NEW YORK – There is richness in Allen Iverson’s gravelly baritone voice that is at odds with his current situation.
Inside Manhattan’s refined St. Regis hotel on Friday, nothing – superficially at least – appeared amiss with Iverson: A sparkling watch encircled his left wrist, a gold chain dangled from his neck, and charm oozed from each word.
It wasn’t until Iverson, 35, stood and posed with his newest jersey, one belonging not to an NBA team, but to Besiktas of the Turkish Basketball League, that the moment truly came into focus.
Iverson is no longer an NBA star.
Iverson is no longer considered one of the world’s best players.
Iverson will now be headlining in Europe, signed for two years and $4 million to play for a club that plays its home games at BJK Akatlar Arena, capacity 3,200, located in the heart of Istanbul.
Yes, Iverson’s voice is still reminiscent of his glory years, but those days are quickly fading in the rearview mirror.
For 14 seasons, 10-plus with the 76ers, Iverson toured NBA arenas and dazzled with his killer crossover and never-say-die attitude. He was the 2001 NBA MVP, led that year’s Sixers to the NBA Finals, and appeared in 11 NBA All-Star Games.
Full story: Iverson signs to play in Turkish Basketball League | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/30/2010