Allen Iverson back to Philadelphia 76ers - Interview

Sixers agree to terms with Allen Iverson
Iverson to make Sixers season debut on Monday, December 7

Philadelphia, Pa. December 2, 2009 Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has agreed to terms with free agent guard Allen Iverson. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Iverson, the first overall pick by the Sixers in the 1996 NBA Draft, played 10-plus seasons in Philadelphia and ranks second in franchise history in scoring.

"In light of the recent injury to Lou Williams, which will sideline him for close to eight weeks, we felt that Allen was the best available free agent guard to help us at this time, said Stefanski.

Iverson (6-0/165) signed as a free agent with Memphis this past September, but parted ways with the Grizzlies after appearing in just three games. He was officially waived on November 16, 2009.

In 1996-97, Iverson took home Rookie of the Year honors with the Sixers. Iverson helped guide Philadelphia to the NBA Finals in 2001, earning the leagues Most Valuable Player award for that season in the process.

A 10-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP, Iverson has been named to a total of seven All-NBA teams (First Team in 1998-99, 2000-01 and 2004-05; Second Team in 1999-00, 2001-02 and 2002-03; Third Team in 2005-06). He led the NBA in scoring four times as a Sixer, becoming one of only four players in league history to capture four-plus scoring titles.

Now in his 14th NBA season, playing in 889 career games with 877 starts, Iverson is averaging 27.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.21 steals in 41.4 minutes per game while shooting 42.5% from the floor, 31.3% from 3-point range and 78.0% from the foul line. He is currently tied for the fifth-highest scoring average in NBA history and ranks third among active players.

The 34-year-old has also appeared in 71 career playoff games and owns the second-highest postseason scoring average (29.7 ppg) in NBA history, trailing only Michael Jordan (33.4 ppg).

Iverson was traded by Philadelphia to Denver along with Ivan McFarlin in exchange for Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two future first round picks on December 19, 2006. After just over a season and a half with the Nuggets, Iverson was traded to Detroit on November 3, 2008.

Following tonights game at Oklahoma City and Saturdays game at Charlotte, the Sixers return to Philadelphia for a five-game home stand beginning on Monday, December 7 vs. Denver at 7 p.m. Iverson is expected to make his season debut with the Sixers that night.

Tickets for the game against the Nuggets and all remaining home games are available now and can be purchased exclusively through ComcastTIX at SIXERS.COM, by calling 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Wachovia Complex box office.

Spread Holiday Cheer! Holiday Packs start as low as $125. Each package includes 2 Tickets to 3 games, 1 Jrue Holiday Practice Jersey, 1 Hip-Hop Doll and $5 credit towards, food, beverage or merchandise. Packages are available now exclusively through ComcastTIX at SIXERS.COM, by calling 215.339.7676 or in person at the Wachovia Complex box office.

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• Iverson
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[76er2Nugget2Piston]

WELCOME BACK BABY!

[RaptorsharkAk47]

I'd take Allen Iverson in his prime rather than freakin Lebron James, Rondo, maybe Rose.

[lpgrv71]

i didnt lilke the thug attitude but i did like his swager on the court the way he played he made basketball exciting to watch again whenever he had the ball you know he was going to do something hot most guys nowadays just play to get paid there is no passion in the nba anymore its boring now and yes i agree i hope he gets another shot with the sixers to win a champion chip ring he is that good

[tupaciverson]

when iverson start to cry you can see only photocamera flash! cmon man show some respect for this guy!

[thizizheat4ever]

without him the world wouldn't even know what a sleeve is!

[Blackjackjr92]

Everybody who actually lives in Philly has some much respect for this guy for what he have done here, it was a blessing to have u here , never seen some much passion in the arena before a game when u where here

we miis u

[botochese]

the best ever

[29larron]

I love this nigga man(pause)!He wear his heart on his sleave,a real man aint a cat that dont cry,a real man is some1 that aint ashamed to show his vulnerabity.i only hope n pray he can at least get his personal life in order even if it means sacrificing his career peace..

[lakerbreaker17]

bet his asss went to practice

[Jgchunkylover]

@thedoofusboy

You are an idiot.

[Jgchunkylover]

@phillies315

I wish A.I. would come back to Philly but I can't see that happening. Doug Collins stresses DEFENSE and that's not Iversons game. Allen will always be a Sixer but I finally had to let it go and enjoy these young sixers playing good basketball.