Allen Iverson gets his number retired
Wilt Chamberlain. Charles Barkley. Julius Erving. Maurice Cheeks. Hal Greer. Bobby Jones. Billy Cunningham. Not only are those seven players some of the most famous athletes in Philadelphia sports history, but all of them are NBA legends. They also populate the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center, all of their numbers retired by the Sixersorganization. But if your Philly fandom came of age in the late 1990s, one name was definitely missing.
That changed on March 1st, 2014, when Allen Iverson has his iconic number 3 retired, and his name joined those other 76ers legends up in the lights.
The retirement ceremony came at an good time for both the Sixers and Iverson. Sam Hinkie had become GM the summer before and promptly started tearing down whatever foundation was left from prior management. The Sixers entered the March 1st game against the Wizards with a 15-43 record, and the fans were looking for something to cheer for. As incredible as Iverson’s playing days were, his post-NBA life has been every bit as disconcerting. Filled with reports of bankruptcy, divorce, gambling, and alcoholism, the fans and organization needed a way to shift the spotlight from Iverson’s current woes back to his glory days.
The City of Philadelphia didn’t disappoint, packing the Wells Fargo Center to the brim. Iverson didn’t let anyone down either, giving an impassioned speech that, in typical Iverson fashion, felt heartfelt, genuine, and honest.
"“You have to show me the fool that says dreams don’t come true,” Iverson said. “Because they do. I love you, Philadelphia. I love y’all for accepting me and letting me be me. Letting me make my mistakes, letting me be human, let me learn from them. Just embracing me and making this my home forever.”"
For that one night, Iverson owned the 76ers home floor just one last time. He cupped his hand to his ear, he bathed in “M-V-P” chants, and he sent everyone home happy. It was a night befitting a giant legend, and one that I’m sure both he and the fans in attendance will never forget.
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