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Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

On a recent episode of the 'Knuckleheads Podcast,' Allen Iverson was asked to assemble a starting five superteam of his former teammates. His selections were a testament to his rich basketball history and the incredible talent he played alongside throughout his career. 

"Me obviously ... Melo at the three... C-Dub at the four, Dikembe at the 5 and two in their prime, Jerry Stackhouse." (1:50:10)

Iverson’s lineup included himself, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Webber, Dikembe Mutombo, and Jerry Stackhouse, each of whom brought unique skills and impressive resumes to the hypothetical team.

Iverson, a Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic players in NBA history was a natural choice for the team’s point guard position. Over his career, Iverson averaged 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Known for his quickness, scoring ability, and toughness, Iverson was an 11-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, and the 2001 NBA MVP.

Chosen for the small forward position, Carmelo Anthony, commonly referred to as "Melo," is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. With a career average of 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, Anthony has earned 10 All-Star selections and a scoring title in 2013. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and his clutch performances made him an ideal pick for Iverson’s superteam.

At power forward, Chris Webber, affectionately known as "C-Dub," brought versatility and skill to Iverson’s lineup. Webber averaged 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during his career. A five-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, Webber was known for his exceptional passing, rebounding, and scoring ability, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

For the center position, Iverson selected Dikembe Mutombo, a dominant defensive force. Mutombo averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game over his career. An eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mutombo was renowned for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, providing a strong defensive anchor for the team.

Rounding out the starting five at shooting guard was Jerry Stackhouse. In his prime, Stackhouse was a formidable scorer, averaging 16.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game over his career. He was a two-time All-Star and led the NBA in total points scored during the 2000-01 season. Stackhouse's scoring ability and competitive nature complemented Iverson's style of play perfectly.

This hypothetical superteam showcases the incredible talent Iverson had the privilege of playing alongside, combining scoring, defense, and versatility in a lineup that would be formidable in any era of basketball.

Allen Iverson Reveals His Favorite Players In Today's NBA

Allen Iverson has always been a straight shooter, never hesitant to give credit where it’s due. In a recent conversation on the 'Knuckleheads Podcast,' the Philadelphia 76ers legend shared his admiration for today's NBA stars, emphasizing the incredible talent spread across the league.

"Luka, Ant-Man, Kyrie, Dame, Embiid, Maxey, Giannis... Oh my god, Shai is crazy, Oh my god. Shai, man... I love Brunson.

"That's how incredible our league is, man. Like, for real, I'd pay to see every team play. There's somebody on every team who gets busy... Every team has a dog on it." (1:44:38)

Iverson named several players who stand out to him, starting with veterans and young stars alike. Iverson highlighted his appreciation for both seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Iverson’s list reflects a deep respect for the versatility and skill present in the modern game.

Luka Doncic, known for his incredible court vision and scoring ability, has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting players. Anthony Edwards, or "Ant-Man," is making waves with his athleticism and scoring prowess for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard are perennial All-Stars whose clutch performances and ball-handling skills continue to dazzle fans.

Joel Embiid, the former MVP, and Tyrese Maxey, a rising star on the 76ers, represent the future of Iverson’s former team. Embiid’s dominance in the paint and Maxey’s quick development have made Philadelphia a formidable squad.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder has also caught Iverson's eye, with his smooth scoring and playmaking abilities earning him a spot in A.I.'s favorites.

Iverson’s admiration doesn’t stop at individual talent; he praises the depth and competitiveness of the league. This sentiment underscores the evolution of the NBA, where even teams that may struggle overall have standout players who can make any game exciting.

The depth of talent in today’s NBA is unprecedented. Teams are no longer top-heavy with just a few superstars; instead, there is a widespread distribution of skill. This parity allows for unexpected storylines and underdog triumphs, making the league more unpredictable and thrilling. Players like Jalen Brunson, who have thrived when given the opportunity, exemplify this trend.

Iverson’s love for the game and its current stars is clear. He embraces the evolution of basketball, recognizing that the talent and athleticism on display today are pushing the sport to new heights. His willingness to celebrate the present and support today's players makes him a great ambassador for the NBA, bridging the gap between past and present generations of basketball fans.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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