AI Hangs Up Sneakers After 14 NBA Seasons

November 25, 2009 8:41 p.m. EST

One of the NBA's all-time flashiest scorers, former 76er Allen Iverson, decided to retire from the game after 14 NBA seasons Wednesday.

Iverson, 34, was best-known for his days in Philly as one of the game's great slashers and point-producers, though his career ended quietly in Memphis.

The New York Knicks considered bringing AI on to provide a jolt to their squad, but decided to continue their youth movement.

"I still have tremendouts love for the game, the desire to play and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can compete at the highest level. Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids," Iverson said in a statement released to an ESPN reporter.

Iverson, a former league MVP and All-NBA player, once averaged well over 30 points per game with the 76ers before going on to mostly unsatisfying stops in Detroit and Denver.

His numbers fell all the way to the low teens with the Grizzlies and he was unhappy about his shrinking playing time.

An AHN article by Jay Gilmore recently considered his legacy should he retire, and the Florida TV sportscaster determined AI would be considered a great scorer, but not necessarily a winner.