Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor for me to stand before you today as I officially retire from the game of basketball. I would like to start by thanking my family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support throughout my career. Without you, I would not be here today.
Playing basketball was always a dream of mine. Growing up in Virginia, I would spend countless hours practicing my dribbling and shooting skills. I knew that if I worked hard enough, I could make my dream a reality.
When I was selected as the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, I knew that my life would change forever. It was an honor to play for such a storied franchise and to wear the Sixers jersey.
The 2000-2001 NBA season was one of the greatest moments of my career. I was named the league's Most Valuable Player and led the Sixers to the NBA Finals. That year, I averaged 31.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.
Winning the MVP award was a dream come true, but I could not have done it without my teammates. They believed in me and pushed me to be the best player I could be. I will always be grateful for their support and friendship.
One of the most memorable moments of my career was when I crossed over Michael Jordan during a game in 1997. MJ was one of my idols growing up, and to be able to do that move on him was surreal.
The crossover became one of my signature moves and is something that fans still talk about today. It was a moment that I will never forget and one that I will always cherish.
My career was not always easy. I faced many challenges both on and off the court. There were times when I made mistakes and had to face the consequences. But through it all, I learned valuable lessons that helped me grow as a person and as a player.
One of the toughest moments of my career was when I was traded from the Sixers to the Denver Nuggets in 2006. It was difficult to leave the city and the fans that had supported me for so many years. But I knew that it was time for a change and that I needed to keep pushing forward.
As I retire from the game of basketball, I am proud of the legacy that I leave behind. I hope that I have inspired young players to follow their dreams and to never give up.
My career was not just about the points I scored or the awards I won. It was about the passion and love that I had for the game. Basketball has given me so much, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities that I had.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made my career possible. To my coaches, teammates, and trainers, thank you for pushing me to be the best player I could be. To the fans, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of my journey. And to my family and friends, thank you for always being there for me and for believing in me.
Thank you for the memories.