Iverson plans to retire – for now
Without a clear-cut suitor emerging to sign him,
All-Star guard Allen Iverson announced his retirement on Wednesday.Iverson, who has played 14 seasons in the NBA, thought he was close to signing with the New York Knicks last week only to be told team officials had a change of heart.
“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson said in a statement released to Stephen A. Smith, who first announced Iverson’s decision on his personal web site. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.
I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.The question: Will Iverson stay retired?
League sources insist Iverson will still listen if a team is interested in signing him. For now, however, no offer appears imminent.Iverson signed a one-year, $3 million contract to play for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, but played just three games and complained about his role off the bench. The Grizzlies granted him a leave of absence to attend to some personal matters, but two sides eventually reached agreement to part ways and Iverson was waived.
“Wonderful career. Right thing to do for his family,” Iverson’s manager, Gary Moore told Yahoo! Sports. “It’s no secret that Allen has been unfairly treated through all this. The fact is his family needs him more.”
Iverson had his greatest success in Philadelphia, where he took the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001 and was named MVP.
“The years in Philly were unforgettable,” Moore said. “He will never forget the crowd. …He’ll retire always being known as a Sixer.”
AI
我諗下季會出返黎
