Salute Allen Iverson

As a basketball fan or just even a casual watcher, you have no choice but to praise Allen Iverson on his career. Yes he established the hip-hop era and had quite the mouth, but statistically he had a terrific career.

He had a sensational career at Georgetown, averaging 23.0 PPG, 4.6 APG, and 3.2 SPG. The 76ers drafted him 1st in the 1996 NBA draft. From their Iverson would spend 11 seasons in Philly and averaged 28 PPG. He won rookie of the year, was the scoring champion six times, and made 10 all-star teams.

He finished his career averaging 27.0 PPG, 6.2 APG, and one empty feeling. Iverson said to Stephen A. Smith :

"TO ALL OF MY FANS:

I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.

Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift.

I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.

I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!

To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart.

To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!

To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who’ve been a part of my career, Thank you as well!

I’d like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies’ organization all of the success that the game has to offer.

And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers’ uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.

God Bless all of you,

ALLEN IVERSON"

Like I said, Iverson needs to be saluted for his outstanding career in the NBA. As much as I hated his attitude, the man could play basketball. I still believe he has the ability to play for a team and am slightly disappointed that a NBA team couldn't find room for him. ESPN is reporting that Iverson's former coach Larry Brown is planning to talk to Allen and try to convince him to come out of retirement. I believe that Iverson retired because he was frustrated. No team would give him a chance and he more than likely felt unwanted. I'm sure a struggling team that needs scoring could use Iverson, but nobody wants the baggage that comes with him.

If this is the end for Iverson, I want to personally thank him for 14 years of great basketball. I, unlike most basketball blogger, grew up after the Jordan era. I grew up in the Shaq, Kobe, and Iverson era. Iverson did great things for the game and I salute him for that.