고교 시절 NBA농구는 또래의 친구들의 최대 관심사 중에 하나 이었습니다.
마이클 조던이 어제의 경기에서는 또 어떤 짓(?)을 했는지, 로드맨 형님은 또 어떤 만행을 하셨는지…
그 중, 황재의 자리를 누가 이어 받을지가 많은 관심사 였습니다.
주로 물망에 올랐던 인물이 빈스 카더 – 꼴밑 플레이와 덩크는 정말 잊지 못 할 정도로 멋 있었습니다., 코비 –
두 말할 여지가 없습니다. 여전히 날고 또 날고 있습니다., 그리고 오늘의 주인공 앨런 아이버슨…
한 쪽 팔에 항상 차고 나오던, 토시(?)는 작은 티비로 봐도 알아볼 수 있었던 것 같습니다.
조던과 같은 덩크는 기대하기 어려웠지만, 너무도 빠른 동작과 야오밍도 유린했던 드리블 등…
그 런 사람이 고집(?) 으로 인해 설 자리를 잃어 가던 중, 끝내는 은퇴는 선언 했습니다.
음.. 다소 안타까운 소식 입니다. ( 하지만, 오늘 인가 다시 번복 했더군요…NBA에 발을 딛을 때의
첫 팀인 Sixers 에서 영입을 해 갔습니다. 1년 계약 이라는 것 같습니다…)
정말 천재적이고 공격적으로 경기를 이끌어 많은 재미거리를 낳았지만, 팀에 선수가 맞추지 않고
팀을 본인에 맞추려는 성향에… 한동안 ….( 한 10여년..?? ) NBA를 볼 기회가 없었지만, 아이버슨을 보기 위해
다시 한번 관심을 가지게 될 것 같습니다.
아래는 은퇴문의 전문 입니다.
==============================================================================
NOV. 25, 2009
TO ALL OF MY FANS:
I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National
Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it
would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed
to. However, that is not the case.
I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a
whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at
the highest level.
Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with
my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve
ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I
see it as my greatest gift.
I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always
allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all
the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and
I am grateful.
I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with
me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You
should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my
heart. Thank you!
To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and
Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be
forever in my heart.
To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to
all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank
you!
To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at
Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other
coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who’ve been a part
of my career, Thank you as well!
I’d like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never
played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know
how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in
Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis
Grizzlies’ organization all of the success that the game has to offer.
And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories
of my days in a Sixers’ uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice
will always be music to my ears.
God Bless all of you,
ALLEN IVERSON