"Allen Iverson's second tour of duty with the 76ers is over.

The team announced yesterday that Iverson would not be back this season as he deals with the illness of his 4-year-old daughter.

Iverson had been away from the team since Feb. 20. It was the veteran guard's second leave of absence this winter because of the family problem. When his daughter's health issue first surfaced in early February, Iverson missed the Sixers' last five games before the all-star break, and did not participate in the All-Star Game although he was voted in as a starter by the fans.

Iverson was unavailable for comment.

"After discussing the situation with Allen, we have come to the conclusion that he will not return to the Sixers for the remainder of the season, as he no longer wishes to be a distraction to the organization and teammates he loves very dearly," Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski said in a statement released by the team.

"It has been very difficult for Allen and the team to maintain any consistency as he tries to balance his career with his personal life."

After the Sixers practiced yesterday at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, coach Eddie Jordan said he did not expect to have Iverson's services again. The 34-year-old guard's one-year, prorated contract ends after the season.

"I don't see a scenario, not now," said Jordan, who added that Iverson initiated conversations with the team about leaving. "He tried to be with the team, and he tried to be with his family, and the family is more important.

"He has a passion for his family and basketball. It's a heck of a decision. We know when it comes down to that decision, it's your family."

After signing with the Sixers as a free agent on Dec. 2, Iverson averaged 13.9 points and 4.1 assists while starting 24 of the 25 games he played. The only time Jordan brought the 14-year veteran off the bench was Feb. 16 against Miami, which was Iverson's first game back after his first trip to Atlanta to be with his daughter as he she went through several medical tests.

Although Iverson's on-court contributions were a far cry from his production during his first stint with the Sixers - he was one of the top scorers in the NBA from 1996-97 to 2006-07 - a couple of his former teammates said that what Iverson brought off the court this season was valuable."