Some would consider Allen Iverson the best player in Philadelphia 76ers history. Which moments defined his historic career?
When you think Philadelphia 76ers, you think of Allen Iverson. Few players in history were as connected to a city as Iverson was — and still is — to Philly. The first No. 1 pick in franchise history, Iverson carried the Sixers to new heights during his tenure with the team.
Iverson averaged 27.6 points, 6.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game in 12 seasons with the Sixers. He was a four-time scoring champ, seven-time All-Star, and one-time MVP. His lone NBA Finals appearance in 2001 was one for the ages.
Far from perfect, Iverson was a dynamic personality both on and off the court. There were spats, bad relationships and low points during his time with the franchise. In the end, though, Iverson remains arguably the team’s most iconic star.
Given the history in Philadelphia, that’s quite the compliment. Here are his best moments.
15. 2005 All-Star MVP
En route to his second All-Star MVP, Iverson collected 15 points, 10 assists and five steals while leading the Eastern Conference team to its first win in the All-Star game since 2001 (the first time Iverson won All-Star Game MVP). While not the enormous output fans are used to, Iverson was effective on both ends.
Iverson willingly shared the ball, dishing out double-digit assists while seven players scored in double figures. Per usual, Iverson generated several highlights, whether it be acrobatic finishes at the rim or lobs to the infinitely athletic LeBron James.
He came into the game on a relative hot streak, dumping in multiple 50+ point games prior. While it wasn’t his highest scoring night, he was able to provide a balanced attack alongside the world’s best players. He was the deserving MVP.
The award is even more impressive given the circumstances. Iverson woke up feeling lightheaded and woozy due to the altitude in Denver, where the game was played. Being the competitive player he is, though, Iverson persevered, playing a game-high 32 minutes.
Few players in NBA history had Iverson’s knack for the highlight reel. Even in a relatively quiet game statistically, he was able to rack up steals, pour in a few entertaining buckets and work his way to the game’s highest honor.
Iverson recognized his imperfection after the game, speaking about maturity and learning to move past mistakes, both in life and on the basketball court.
"“The whole thing is just me maturing and getting older. A lot of things I’ve done in my life, I’m not proud of, but I’m proud of the fact that I recognize that, and I move forward in my life and I’m trying to be a better person first, and then a better basketball player.” — USA Today"