Allen Iverson is a name that still echoes in basketball arenas all over the country and the world. The Philadelphia 76ers legend was recently honored with the unveiling of a statue at the Sixers practice facility in Camden, NJ. This came 10 years post-retirement and his iconic No.3 being retired by the Sixers. Iverson is a player whose impact is felt in Philly and the greater basketball world.
The Answer’s Impact On Philly And Beyond
Iverson’s Philly Impact
Also, Iverson was a member of the stacked 1996 NBA Draft class which included Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Stephon Marbury, and Steve Nash. The six-foot guard from Georgetown was selected first overall. Immediately he made his impact on the Sixers with his crossover dribble. He took the ankles of Michael Jordan in 1997 and he was the toughest little man the league has ever seen. He would attack the basket with a ferocity not seen in league history. In addition, Iverson had one of the most consistent jumpers in the league. If he ever got room to put a shot up, it found the bottom of the net. He scored 24,368 points in his career.
He had the City of Philadelphia in the palm of his hand. Everyone wanted to be like Iverson, emulating his crossover on courts all over the city, wanting his Iverson Reebok shoes, and even wearing headbands and baggy pants just like him. During, his career Iverson was the most popular athlete in the city. Philly also had Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, Eric Lindros, and Scott Rolen playing for the other three major teams. Iverson eclipsed them all. He wrote the book on pandering to Philly sports fans.
An Iconic Finals Run
During Iverson’s tenure as a Sixer, he led them to the NBA Finals in 2001 in the same season he was named MVP. He had an iconic performance during the five-game series, leading the team to a victory over the powerful Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the Finals. This contest was highlighted by him shaking Tyronn Lue out of his shoes with a crossover and hitting a step-back corner two-pointer that sealed the victory for Philly. It also forever connected Lue and Iverson with the step-over that is etched in the minds of basketball fans all over the world. Iverson paved the way for Philly athletes like Joel Embiid, Jalen Hurts, and Bryce Harper to take the mantle from him as beloved Philly legends.
NBA Impact
Iverson is ranked as one of the favorite basketball players of the stars of the game today. LeBron James has said Iverson was one of his favorite players growing up and someone he tried to emulate. Additionally, James has called Iverson one of the most influential players in the history of the game. Your favorite players, favorite player.
It is hard to argue with him there. Basketball fans can see A.I.’s influence in players like Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving who have deadly crossovers. They also see it in the guards today who have no problem attacking the paint regardless of contact. Additionally, Iverson is still willing to offer advice to former players who need his help. He remains active in the Sixers organization helping out the likes of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Basketball and the NBA are in a great place thanks to the inspiration and style of Iverson. His larger impact and influence are felt in Philly and the larger basketball world forever.
More must-reads: