Allen Iverson Might Announce Retirement At 76ers Home Opener

Iverson To Officially Retire From The NBA?
Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson during an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson during an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Rumors about his retirement have been swirling for months, and the time may be close at hand for Allen Iverson to officially hang up his NBA jersey.

Citing sources familiar with Iverson's retirement plans, ESPN reports that the 11-time NBA All-Star and former Rookie of the Year will formally retire from the league at the Philadelphia 76ers' home opener against the Miami Heat on Oct. 30.

Iverson, 38, hasn't played in the NBA since February 2010, when he was on the 76ers roster. But the 6-foot dynamo has said time and again that he hoped to return to the league before his retirement.

The former MVP, who played 10 games for Turkish professional basketball team Besiktas in 2011 and took part in an exhibition tour in China in 2012, told his Twitter followers in January that he hoped to "complete [his] legacy in the NBA."

Despite his optimism, Iverson -- whose off-court troubles have drawn more attention in recent years than his basketball talents -- has been realistic about his NBA hopes.

During an interview with CSN Philly in March, he said:

At some point it comes to an end regardless, however it comes, whether it is retirement or injury, at some point it comes to an end. I am happy and content with everything that has gone on in my life and I am just looking for the next phase, and if I get a chance to play again I would love the opportunity, but if not I will continue to just be happy.

Iverson leaves behind an impressive NBA legacy. A four-time scoring champion, he notched so many career points per game that only Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West have outscored him, per ESPN.

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