NBA legend Allen Iverson turned 50 years outdated on Saturday, and the Philadelphia 76ers honored the milestone by sharing a compilation of birthday tributes from previous and current NBA gamers on X, previously generally known as Twitter.
The video featured messages from present stars and Corridor of Famers alike, together with Joel Embiid, Shaquille O’Neal, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Charles Barkley. The celebration highlighted Iverson’s enduring legacy and affect on the sport of basketball.
Embiid, the Sixers’ present franchise centerpiece, supplied a brief however heat birthday want to the previous No. 1 total decide. The previous MVP is at the moment recovering from arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee, which he underwent in April. Embiid was restricted to simply 19 appearances in the course of the 2024-25 season, averaging 23.8 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per recreation whereas capturing 44.4% from the sphere and 29.9% from three-point vary.
Shaquille O’Neal, Joel Embiid honor Allen Iverson with messages on his milestone fiftieth birthday
Shaquille O’Neal, who confronted Iverson within the 2001 NBA Finals, delivered a extra emotional message reflecting on their bond through the years.
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“Allen Iverson, a.okay.a the Vice President, I need to say completely happy birthday… you’ve been a real buddy, you’ve been a brother to me, you at all times look out for me, ensure that to inform your beautiful mom, whats up,” O’Neal stated. “Blissful birthday brother, 50 years outdated, might we stay till we’re 90, might we be in the identical outdated of us residence collectively speaking concerning the 2001 Finals. I really like you and I’ll speak to you quickly brother. Blissful birthday A.I.”
Iverson, affectionately generally known as “The Reply,” was drafted No. 1 total by the 76ers within the 1996 NBA Draft. He went on to spend 14 seasons within the league, enjoying for a number of groups however leaving his most vital mark in Philadelphia.
Over the course of his profession, Iverson earned 11 All-Star picks, was named the league’s Most Priceless Participant in 2001, and captured 4 scoring titles. He led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, the place they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 video games. The franchise later retired his No. 3 jersey, and he was named to the NBA’s seventy fifth Anniversary Group.
Iverson stays some of the influential figures in NBA historical past, recognized for his fearless play, cultural affect, and lasting connection to town of Philadelphia.