Allen Iverson turns down offer to play in NBA’s D-League

Allen Iverson wants to play in the NBA again -- but not the NBA Development League.

The former league MVP and 11-time All-Star took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce that he will not be accepting an offer to play for the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League affiliate, and to explain that decision.

“I thank Donnie [Nelson, the Mavericks’ president of basketball operations and co-owner of the Legends] and Dallas for the consideration and while I think the D-League is a great opportunity, it is not the route for me,” wrote Iverson, who has not played in the NBA since the 2009-10 season.

He next tweeted: “I realize my actions contributed to my early departure from the NBA, should God provide me another opportunity I will give it my all.

Gary Moore, Iverson’s manager, confirmed the decision, Associated Press reported.

Iverson was the 1996-1997 rookie of the year and 2000-2001 MVP. He’s sixth all-time with 26.7 points per game, 13th with 1,982 steals and 24th with 24,368 overall points. After a brief stint with a professional team in Turkey and some exhibition games in China, he apparently has his sights set solely on a return to the NBA.

“My dream has always been to complete my legacy in the NBA,” Iverson tweeted Tuesday after disclosing his decision to pass on the D-League.

He added: “To my fans, I love yall! Not a day goes by that I am not asked when am I coming back, we all must accept my return is not up to just me.”

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