Without a clear-cut suitor emerging to sign him, All-Star guard Allen Iverson is set to retire, his personal manager said Wednesday afternoon.
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.
Moore said Iverson plans to formally announce his retirement soon. The question: Will he stay retired?
League sources insist Iverson, at least for now, will still listen if a team is interested in signing him.
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.
Moore said Iverson is proceeding as if he won’t play again. 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.”