Sixers to retire Iverson's number

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia 76ers today announced that they will officially retire Allen Iverson’s number “3” in a special halftime ceremony on Saturday, March 1, 2014 when the Sixers host the Washington Wizards.

Iverson is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history despite his small stature (6’0 and 165 lbs). He led the 76ers to their first Finals appearance since 1983 and played in front of thunderous cheers and sold out crowds.  Known as “The Answer,” he is one of the greatest finishers in the game. He leaves a lasting legacy forever in the hearts of Philadelphia fans. With boundless talent, he was always exciting to watch and had a flashy style that endeared him to fans all over the world.

“Allen Iverson is, without question, one of the most iconic players to ever wear the Sixers uniform,” said Philadelphia 76ers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’Neil. “Allen left everything out on the court and no one could ever question his heart – he was relentless, fearless and pound-for-pound, was one of the greatest to ever play the game.”

The Sixers drafted Iverson, who officially retired from the NBA in a press conference held on October 30, 2013, with the first overall pick in the 1996 Draft. He would go on to appear in 722 games (6th all-time) and play 29,879 minutes (2nd all-time) for the Sixers, while averaging 27.6 points per game, tied with Wilt Chamberlain for the highest scoring average in franchise history.

Iverson’s career included moments that will stand the test of time and are immediately identifiable, including his famous crossover on Michael Jordan during his rookie season and his step-over on Tyronn Lue during Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals.

Iverson also ranks among the top players in Sixers history in field goals made (3rd, 6,962), field goals attempted (2nd, 16,543), free throws made (2nd, 5,122), free throws attempted (2nd, 6,576), assists, (3rd, 4,385), steals (2nd, 1,644) and points (2nd, 19,931). During the course of his career, Iverson would go on to earn:

NBA Most Valuable Player (2001)                                       3× All-NBA First Team (1999, 2001, 2005)

NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)                                            3× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2002, 2003)

11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010)                                             All-NBA Third Team (2006)

2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005)                            NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)

4× NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)          2× NBA steals leader (2003, 2005)

Iverson will join Julius Erving (6), Maurice Cheeks (10), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Hal Greer (15), Bobby Jones (24), Billy Cunningham (32) and Charles Barkley (34) as players with their numbers retired, along with legendary public address announcer Dave Zinkoff (microphone).