Allen Iverson has officially left the 76ers for the season to take care of his ailing daughter. But many speculate this is it for the one-time NBA MVP. The Color Curve looks back on happier times…

All I can tell you is this — you were guaranteed a first-class performance every time you saw the man play. Every time I watched the Sixers play live in my hometown of Philly, I saw him light it up on any player. We greatly underestimate his impact on the game. He was arguably the most popular player within the African-American community for a long time. He was, despite his rumored partying antics, a role model for young brothers growing up in the inner city. Whatever the case, I’m going to miss this guy…

~ The Black Guy

My Top 4 Allen Iverson Moments:

4. The Rookie Season Crossover of Jordan

And I was watching this game live too… An unbelievable moment that I’ll always remember, watching Jordan get crossed not once, but twice with the And 1 that was never called.

3. Stepping over Tyron Lue in the NBA Finals

If you go to my mom’s house, there’s still a light brown stain on the basement carpet. Why is it there? I was watching the NBA Finals when Iverson crossed over that annoying gnat of a defender Tyronn Lue, and buried a game winning jumper in his face. And when he stepped over Lue, in a defiant sense of victory and arrogance, I jumped up, knocked over the table, and my bottle of Coke spilled on the floor. The stain is still there…

2. Practice?!

An embarrassing moment for the Black Man to witness, but memorable nonetheless. Let’s move on…

1. Winning the Eastern Conference Championship

A moment that will never be forgotten to Philadelphians like myself. We were all celebrating as if we won a World Title, pseudo parading down Broad Street, celebrating like a Mardi Gras. Allen Iverson brought basketball back to Philadelphia. I’ll always love him for that…

Other A.I. News Bits:

1. ESPN asks if A.I. will ever return
2. Sekou Smith of NBA.com says It’s a noble cause for A.I. to go out this way

The Daylight Curve is a daily list of a top newsworthy item.