Dallas, TX

Former NBA Most Valuable Player and 11-time All-Star Allen Iverson has rejected an offer from the Texas Legends, saying he will not take the NBA Development League route to make it back to the league that he once dominated.

A D-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, the Legends are co-owned by Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson.

"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," Iverson said on his Twitter account.

"I realize my actions contributed to my early departure from the NBA, should God provide me another opportunity I will give it my all. My dream has always been to complete my legacy in the NBA," he added.

Iverson last played in the NBA in 2009-10 in brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Iverson was named NBA MVP during the 2000-01 season when he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the finals.

In his 16-year career, Iverson played for the 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and the Memphis Grizzlies. He also had a short stint with Besiktas of Turkey.

In 914 games, Iverson averaged 26.7 points per game, which ranks sixth all-time. He was the league's scoring champion in 1998-99, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2004-05 seasons.

Aside from the Legends, Iverson also received a lucrative deal to play in China but he refused because he only sees himself playing in the NBA.

The Legends have signed veterans Delonte West and Rashad McCants to help them work their way back to the NBA.

Recently, former NBA point guard Mike James used his Legends stint to get a guaranteed contract with the Mavericks for the rest of the season.

The Legends are coached by longtime NBA forward Eduardo Najera, the first Mexican-born coach of any team under the NBA's umbrella. Najera succeeded former NBA Coach of the Year Del Harris this year.

 

Copyright © 2013 AHN. All rights reserved