Allen Iverson-Retiring?

News came this week that Allen Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies to deal with a family issue. A report suggested that, along with his displeasure with his playing situation, could lead him to retire. Memphis GM Chris Wallace has said he expects Iverson back, but no timeframe has been given for his return to the team.

A.I. has played just three games so far this season for the Grizzlies, averaging 12.3 points per game in 22 minutes a game. There have been some rumors that a higher profile team, like the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers, may be interested in acquiring Iverson but there seems to be little substance to those rumors.

If Iverson's career is indeed over, how will he be remembered?

There's his infamous "Practice? We're talkin' 'bout practice?" rant, which will live forever on YouTube and on any "All-Time Sports Meltdowns" countdown. Then there are his clashes with coaches, from Larry Brown in Philadelphia to George Karl in Denver.

But when judging Iverson's career, I feel it's best to look at his career stats up to this point.

Over his 14 NBA seasons, 2009-10 being his 14th season, Iverson has averaged 27.0 points per game (24,020 total points), averaged 6.2 assists per game and 2.2 steals per game. He has averaged over 3o points per game in a season four times, and has also led the league in steals per game three times.

Iverson has shot 42.5 percent from the floor and 78 percent from the free-throw line in his career, along with a 31.3 percent mark from three-point territory.

The 1997 NBA Rookie of the Year has won four scoring titles, one NBA MVP Award (2001) and has been an All-Star ten times.

Iverson's decline may have started last season, as he averaged just 17.5 points per game in 57 games with the Detroit Pistons. That was the first season of his career where he did not average at least 22 points per game.

In any case, Iverson was one of the most prolific scorers of his, or perhaps any era despite his lack of size (6'0").

Whenever his career ends, the question of Iverson's Hall of Fame worthiness will come up. In my estimation, "The Answer" to that question is yes.

UPDATE-11/16/09- Multiple reports say the Grizzlies have waived Iverson after the two sides agreed to terminate his contract ($3 milion for the 2009-10 season). If he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday night. His NBA career could be over, but some rumors have suggested (even prior to his signing with Memphis) that he could play overseas.