Thanks for the memories: Allen Iverson to retire

After his release from the Memphis Grizzlies, many Sixers fans hoped that Allen Iverson would make one last return to Philadelphia to play out the rest of his career. Unfortunately, it looks like Iverson won't be returning to the NBA ever again.

According to Stephen A. Smith on ESPN 950, Iverson is retiring from the NBA. Iverson is calling it quits after a little over 14 seasons of basketball, most of which he played for our hometown Sixers. His greatest season was easily in 2001 when he lead the Sixers to the NBA Finals and toppled the Lakers in Game 1. While the end of his career with the Pistons, Nuggets and Grizzlies may leave a sour taste in the mouths of many NBA fans, we in Philly remember the heart and passion that AI gave every single night.

Allen Iverson was truly the best little man in the league. At barely 5 foot 10, Iverson played with the drive of a man twice his size. He was always willing to take it to any player and never backed down from a challenge. While he never did win that NBA Title he so badly wanted, AI is still a Hall of Famer simply for everything he managed to accomplish in his small frame.

So long, AI. Thanks for all the great memories. Perhaps the Sixers will sign him to a one day contract and let him retire in the city that will always love him?