Allen Iverson said he would give up his MVP award, All-Star selections and place among the NBA’s 75 greatest players to win an NBA championship, reflecting on his career during an appearance on Underground Lounge.
“I would give my MVP trophy back. All-Stars and first team, all that, man, I would give it back for a championship,” Iverson said.
The former Philadelphia 76ers guard also suggested he would rather have missed the NBA Finals than experience the disappointment of losing basketball’s biggest series.
“I would rather not even go to the Finals,” Iverson said, explaining how difficult it was to come so close to winning a title without completing the job.
Iverson’s clearest opportunity to win a championship came in the 2000-01 season, when he earned the NBA MVP award and led Philadelphia to the Finals. The 76ers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, leaving Iverson without a title despite his individual dominance.
He averaged 31.1 points, 4.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game during the regular season, earning All-NBA First Team honors and his first MVP award. Iverson ultimately finished his career without winning an NBA championship.
The physical toll of the postseason also remained vivid in his memory. Iverson recalled reaching the locker room after the season and feeling relieved that the demanding campaign was over, even though the result had left him disappointed.
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“I was just so happy it was over ’cause I was hurting so bad physically,” Iverson said, describing the effects of playing through the postseason after a long season.
Iverson also reflected on the broader meaning of his career, acknowledging the accomplishments he achieved while recognizing the championship that eluded him.
“I’ve done a lot of things in the NBA and I wanted that ultimate goal,” he said.
Iverson played 14 NBA seasons, appearing in 914 regular-season games and averaging 26.7 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals. He earned four scoring titles, 11 All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors during his career.
Despite those achievements, Iverson said he took pride in competing regardless of the outcome. He emphasized that a player could leave a game knowing he had given his best effort, even after a poor shooting performance or a defeat.
