Iverson reportedly will retire

NBA DAILY DOSE: Ten-time All-Star has drawn little interest since being waived

McClatchy news services • Published November 26, 2009

Comments (0)

Allen Iverson is set to retire from the NBA, according to an online report.

Commentator Stephen A. Smith published a statement on his Web site Wednesday attributed to Iverson. It said Iverson plans to retire but also said, �I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.�

The 10-time All-Star played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.

The New York Knicks considered signing Iverson last week after he cleared waivers, before deciding he would take too much playing time away from younger players they are trying to develop.

One of the NBA�s great scorers, Iverson entered this season with a career average of 27.1 points that ranked fifth all-time. Yet there was almost no interest in him this summer before he went to the Grizzlies on a oneyear deal. He has made it clear that he doesn�t view himself as a backup, which likely has hurt his chances of signing with a team.

Fast breaks

The NBA told the Sacramento Kings that their former assistant director of scouting, Jack Mai, was found to have gambled while on their staff. � Shaquille O�Neal missed Cleveland�s game Wednesday because of an injured shoulder, the sixth game in a row he has missed. � The funeral for Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin will be held Friday. The team said that a public memorial service will be held Dec. 8 in Washington, D.C.