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Honoring Philadelphia 76ers’ Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for his trailblazing career in the National Basketball Association and recognizing AI as a Philadelphia Basketball Living Legend.
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WHEREAS, Allen Iverson was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, the son of Ann Iverson. While attending Bethel High School in Hampton, Iverson established himself as an athletic standout in both football and basketball. During his junior year at Bethel, he won the Virginia state championships in both sports, playing quarterback for the school’s football team and point guard for the school’s basketball team. In recognition of his stand-out performances on the road to these two state championships, Iverson was named the Associated Press High School Player of the Year in football and basketball and was selected as a First-Team All-American in basketball by Parade; and
WHEREAS, Iverson’s early years would have a profound impact on his future NBA career. Famous throughout the league for his physical and mental toughness despite his smaller stature, AI credits his early years on the football field for developing his legendary ability to play through injury. “It's just basically wanting to play and being able to be there for my teammates. My football background definitely has a lot to do with it,” Iverson said; and
WHEREAS, Allen continued his basketball career at Georgetown University under legendary coach John Thompson. In his first season with the Hoyas, Iverson was named the Big East Rookie of the Year and Big East Defensive Player of the Year after he helped lead the team to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. In Iverson’s sophomore season, the Hoyas won the Big East Championship and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. After his second and final season at Georgetown, Iverson was selected as a First Team All-American and earned his second Big East Defensive Player of the Year award; and
WHEREAS, After declaring for the 1996 NBA Draft as one of the nation’s premier guards, Iverson was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the draft’s first overall pick. In first season with the 76ers, Iverson was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game and breaking a league record held by Wilt Chamberlain by recording 5-consecutive 40-point games; and
WHEREAS, In Iverson’s third season with the 76ers, he led the NBA in scoring and established himself as one of the league’s most talented stars. The following year, Iverson was selected to play in the first of his 11-consecutive NBA All-Star games; and
WHEREAS, Entering the 2000-2001 season in peak form, Iverson led the 76ers on a run to the NBA Finals that continues to live on in Philadelphia sports legend. Iverson’s Sixers earned the Eastern Conference’s best regular season record and advanced through the playoffs before earning the team’s first NBA Finals appearance since the 76ers’ 1983 championship. After leading the league with 31.1 points per game, AI was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player; and
WHEREAS, Iverson’s 10-year run with the 76ers ended in 2006, when he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. After several standout seasons in Denver, Iverson continued his legendary career with the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, before returning to Philadelphia for his final NBA season beginning in 2009. Over the course of his 14-year tenure in the NBA, Iverson was selected to 11-consecutive All-Star Games and three All-NBA First-Teams. His historic career was honored in 2016 with his induction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Allen Iverson’s career changed the trajectory of professional basketball, with a playing style that continues to influence NBA players today. Iverson also had a profound cultural impact off the court, helping to introduce hip-hop style to the NBA and the broader public; and
WHEREAS, Allen Iverson is a proud native of Hampton, Virginia, but he will always have a special relationship with the city of Philadelphia and its residents. Announcing his retirement from basketball before a raucous crowd of 76ers fans, Iverson declared “I love you Philadelphia. I want to thank you for accepting me, and letting me be me and make this my home forever;” now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Philadelphia 76ers’ Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for his trailblazing career in the National Basketball Association and recognize AI as a Philadelphia Basketball Living Legend.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Allen Iverson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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