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Allen Iverson seeking role with Sixers

Allen Iverson is taking a pass on the D-League. Iverson, the former 76ers star who was the NBA's 2001 most valuable player, has turned down an opportunity to return to basketball with the Dallas Mavericks' Development League affiliate.

Allen Iverson has turned down an opportunity to return to basketball with the Dallas Mavericks' Development League affiliate. (Matt Slocum/AP file photo)
Allen Iverson has turned down an opportunity to return to basketball with the Dallas Mavericks' Development League affiliate. (Matt Slocum/AP file photo)Read more

Allen Iverson is taking a pass on the D-League.

Iverson, the former 76ers star who was the NBA's 2001 most valuable player, has turned down an opportunity to return to basketball with the Dallas Mavericks' Development League affiliate.

Iverson posted a series of tweets on Tuesday explaining his decision to decline an offer from Texas Legends co-owner Donnie Nelson to join the team.

"I thank Donnie and Dallas for the consideration," Iverson wrote. "And while I think the D-League is a great opportunity, it is not the route for me."

Gary Moore, Iverson's manager, confirmed the decision with the Associated Press. Iverson was not available for an interview.

Moore was in Philadelphia visiting with Sixers owner Josh Harris and CEO Adam Aron about reconnecting Iverson with the 76ers. Iverson led the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals and is cemented as one of the franchise's all-time great players. He is the franchise leader in 40-point games (76) and three-pointers (885), and is second behind Hal Greer in points (19,931). He had two stints with the Sixers, and last played for them in 2009-10.

Moore said there are no immediate plans for the 37-year-old Iverson to retire.

"Once he does do that, I want to ensure that Josh Harris and Adam Aron know how much Allen appreciates what Philadelphia has meant to him, what the NBA has meant to him," Moore said, "and to someday come back and be a consultant to them, to help them do certain things."

Aron and the Texas Legends did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Iverson earned a roaring standing ovation when he presented the game ball before the Sixers' Game 6 win over Boston in last season's Eastern Conference semifinals. He later posted on Twitter, "You can always come home again!!!"

Iverson has not played in the NBA since abruptly leaving the Sixers in March 2010 to deal with an ailing daughter. He had a brief stop with a professional team in Turkey, and has played exhibition games in China.

Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki recently passed Iverson for 18th on the NBA's career scoring list.

Iverson said it was more than the three years of NBA inactivity that kept him from making a comeback. He blamed his behavior, which has included everything from coaching clashes to his infamous "Practice!" rant, for making teams reluctant to offer him a final chance.

"I realize my actions contributed to my early departure from the NBA," he wrote on Twitter. "Should God provide me another opportunity I will give it my all."

Moore denied that Iverson has financial problems. Iverson recently struck a reported $3 million financial settlement to help finalize his divorce from his wife, Tawanna.