Remembering a Legend: Allen Iverson

Aug 23, 2013

What can I say about Allen Iverson that hasn’t already been said before? He was one of the best scorers in NBA History? Iverson made the crossover what it is today? Iverson was the face of the NBA for some time? Allen Iverson was a trendsetter? These are all true but that man was more than that, Allen Iverson was a legend.

Growing up in the same Hampton Roads, Virginia area as Iverson, his legacy means a little something more than me. He wasn’t just “AI” or “The Answer” but people knew him as “Bubba Chuck”. I was only a kid at the time but I can remember when Iverson led the 76ers to the Finals. The entire state went crazy; we all were there in support of our hometown hero. He wasn’t just a guy who made it big from the area because there are a lot of guys like that (ex. Alonzo Mourning) but this guy was the best.

Iverson came from the same place that we all knew and loved, and at the same time was best player, that was huge. When he went off in game 1 of the Finals we all had hope that he might get that ring. Unfortunately that didn’t happen but when he made it there it felt like he brought all of us with him.

Iverson wasn’t just an NBA player, Iverson was hip-hop. He was the trendsetter of the league. When the Answer was rocking the braids, so did everyone else. Once he cut his braids that era was completely over. Even though he grew them back, the damage had been done. People wore headbands but when AI rocked the headband, it became a fashion statement. People didn’t just wear them to play ball but they wore them to look cool, to look like Iverson.

We can’t forget about the sleeve. Back when Iverson first started wearing a sleeve most of us thought “man that’s a long wristband AI got on”. Soon enough a lot of people caught on, you can still see the affect now as almost every player wears a sleeve. All the stars do it and some guys even rock two (you know I’m talking about you Dwight).

His impact was felt everywhere. The way Iverson played the game was so new, so different. This was a guy smaller than most point guards, but played shooting guard because he scored that much. Iverson would come down the court, cross you up then jack up the jumpers without any hesitation. He was so fast that he was almost un-guardable. He would get into the paint like no other but still had the lethal (sometimes inefficient) jumper.

David Stern had to impose a dress code on the NBA because of Allen Iverson. He was the face of the league and when Iverson was off the court he was thugged out. Huge over sized tee, baggy jeans, timberland boots, throwback jerseys, fitted hats, chains, that was Iverson off the court. He was hip-hop to the fullest and other players took notice and followed suit. He would even dress like that if he was injured and sat on the bench. Times sure have changed and that’s because of Iverson.

Allen Iverson was the man, and that was understood by everyone. His career ended way too soon. It’s hard to believe that Tracy McGrady & Vince Carter have lasted in the league longer than the Answer. It’s been three years since Iverson played in the NBA. Now Iverson is officially going to retire. I hate to say that it was his own doing that did this but it was. Iverson let his attitude get in the way of what could have been a longer career.

It’s ok though because us as the fans, still love Iverson to this day. Just like many of the all-time greats, there will never be another Allen Iverson.