Allen Iverson Always Had The Answer

By: Melo Williams 

Allen “The Answer” Iverson is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history with an almost unstoppable killer crossover move, that is one of NBA Legend Michael Jordan’s worst highlights against him.

Allen Iverson played for Boo Williams AAU basketball program while in high school in Hampton, Virginia.

Boo Williams is a basketball legend and well-known coach who has trained, developed, and coached many successful basketball players that made it to the NBA, including AI.

Iverson was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers after playing two years at Georgetown. He played for the 76ers from 1996 to 2006, and during this time, he won the NBA scoring title four times and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2001.

Allen Iverson had a successful college career at Georgetown University. During his two years at Georgetown, he averaged 23 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
Iverson led the Georgetown Hoyas to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament in 1996, where they lost to UMass. Allen Iverson was named Big East Rookie of the Year in 1995 and was a two-time All-Big East selection. Iverson was also named to the All-American First Team in 1996.

In the NBA, Iverson was an 11-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team three times. He led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

Throughout his career, AI played for four different teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Boo Williams recognized Iverson’s talent and allowed him to play for his AAU team, which helped Iverson gain exposure and improve his skills.

Iverson has credited Williams for his success, saying that he wouldn’t be where he is today without him.

One of my many favorite Allen Iverson highlights is, AI crossing up Washington Wizards guard Antonio Daniels making him fall twice then scoring an easy layup.

Though Iverson was drafted by Philadelphia 76ers, Kobe Bryants hometown, Iverson loved competing against Kobe, but had even more love and respect for Bryant.

Iverson has said publicly basically that people can’t forget about Kobe “Bean” Bryant in the GOAT conversation between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

After Kobe’s tragic death in 2020, Iverson posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying “Words cannot express how I’m feeling today. The only two words that ring in my head — devastated and heartbroken. I cannot seem to shake this feeling no matter what I’ve tried to do since hearing this yesterday. People will always remember how we competed against each other in the league, but it goes so much deeper than that for me. The story of us being drafted in arguably the deepest class of its kind ever in the NBA can be debated for many years to come. However, his generosity and respect for the game is something that I witnessed firsthand every time we stepped on the dance floor to compete. It’s something that I will always remember about him. Kobe, may you and Gigi rest peacefully together in the heavens above. #MambaOut #RIPKobe #RIPGigi #HOF #ClassOf96”

Allen Iverson had been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career and during retirement.

His charitable foundation, Crossover Promotions, has focused on building basketball courts in inner cities and supporting organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and HIV/AIDS awareness groups.

In addition, Iverson has been involved in fundraising efforts for various causes, including Hurricane Katrina relief and cancer research.

Allen Iverson has won numerous awards and achievements throughout his basketball career. Some of his notable awards include:

*   4x NBA scoring champion
*   11x NBA All-Star
*   2x NBA All-Star Game MVP
*   7x All-NBA First Team: 1999, 2001, 2005 Second Team: 2000, 2002, 2003 Third Team: 2006
*   3x NBA steals leader
*   7x NBA minutes leader
*   NBA Rookie of the Year – 1997
*   NBA All-Rookie First Team – 1997
*   NBA Rookie Challenge MVP – 1997
*   Number 3 retired by the Philadelphia 76ers

In 2001 Iverson inked a lifetime deal with Reebok. A contract that he earns 800K annually and will receive a $32 million payout on his 55th birthday.

Iverson retired from the NBA in 2010 with career averages of 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game.

I always say if AI was a 6’5 guard he’d be the best player ever easily to lace em up. With that being said with his height listed at 6’1, I still call him the GOAT because he couldn’t be stopped as a small guard.

Happy Birthday, GOAT Bubba Chuck!

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