Allen Iverson made over $154 million in career earnings in the NBA, plus many more millions in endorsement deals. However, two years after he last played in the association, Iverson filed for bankruptcy after defaulting on an $859K payment for customized jewelry.

However, while it was hard to blame Iverson for splurging on jewelry, clothing, cars, and nights out because he earned the right to live like a superstar, many agree that what also contributed to his financial downfall was the fact that he was also the breadwinner of an entourage that reportedly reached 50 people at its peak.

Iverson’s family “grew” especially after he made it to the NBA

Unlike other players whose entourage consisted of just childhood friends and non-relatives, Iverson’s posse included family members — uncles and distant relatives — who helped look after him when he was growing up because his father was not around. Because of that, he felt obligated to take care of them, too.

However, it wasn’t providing for their basic needs that impoverished Iverson. It was their dissatisfaction with what he provided for them that hurt his finances. Not only did A.I. shower his people with expensive gifts, but he always gave them everything they asked for, even if it was already more than enough.

“Years ago, money got funny. And I realized at a point that I ain’t have the word ‘no’ in my vocabulary when it comes to people. Like I was used to…I never held anybody accountable for why I had to be the one that’s taking care of everybody. You know what I mean? I was the one going to work every single day. I was breaking bones, stitches, 100 stitches in my face. You know what I mean? And it just taught me a lot,” said Iverson.

Allen did not have the LeBron blueprint

However, just like he always did on the basketball court, Iverson did not give up and fought his way back. Reebok hired him, along with Shaquille O’Neal, to help the brand get back its footing in the basketball world.

Slowly but surely, Iverson made guest appearances on TV, podcasts, and did interviews. It’s unclear how much he’s worth now, but he appears to be doing well, and Allen claims to feel good. Looking back, A.I. says he wished he had the support system that LeBron James had coming out of high school.

“I didn’t have the LeBron James Mav, Randy, and Rich blueprint. I didn’t have that blueprint. I’m like, ‘Look, we’re going to get in where we fit in,’” added Iverson. “I ain’t had nobody in my family that went to college. Nobody ever married. Everything was new to me. I was doing everything on the fly, so my mistakes were coming at a rapid pace.”

Iverson recently turned 50 years old. And more than getting back on his feet financially, he also revealed that he and Tawanna have gotten back together and that he has stopped drinking.

A.I. has been busy as of late promoting his new book, “Misunderstood”, and judging by the way he looks and talks, he is in a good space right now. Iverson may not have the $200 million that he squandered, but he seems genuinely happy. To his fans, that’s all that matters, really. (Basketball Network, excluding headline)