Report: Allen Iverson to officially announce his retirement at the Sixers home owner against the Miami Heat

After a couple seasons of inactivity, preceded by over a decade of dominance, Sixers legend Allen Iverson is apparently ready to announce his retirement from the NBA.

Rumors have been circulating about A.I.'s possible retirement for the better part of a month, and today league sources confirmed the decision to NBA.com's David Aldridge. The official announcement is planned for October 30th when the Sixers host the defending champion Miami Heat in their home opener.


In a city where the Sixers currently generate about as much interest as a high school sporting event, Iverson remains wildly popular amongst the Philadelphia faithful. He has been an honored guest at several Sixers games since he last played for the team, most recently having his likeness captured in bobble head form.    

"What the hell is this duck?" (Image via SI)

Sources have also indicated that the Sixers may be looking into some sort of post-playing position for "The Answer," although not in a coaching capacity.If Iverson does officially announce his retirement, it will ceremoniously end one of the most illustrious careers in NBA history just as the Sixers are looking to usher in a new era.

It is safe to say that both the Sixers and their former superstar guard have seen better days. Iverson's impending retirement announcement will likely make fans of the franchise pine for the excitement and relevancy that ran rampant during Iverson's tenure with the team.

When Iverson makes his announcement on October 30th, the Wells Fargo Center will be filled with people whose primary reason to attend is to see the other team's superstars. That was never the case when Iverson suited up.

The outlook for both the Sixers and A.I. is different these days, but one thing is certain: Allen Iverson's legacy will live on. 

In 14 NBA season, Iverson scored 24,368 points, averaging 26.7 points per game. He is currently 24th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/Allen_Iverson_to_officially_announce_retirement_.html#4aJOSWs8ruWOZiJ2.99