Allen Iverson was synonymous with the Philadelphia 76ers as the team’s franchise player. For most of his career, he was the NBA’s best pound-for-pound scorer, but unfortunately, he did not have a good supporting cast during his time in Philly.
A.I. lasted in Philadelphia for a decade, but in 2006, he was fed up because the front office could not build a contender around him. He spoke to the 76ers' front office to request a trade, which sent him to the Denver Nuggets. The trade did not pan out for him, and he ended his career without a championship, making him regret what happened with his original franchise.
“What I wanted was far as the city. If you not gonna do what I think needs to be done to help us all, I’d rather be gone,” Iverson said in an interview with Steve Smith. “I wish I would have just stuck in there and not left. I wish I would not have left.”
Iverson did his best for Philadelphia
Although Allen never secured a title for Philadelphia, he remains one of the city's most iconic figures. As the team's superstar for a decade, it became clear to many fans that his frustrations were mounting. Ultimately, the struggles outweighed the good things throughout his tenure.
The 2001 Playoffs were the best time for Philly, as they punched their ticket to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the 76ers were at a talent disadvantage because the Lakers were too much to handle. Players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were dominant, making L.A. such a tough matchup back then.
Iverson stepped up and handed them the first and only loss of the 2001 NBA Playoffs during Game 1 of the Finals . It was a fantastic representation of what Iverson did for the team because he carried them on his back during that opening contest. The Answer was willing to do everything for the city, but even the most passionate player needed the change of scenery.
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Iverson was passionate about the city
Although Iverson wanted to win in Philadelphia, he needed time away from the city. He loved it there, but the 76ers had too many issues for him to manage. However, his passion for the game and the city never waned, even after he retired.
“When people tell me it’s Doc and it’s A.I. when we’re talking about basketball. That’s one of the biggest compliments could give you, Doc and A.I. You put my name in the same sentence as Doc,” Iverson said during his retirement speech. “These fans are me like I am Philadelphia. When you think about Philadelphia basketball, you think of Allen Iverson. I fought for that, I earned that.”
Even if it has been over a decade since he retired from professional play, A.I. is still a beloved figure in the city. Joel Embiid might be the star now, but Iverson always gets a significant ovation. He was a fantastic talent, and he always showed passion for the city and organization.
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