Allen Iverson stands alone at the peak of greatest in the eyes of Philadelphians. If you walk down the street in Philadelphia today and ask any person who their favorite Philadelphia sports player of all-time was, almost every single person you speak to will say Allen Iverson. The man called "The Answer", was an eleven time all star, MVP winner, and who can forget Rookie of the Year winner as well. Numbers and awards mean nothing when watching Iverson, what he had the ability to do with a basketball, goes unmatched. A.I. was truly the one man team, going down the court with one thing on his mind each time, "I'm going to shoot the ball". Iverson had the ability to move in and out of defenses, break the ankles of defenders, and make seven foot centers look foolish. Though a small man, Iverson had a big heart; especially to the city that he loved, and his one true favorite Coach Larry Brown.
For one magical season, Allen Iverson had the ability, the chance, and opportunity; to take a team of lack luster players, a team that consisted of Eric Snow, Aaron Mckie, and future Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo; to the NBA finals. The year was 2001, and Allen Iverson brought an entire city together, under one goal, one dream; to finally bring another championship to Philly. Philadelphia had been dreaming of another opportunity since the Flyers lost in the Stanley Cup to the Red Wings, and this was their chance. A team that was not expected to be in the Finals, a team with one superstar, had the ability to come together under the coaching of Larry Brown. Allen Iverson single handedly would take this team for the ride of a life time, taking the to the record of 56-26, leading The Eastern Conference in wins. The Sixers would push their way through the playoffs, playing with more than just skill, they played with heart, especially that of Iverson. Iverson gave everything he had into the playoffs in 2001, he gave his heart, his soul, his talent, and his skill. Though Iverson could not seal the deal with an NBA Championship, he gave this city a season that they will truly never forget. They were truly The City of Philadelphia's team, they were the 76ers.
Tonight, October 30th, Allen "The Answer" Iverson will finally hang up his basketball shoes for good. Through all the problems, the fights, "the practices", Iverson gave this city; he truly did love the people of Philadelphia. This was Allen Iverson's home, this was his city. Philadelphia gave this kid, a kid many thought to have character issues, to basically a hoodlum, a chance. Over the ten years Allen Iverson wore the 76ers logo on his chest we saw his passion, his skill, and especially his love for basketball and this city. Allen Iverson, will always be remembered as one of the best, if not the greatest scorer in Sixers history, and one of the greatest of all-time.
-Brett
