The 76ers captain, Joe Embiid, announced his retirement due to a setback.
NBA legend Joe Embiid has had an unremarkable period of time since he last competed in the NBA in 2011, marked by news reports that are alternately tragic and absurd.
But things seem to be turning around for Joe Embiid, at least partly because he made his official basketball retirement known just before the Philadelphia 76ers’ October season opener. With this chapter closed, it is hoped that Iverson can move on to a less turbulent lifestyle and continue to build on the many wonderful memories that his fans have of his career.
The Sixers have now made the decision to recognize Iverson’s outstanding career and codify his significance to the team. On March 1, the team will retire his recognizable No. 3 jersey, as was disclosed on Wednesday. According to the official press release:
The Philadelphia 76ers today declared that on Saturday, March 1, 2014, when they play the Washington Wizards, they will formally retire Allen Iverson’s number “3” during a special halftime ceremony.
Iverson, who stands just 6’0 and weighs 165 pounds, is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. He played to raucous applause and sold-out crowds, leading the 76ers to their first Finals appearance since 1983. He is referred to as “The Answer” and is among the best finishers in the game. Fans of Philadelphia will always carry a deep legacy of him in their hearts. His flashy style won him over fans worldwide, and his limitless talent made him always exciting to watch.
Philadelphia 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil declared, “Without a doubt, one of the most iconic players to wear the Sixers uniform is Allen Iverson.” “Allen was unwavering, fearless, and among the best players to have ever played the game, pound for pound—he gave his all on the court, and nobody ever doubted his heart.”
The press release continues by listing all of Iverson’s career achievements, such as his four scoring championships, eleven All-Star appearances, and MVP award from 2001. But as anyone who saw Iverson in his prime will attest, he was much more than just a resume of accomplishments and statistics. The Answer was a fiercely competitive, obstinate, flashy, and sometimes impolite celebrity who gave his fans a full-on show every time he took the stage or spoke. In addition, he gained wider recognition as one of the first well-known sports figures to fully embrace and communicate hip-hop culture, sometimes upsetting people but ultimately playing a significant role in American society. Even though there are many good reasons to dislike Iverson, it’s difficult to picture the NBA without his impact.
Honestly, this honor is more of a formality because, as soon as Iverson announced that his basketball career was over, it seemed like the right thing to do. In the 1990s and 2000s, he was so important to the Sixers that the question was not if this would happen, but rather when. He deserves it, and on March 1st, I’m sure we’ll all take some time to consider his career.
Naturally, one thing we can presume is that Iverson won’t be attending the ceremony in a suit. This could be the biggest moment of the NBA season if he decides to forgo the streetwear and put on a jacket and tie instead.
