Eleven-time All-Star guard Allen Iverson has been offered an opportunity to play basketball again.

 

UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 1:21 p.m. ET by Rob Goldberg

Although Allen Iverson turned down the chance to play in the D-League, he is still looking to make an NBA comeback. The former star wrote this message on his Twitter account:

I realize my actions contributed to my early departure from the NBA, should God provide me another opportunity I will give it my all

— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013

---End of Update---

 

UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 10:21 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Allen Iverson has respectfully declined the opportunity to play D-League basketball with the Mavericks' affiliate team, the star announced on Twitter.

I thank Donnie and Dallas for the consideration and while I think the D-League is a great opportunity, it is not the route for me.

— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) January 29, 2013

---End of update---

 

ESPN's Marc Stein reported on Monday that the Dallas Mavericks' Developmental League affiliate is targeting the former Philadelphia 76ers star:

Sources told ESPN.com that the Legends, who are co-owned by Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, ramped up their season-long pursuit of Iverson on Monday, offering him the chance to resurrect his career.

As Stein notes, Iverson has been awaiting another opportunity in the NBA, turning down several offers to play overseas. His most recent stint of professional basketball came with Besiktas, a club based in Turkey. That only lasted 10 games, as Iverson suffered a calf injury and returned to the U.S. to have surgery (h/t CBSSports.com).

Iverson has reportedly rejected an offer from the Legends already this year, and he also did so last season. However, part of the pitch this time around is that Rashad McCants and Delonte West are set to join the squad.

The 37-year-old is one of the most explosive scorers in recent league history, highlighted by a Most Valuable Player award in 2001, when he carried the Sixers to the NBA Finals. AI is known for his maximum effort on a nightly basis despite playing a grueling amount of minutes.

There is plenty of tread on Iverson's tires, but he has had plenty of time to recover during his NBA hiatus. Assuming he's in good basketball shape and can play well for the Legends, he may even get a shot with the Mavs.

For his career, Iverson has averaged 26.7 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

It makes sense that Dallas is seeking help anywhere it can find it, as the team sits at 19-25 and in a tie for 10th in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Iverson may not be the player he once was, but he could prove to be a high-energy bench contributor on both ends of the floor.