Allen Iverson is reportedly ready to formally retire from the NBA, according to SLAM Magazine.
The 2001 NBA MVP and 11-time All-Star will reportedly call it quits after a star-crossed NBA career and short stint playing in Turkey. Iverson has not played an NBA game or has been offered a job since the 2009-2010 season. Iverson last appeared in the NBA in February 2010 with the Philadelphia 76ers, who drafted him out of Georgetown in 1996.
"He loves his fans more than anyone," an unnamed source at SLAM said. "He loves how they ask for his return constantly, on the streets and on the Internet. But now that they know it's not happening, he can just focus on his future endeavors."
According to ESPN, with over 13 years in the NBA, Iverson averaged 26.7 points and 6.2 assists per game. The 6-footer scored well over 24,000 points and won four NBA scoring titles along the way. He led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001 and made eight other playoff appearances.
The last time the 38-year-old played in a professional game was in 2011, for the Turkish basketball team Besiktas. According to Yahoo Sports, Iverson took part on an exhibition tour in China in 2012, but held out hope of finishing his career back in the NBA.
According to the Huffington Post, in January 2013, Iverson turned down a chance to play for the Dallas Mavericks' D-League affiliate and let his Twitter followers know that the NBA remained his target.
To my fans, I love yall! Not a day goes by that I am not asked when am I coming back, we all must accept my return is not up to just me.
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013
My dream has always been to complete my legacy in the NBA — Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013
I thank Donnie and Dallas for the consideration and while I think the D-League is a great opportunity, it is not the route for me.
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013
In March 2013, Iverson appeared in Philadelphia when the 76ers honored him with a bobblehead giveaway. He still held out some hope of a dream end to his career.
"At some point it comes to an end regardless, however it comes, whether it is retirement or injury, at some point it comes to an end," Iverson told CSN Philly. "I am happy and content with everything that has gone on in my life and I am just looking for the next phase, and if I get a chance to play again I would love the opportunity, but if not I will continue to just be happy."
According to reports, his time off the court has bought him more bad news than good, mainly generated by financial problems. Iverson was reportedly under investigation after his ex-wife claimed he abducted their children and locked her outside her home, with illegal guns in the house.
"My No. 1 goal is trying to accomplish to be the best dad that I can," said Iverson, at a March game. "And if basketball is in my near future, then God will make that happen. But if not, I had a great ride and I've done a lot of special things that a lot of guys have not been able to accomplish and people thought I couldn't accomplish."
A source close to the former NBA all-star said Iverson is already beginning to focus on new business endeavors, although what those endeavors entail was not disclosed.
Do you think its about time for Allen Iverson to officially walk away from the sport he once dominated?
