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March 2 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia 76ers retired Allen Iverson's jersey Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. The Answer, who led the team to the 2001 NBA finals and was named the 2001 NBA MVP, finished his last season in the NBA in 2011.
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Just a few years later, the team held a special retirement ceremony for him ahead of Saturday night's loss to the Washington Wizards.
The team lifted a replica of his No. 3 jersey to the rafters to Tina Turner's "Simply the Best," after Iverson gave a speech reflecting on his 15-year career.
The team presented Iverson with a couple gifts, including a boat called "The Answer," because he said he intended to go fishing once he retired …"It's kind of like, it's basically bittersweet," Iverson said. "It feels good, you know, but some part of my heart hurts because I realize and understand that it's over. … When I come into the arena, I'm stepping out onto the basketball court with street clothes on. And I know I'll never be in a uniform again."
#TheAnswer RT @NBA: Mr. @alleniverson & his new boat! #AI3Forever pic.twitter.com/XxYWKWdZAv
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) March 2, 2014… and a championship belt.
"Pound for Pound One of the Greatest" reads champ belt that will be gifted to @alleniverson tonight. #AI3Forever pic.twitter.com/Siybc4SMfe
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) March 1, 2014Current 76ers players also wore a special patch commemorating the evening.
Players to wear special 'Iverson Forever' patch on jerseys tomorrow night. #AI3Forever pic.twitter.com/QzZFItgeov
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) February 28, 2014Take a look at some highlights from the ceremony below:
[USA Today] [Sports Illustrated]
