Allen Iverson's Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2016 Entourage: Former Coaches, Dr. J Celebrate A.I.'s Career
There is no doubt that Allen Iverson will forever be etched in NBA history as one of the best to walk the hardwood. He definitely did more than just walk—he glided to the rim with emphatic dunks, he used opponents as springboards for nasty putbacks.
Perhaps he will be most remembered for his natural ability to make his defenders looks silly. "The Answer" made a name for himself by popularizing the crossover, his insane handles fooling even the G.O.A.T. himself, Michael Jordan.
Such a game-changing athlete cannot fade from the limelight unrecognized. Luckily, the NBA had finally decided to award A.I. the highest honor. He will be inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday.
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A legendary entourage
Iverson always had a penchant for piquing the fans and the media's interest. In fact, one of his most iconic moments was off the court, when he ranted about people focusing on his absences during practice.
As expected, Iverson will not let this opportunity go to waste. Inducting him to the Hall of Fame will take some of the biggest names in basketball; his former coaches Larry Brown (Philadelphia 76ers) and Jason Thompson (Georgetown), as well as Sixers legend Julius Erving.
Brown had coached Iverson during his golden years with Philadelphia, including a Finals berth against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001. The Sixers lost 4-1 to the Lakers en route to the latter's back-to-back titles, despite A.I. entering the matchup as the reigning league MVP.
Coach Thompson mentored him during his two seasons in Georgetown, where Iverson averaged 22.9 points. His rabid performance eventually earned him the first overall spot in the 1996 NBA Draft.
Erving, meanwhile, needs no introduction. The Doctor was the face of the Sixers in the 70s-80s, leading them to the 1977 NBA Finals and sharing a title victory with the team in 1983.
New blood
As The Answer steps into the Hall, however, talks arise on who would be the heir to his throne. Iverson still tops a poll ranking the best ball-handlers in the game, but only a few spots down is Kyrie Irving. Irving had used his elite dribbling skills and scoring ability to help the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA title.
The star of the team the Cavs defeated, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, also comes to mind. The two-time MVP can shoot the lights out anywhere on the floor, and he gets most of his openings and assists thanks to his crafty ball-handling.
Lastly, Iverson himself is a fan of Russell Westbrook's game. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar carried the team with Kevin Durant sidelined during last season, pulling off incredible triple-doubles and clutch plays. He may have to do more carrying, though, now that Durant resides in Oakland.
Shaquille O'Neal, who won three rings with the Lakers and two with the Miami Heat, will also be inducted on Friday. Moreover, Rockets legend Yao Ming will be sharing the spotlight as well.
