Allen Iverson retired from the NBA as an 11-time All-Star and one of the most skilful and celebrated scorers in the history of the league. The Philadelphia 76ers legend was chosen as the 2001 MVP and retired with a fitting legacy that continues to be remembered by the NBA fraternity with rose-tinted glasses.
However, the now 51-year-old, as it turns out, is willing to exchange all of his individual accolades for a championship ring. At least that is what the Naismith Hall of Fame inductee claimed during his recent appearance on the Underground Lounge, per a post on X.
“I would give my MVP trophy back. All-Stars, First Team All-NBA, Hall of Fame, Top 75, all that, man. I would give it back for a championship,” he said.
Iverson won the MVP award back in 2001 after averaging 31.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game through the season. The 76ers finished the regular season with a 56-26 record, secured the Eastern Conference's top seed and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1983.
Iverson received 93 of 124 first-place votes in the MVP race, finishing ahead of Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal. And while he averaged 32.9 points, 6.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game through 22 games in the postseason, the 76ers eventually fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers, who were led by Shaq and Kobe Bryant.
Regardless, Iverson himself went on to win four scoring titles, becoming the first player in 76ers franchise history to win it more than twice. Further, while he is remembered as one of the most skilful offensive players in league history, Iverson also led the league in steals three times, finishing his career with over 24,000 points and over 5,000 assists. Still, his willingness to exchange these accolades for a championship just goes to show how much he valued winning, rather than his own individual achievements.
In addition to becoming a Hall-of-Fame inductee in 2016, Iverson was also named in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and continues to be remembered for the kind of skills he regularly produced in the league, most notably the crossover dribble. Hence, while he may have fallen short of a championship, Iverson has a vastly celebrated legacy and will continue to be remembered as one of the most gifted athletes the league ever saw.