In basketball, there are players who stand out for their skills, and then there are players like Allen Iverson, who changed the very culture of the game. His career highlights, from his 2001 MVP season to his unforgettable crossover against Michael Jordan, cemented him as one of the NBA’s all-time greats. But Iverson himself had moments that were precious to him.
Recently, the 11x All-Star took to his Instagram to share a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for a special night when the Philadelphia 76ers retired his jersey. “Grateful, Had flashbacks, looking at my jersey in the rafters,” wrote Iverson as the caption of the post.
On March 1, 2014, the 76ers honored Allen Iverson with a ceremony that earned it, as the franchise retired his #3 jersey in front of a sea of blue and red at the Philadelphia team’s home, the Wells Fargo Center. It was an emotional tribute to one of the team’s most beloved players, for what contributions and never-giving up spirit he made on the team. There were standing ovations on multiple occasions, an oil painting for a present, and a fishing boat to enjoy in his retirement.
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“I’m here to tell you that tonight, the number 3 is going where it should be going. Up there!” said Iverson during the ceremony.
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Iverson joined the 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft, as he was picked by Philadelphia on the first overall pick. From day one, Iverson showed the kind of tenacity and drive that Philadelphia fans loved. Iverson played 14 years in the league and scored 24,368 points throughout his career, averaging 26.7 points per game. He led the league four times in scoring and scored the second-most points in franchise history.
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Did Allen Iverson's Knicks-inspired outfit hint at a shift in loyalty, or just a fashion statement?
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Today, the image of Iverson’s jersey hanging, will serve as a reminder of what he meant to the game and the city of Philadelphia. However, did you know Bubba Chuck recently ditched the 76ers in a unique way?
Allen Iverson’s fashion choices leave spectators confused over his loyalty
Iverson has never been shy to praise the Philadelphia 76ers as much as he has. The former shooting guard has shown his love for the team often. A Sixer “until the day I die,” he had once asserted. The 49-year-old, however, recently made headlines for an unexpected fashion choice, that could suggest otherwise.
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As posted by the Knicks’ official X handle, the Answer made an appearance at the recent match-up between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. But he wore an orange T-shirt paired with a deep blue jacket.
It only took a moment and social media lit up with fans arguing back and forth on whether Iverson’s outfit was a statement, a fashion choice, or even a homage to the classic Knicks colors. The Knicks fans were confused on his attire and even commented, “Is he cheering for Philly or Us?” Whatever the reason, Iverson’s attire proved: his influence on basketball and style is still strong.
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Did Allen Iverson's Knicks-inspired outfit hint at a shift in loyalty, or just a fashion statement?