Iverson Statue Unveiled at Sixers Facility
Allen Iverson remains one of the most popular professional athletes in Philadelphia sports history. He spent his first 10 full NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded 15 games into the 2006-2007 season. Iverson later returned to Philadelphia to conclude his NBA career, playing 25 games for the 76ers in 2009-2010.
To this day, Iverson receives non-stop applause when introduced at Sixers games.
Hence the audience's predictably enthusiastic response when the Sixers unveiled a statue of Iverson outside their practice facility in Camden. The event drew a packed crowd of Iverson’s friends, including former teammates Eric Snow and Aaron McKie, ex-Sixers coach Larry Brown, and even former Eagles receiver Terrell Owens.
The Sixers have a rich history, reflected by the 10 statues lining the 76ers Legends Walk at the Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. The other honorees include Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, Maurice Cheeks, Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Hal Greer, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone, and Dolph Schayes.
Iverson played a major role in that history, spending parts of 12 years in Philadelphia. His total of 19,931 points as a Sixer ranks second only to Greer’s 21,586. His 10 career 50-point games are second in franchise history to Chamberlain’s 11, and he holds the franchise records for all-time 30-point games (303) and 40-point games (76). As a Sixer, Iverson averaged 27.6 points and an incredible 41.1 minutes per game and earned eight of his 11 all-NBA star appearances.
He was named the NBA’s MVP in the 2000-2001 season, leading the Sixers to the NBA Finals, where they lost in five games to Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Iverson’s popularity extended beyond the NBA and grew internationally. Fans identified with his 6-foot, 165-pound frame as he fearlessly drove to the hoop against taller players.
Though not known for his practice habits, Iverson was renowned for his intensity during games. He has received numerous honors throughout his career and post-playing career, but Iverson appeared genuinely touched and humbled when discussing what the statue meant to him before its unveiling.
“I don’t get nervous much, but just seeing so many people here that I love, and I just want to say all the right things,” he said, becoming visibly emotional.
“I want you to know how much I appreciate you all,” he added, getting choked up. “I promised myself I wouldn’t do this.”
The audience responded with cheers, and Iverson concluded his remarks by saying, “Thank you everybody for coming out. I thank everybody for playing a part in this and making this dream come true. I’m so excited to see what is going on. Thank you.”
The honor added to Iverson’s Hall of Fame career, one that fans continue to celebrate years later.
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Photo by Marc Narducci
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Photo by Marc Narducci
Author: Marc Narducci
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