Iverson’s Influence
Allen Iverson is one of the greatest. And only the greatest, can influence a generation of athletes.
24,368 Points.
3,394 Rebounds.
5,624 Assists.
11x All Star.
2x All Star Game MVP.
4x Scoring Champ.
3x Steals Champ.
7x All-NBA.
96'-97' All-Rookie.
96'-97' Rookie of the Year.
00'-01' MVP.
The man. The myth. The legend. The Hall of Famer.
Allen Ezail Iverson.
The Answer.
Allen Iverson is a basketball GOD. A pioneer of the sport, and a trailblazer as well. We know what he was capable of doing on any night. And on most of those nights, he put on a show. Cornrows and Reeboks became his trademark, and the handles that he came equipped with were his superpower.
Iverson was a superhero to many NBA fans alike. The heart that he played the game with and his will to be great was what made him well respected among his peers. No matter if it was in game or in person, you always got/get the same AI.
There’s no debate in my opinion when it comes to Iverson being one of the most influential players in NBA history. If you think he isn’t, you need your head examined. Allen Iverson should honestly be known as “Mr.2K” as he was the cover athlete for the franchise’s first five installments.
For Black History Month and for this particular article, I wanted to shed light on how influential Iverson was and is. Your favorite players looked up to AI, and their favorite players did as well. Disregard the numbers and accolades, and disregard the sick highlights. Iverson has left a everlasting impact on the game of basketball, and it’s cool to recognize him for it while he’s still here.
AI made people uncomfortable with how comfortable he was, (imagine that). Being yourself no matter your surroundings is more than just important, it's common sense. If you can’t be yourself, then you won’t be able to enjoy what life has to offer. Iverson entering the NBA was like Jordan coming into the league. The NBA NEEDED them to be successful. As much as Iverson butted heads with his coaches, owners, and the late Commissioner Stern. You KNEW what you were getting out of Iverson, and that was 110%.
The players you see today, especially at the guard position are examples of what Iverson meant to the game of basketball. From Kyrie and Steph, to young guards like Trae Young and Collin Sexton. You can see just how much of an inspiration Iverson was in their games. Understand that no two players play the same, but with as many players that have come and gone, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll watch and take certain things from your favorite player.
Iverson is in that realm in regards to basketball greatness.
LeBron James was once quoted as saying that “He represented what black kids were all about and he resonated with every inner-city kid in the world who had a struggle.” Iverson will forever resonate with kids who look like him and come from the same areas of struggle that he did. NBA player Lou Williams from Memphis, TN was once a rookie in Philadelphia who looked up to Allen Iverson, now he’s a 15 year vet who has inspired the likes of Knicks rookie guard, Immanuel Quickley.
Iverson’s impact has trickled down and will continue to even if the inspiration is coming from a totally different player. Picture a basketball tree with AI as the root and the branches as players he’s inspired or influenced. Those same branches of players will then develop their own branches and it’ll continue for who knows how long.
“I took the ass whooping for guys to be who they really are”- Allen Iverson
He did, and we as basketball fans should be ever so grateful. The game of basketball would not be the same if Allen Iverson never got a hold of it. Generational players like AI don’t come around often, so we have to acknowledge them and give thanks while there still around.
