Matt Cord comes out of retirement for 1 more season with 76ers

· Yahoo Sports

Matt Cord, the longtime in-arena announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers, is coming out of retirement for one more season with the team after stepping away at the end of last season.

Cord, who will soon begin his 29th year as the 76ers' in-arena announcer, said he had known about the decision for nearly three weeks before it was publicly announced Wednesday.

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"I've known for almost three weeks, so it's been a tough one," Cord said.

Cord said he initially believed his retirement would be permanent.

"I thought that when I retired at the end of last season, that was it. I was going to take lots of trips, still do my radio job, and then we get LeBron James, and we get Jaylen Brown, and then certain people are reaching out to me," he said.

Among those urging him to return was former 76ers star Allen Iverson.

"One of the greatest players in the history of the team, Allen Iverson, texted me and said, ' Hey, I think you have one more year left in you.' I'm like, 'Really?'" Cord said.

In addition to his role with the 76ers, Cord works as the daytime host at WMMR, broadcasting from the Pierre Robert Studio.

While hosting his radio show, Cord said he began imagining what it would be like to introduce a new season of 76ers basketball.

"At 6'9" from St. Vincent, St. Mary's, number 23 LeBron. I'm like, 'Oh. This sounds fun,'" he said.

Cord also reflected on the reaction he received from fans following news of his return.

"Philadelphia is an authentic city, and they're not going to lie to you and say we want you back. It comes from the heart. And I just appreciate everybody in this town; best fans in the world," he said.

As he prepares for what he says will be his final season with the organization, Cord said he hopes the team will still be playing deep into June.

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