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Congratulating, recognizing and honoring Philadelphia 76ers Legend Allen Iverson for his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
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WHEREAS, Allen Iverson was selected 1st overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers after a stellar collegiate career in which he averaged 23 points per game for the Georgetown Hoyas. The 20-year-old native of Hampton, Virginia made his NBA debut in a Sixers uniform on November 1, 1996. He won the 1997 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, the first of many accomplishments in his NBA career; and
WHEREAS, As Iverson put it, “I wasn’t a point guard, I was a killer.” He truly changed the game. Though he stood at 6 feet tall and weighed 165 pounds, Iverson became a giant in the world of basketball. He dazzled fans with his daring and lightning-fast cuts and drives to the basket. In 2001 he became the shortest and the lightest player to ever win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award. When asked about Allen Iverson’s legacy, LeBron James answered, “Pound-for-pound, probably the greatest player who ever played”; and
WHEREAS, Iverson was one of the most popular basketball players in the world during his reign of dominance in a Sixers uniform. His fierce competitiveness and tremendous heart endeared him to fans globally, especially in Philadelphia. Iverson was subjected to more scrutiny than most, if not all, of his contemporaries. Through it all, Iverson encouraged fans to learn from his mistakes and to strive to become better than him; and
WHEREAS, The player whom fans called “A.I.” or “The Answer” officially retired in October 2013. At the time of the announcement of his Hall of Fame induction, Iverson ranked 43rd in NBA history in assists, 13th in steals, 23rd in points, 7th in points per game and 4th in minutes per game. He amassed the most three-point field goals, the 3rd-most assists, 2nd-most steals, 2nd-most points and 2nd most minutes in Sixers franchise history. He was the 2001 NBA MVP, in a season in which the Sixers made it to the NBA Finals and the All-Star Game MVP in 2001 and 2005. He was the NBA’s leading scorer in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2005 and led the league in steals for three consecutive seasons between 2001 and 2003; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his incredible career, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Allen Iverson will be a member of its Class of 2016. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor in the sport of basketball for men and women at professional, collegiate and high school levels. On September 9, 2016, Allen Iverson will become the 14th player in the history of the Philadelphia 76ers and Syracuse Nationals franchise to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Between 1996 and 2006, when people thought of Philadelphia, they thought of Allen Iverson. “The Answer” is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but one of Philadelphia’s most beloved professional athletes. From his signature cornrows to his Reebok shoes, he was and still is a cultural icon and many current NBA players cite Iverson as their biggest influence as they grew up. His brash style on and off the court paired with his unmatched talent has cemented his status as a Philadelphia sports legend; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we congratulate, recognize and honor Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson for his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Allen Iverson, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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