Allen Iverson turned down a reported offer to join the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League affiliate, announcing via Twitter that he did not intend to play in the league.
Allen Iverson declines offer to join D-League’s Texas Legends
Allen Iverson opted not to sign a deal with the Texas Legends of the D-League, although he said on Twitter that he one day hopes to play in the NBA again -- something he hasn’t done since 2010.
Ethan Miller
Rumors had flown Tuesday that the Texas Legends, a D-League team in Frisco, Texas, owned and operated by the Mavs, were interested in signing Iverson. However, Iverson made it clear that he wasn’t going to take the offer Tuesday morning:
I thank Donnie and Dallas for the consideration and while I think the D-League is a great opportunity, it is not the route for me.
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013
The last time Iverson had tweeted in early December, he had been in China, although he has not played professionally since a two-month stint for Besiktas in Turkey in the 2010-2011 season. His last two NBA experiences both flamed out, as he parted ways from the Memphis Grizzlies after just three games, and after an emotional return to the Philadelphia 76ers, parted ways with the team midway through the season.
After the statement about the D-League, Iverson said that he still wants to play in the NBA, but pointed out that it is “not up to just me”:
I realize my actions contributed to my early departure from the NBA, should God provide me another opportunity I will give it my all
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013
My dream has always been to complete my legacy in the NBA
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013
The Legends had recently signed Delonte West, who was cut by the Mavericks earlier in the season. They recently had veteran point guard Mike James, who was signed by the Mavericks Monday. SB Nation’s D-League blog Ridiculous Upside examined what Iverson would have meant for the league.
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