Allen Iverson
(Born 1975)
Hall of Fame Induction: 2016
Card Shown:
2013-14 Panini Flawless
Franchise Greats
Position: PG
Height: 6’0″
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Allen Iverson, “The Answer,” was one of the greatest scorers to ever play in the NBA. Iverson was well-known for his ankle-breaking crossover moves that left opponents going one way while he went the other, usually to score. At six feet tall, Allen had great leaping ability. The highlight reels are full of Iverson dunks that thrilled the crowds.
In addition to his stellar play on the court, Allen had a profound influence on the pop culture of his day. His tattoos, corn rows, headband, and baggy pants impacted the way kids acted and dressed. Allen was not trying to make a statement. He was just being himself.
Awards and Honors
- Iverson was the number one overall draft pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft. With the 76ers Allen was the 1996-97 NBA Rookie of the Year.
- A.I. won the NBA scoring title four times: in 1999 (26.8 ppg), in 2001 (31.1 ppg), in 2002 (31.4 ppg), and in 2005 (30.7 ppg).
- Allen played in eleven consecutive NBA All-Star games from 2000-2010. He was the MVP in two of those games, 2001 and 2005.
- Iverson was All-NBA First Team three times, All-NBA Second Team three times, and All-NBA Third Team once.
- Allen was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2000-01 season.
- In 2001 Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo led the 76ers to the NBA Finals where they lost to the Lakers (led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant) in five games. Allen had a terrific Game 1, with 48 points, and prevented the Lakers from being the first team to ever sweep the postseason.
Points of Interest
- Iverson played at Georgetown University under coach John Thompson for two years before departing for the NBA.
- Allen was known for saying and doing what he wanted, even when that went against the status quo. His iconic corn rows and right arm sleeve were Iverson trademarks.
- Iverson was one of the smallest men on the NBA stage but he always played with a lot of heart and is considered, pound for pound, one of the toughest players to play in the NBA.
- Allen finished his Hall of Fame basketball career with averages of 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
- On March 1, 2014 the Philadelphia 76ers retired Allen Iverson’s #3 jersey.
Statistics
Allen Iverson Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com
Personal Autograph Interaction
When the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was over, Joshua and I returned to our hotel. I looked over to the edge of the lobby, and there, seated with two of his friends/bodyguards was Allen Iverson. I alerted Joshua that Allen was over there and we got our cards and our blue sharpies and approached the former NBA superstar. Joshua asked Allen if he would sign a card and leaned over the rectangular table in front of Iverson, placing his card on his Hall of Fame program for support. Allen missed the card and signed the program. A signed program by A.I. is cool, but Joshua and I collect signed cards so Joshua asked if he would sign the card. He did, and then he signed my card as well. The signatures came out beautifully on the 2012-13 Panini Signatures Legends cards.
Thank you, Allen!
In-Person Autograph Photo
