For Allen Iverson, being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was imminent.
Iverson brought something to the game few can say that have; An off-the-court niche. His hair, dress style, sparky attitude, and fearless competitive spirit drove fans around the world to be more like him.
Philadelphia, who selected Iverson No. 1 overall in the 1996 draft, was Iverson’s city. Unlike other players, Iverson would be seen casually watching sports programs at the local bar downtown after one of his own 76ers’ game. He’d hang out with fans, sign countless amounts of autographs — And just be himself.
On the court, he was known as a killer. Perhaps displaying the greatest crossover in NBA history on a nightly basis, Iverson’s street-ball like handling skills were mesmerizing.
Pound for pound… the @AllenIverson #NBAMixtape! pic.twitter.com/teBId0eaDR
— NBA (@NBA) September 10, 2016
Iverson played over 40 minutes per game in 10 straight seasons, something unimaginable in today’s day of age. He led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, a team that would eventually succumb to Kobe Bryant’s Lakers.
After donning a Philadelphia 76ers jersey for the first ten seasons of his career, he made stops with Denver, Detroit, and Memphis, before making one last stand in the league with Philly.
Allen Iverson was named to the All-Star team 11 times, won the Most Valuable Player Award in 2001, and was also named Rookie of the Year.
He scored 24,368 points and dished out 5,624 assists during his illustrious career.