding to retire from basketball after a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, who chose not to start him, which drove an irreparable wedge between the two parties. The Grizzlies released Iverson on Nov. 16.
The future first-ballot Hall-of-Famer also apparently had trouble finding a suitor for his services. His reputation as a malcontent seems to be finally catching up to him. There's little doubt the guy can still play, with an average of 12.3 points in 22.3 minutes per game, but he can only be happy if the offense goes through him. It's debatable whether he ever even cared about winning championships.
However, along with his often controversial off-court behavior, Iverson retires as one of the NBA's truly all-time great scorers. His 24,020 career points currently have him 17th all-time between Kobe Bryant and Charles Barkley. He won four scoring titles and was renowned for his endurance and toughness, routinely leading the league in minutes per game.
Though his selfish behavior will leave a bad taste in the mouths of many in the media and the public, there's no doubt Iverson lived up to his billing as the #1 draft pick in 1997. If he had a better team around him in Philadelphia, he may even have that elusive championsip added to his resume. He'll have to settle for being one of the greatest shooters of his time, and perhaps all time.
