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Is Stephen Curry the only modern player worthy of Allen Iverson's legendary lineup?

Despite being away from the NBA for over a decade, Allen Iverson still electrifies the basketball world. And why shouldn’t he? The Answer remains an icon for the Philadelphia 76ers and beyond. Through life’s ups and downs, he ascended to the same legendary status as Wilt Chamberlain, earning a place in the Sixers’ Hall of Fame. While his accolades fill the NBA’s record books, there’s more to the man than stats. To truly understand Allen Iverson, we eagerly await his upcoming documentary WRONG BALL: The Allen Iverson Way.

In honor of the bonus trailer release, the legend himself spoke with EssentiallySports in an email interview. Naturally, we were curious about what Iverson’s all-time starting five would look like—and the 49-year-old did not disappoint.

Iverson revealed his lineup: “Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal (Steph Curry if not Allen).” It’s no surprise to see Stephen Curry’s name on the list. A maestro like Iverson was always bound to recognize the magic of Curry. To put it simply, Iverson is willing to vacate the fifth spot only for the 4x NBA champ.

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AI has been a big fan of the Warriors star for years. Back in 2022, he revealed that Curry was the reason he bought the NBA League Pass. Following Steph’s historic All-Star Game performance in 2022, Iverson posted a picture of himself along with Dwyane Wade and Reggie Miller going crazy to his flurry of threes, writing, “All of my life watching basketball and seeing all the greats, this man is undoubtedly different!!!

Then last year, Iverson claimed, “We ain’t never seen nobody in the game that you gotta guard soon as he cross half court.” And that’s true. Curry changed the game. The respect goes both ways. “As a little kid, I always wanted to be like Allen Iverson, and that was the only way I could really come close,” Steph Curry said back in 2017.

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The Sixers icon also shared his thoughts on those who influenced him and the players he considers the greatest. “Michael Jordan influenced the game. Moses Malone was a mentor. Aaron McKie, Former Sixers,” Iverson revealed during the conversation with EssentiallySports.

MJ’s influence crosses generations, and His Airness remains a universal symbol of greatness. Meanwhile, Moses Malone, a 12-time NBA All-Star, was a mentor to Iverson. Aaron McKie, Iverson’s former teammate, also played a key role in his journey. These names, along with current stars like Luka Dončić and Stephen Curry, round out Iverson’s list of the greatest to ever play.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Stephen Curry the only modern player worthy of Allen Iverson's legendary lineup?

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As we explored Iverson’s career and his top picks, we couldn’t help but turn our attention to his upcoming documentary. Fans will no doubt want to delve into the story of the NBA star-turned-singer, whose on-court brilliance and off-court life always kept him in the spotlight. So, let’s dive in and see what this documentary is promising to reveal about “The Answer.”

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Lisa Hampton wrote an emotionally immersive script for Allen Iverson’s documentary

Sports sociologist Lisa Hampton beautifully captures Allen Iverson‘s life in the upcoming documentary WRONG BALL: The Allen Iverson Way. She highlights the struggles Iverson faced in his youth, reminding the world of the man behind the legend. Hampton stresses the need to share Iverson’s story, highlighting his life and legacy as the 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist and its significance beyond athletic activism. From controversies to the ups and downs of his career, the world is about to discover the true journey of Allen Iverson.

USA Today via Reuters

While the 49-year-old never won a championship, his impact on the game and the culture is unparalleled. WRONG BALL puts the lives of Gen X and Gen Z on full display, therefore the audience will be able to differentiate between not just the shift in the game but also the style. Moreover, we would get to see the transition of generation in Allen Iverson’s game psychology as well. This documentary explores more than just Iverson’s cornrows, tattoos, and baggy pants. While it acknowledges his accolades, it delves deeper into his journey from the court to the rim.

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So, besides knowing what Allen Iverson’s starting five looks like in the latest conversation with EssentiallySports, we also got an insight into what WRONG BALL is all about. And dare we say it, we’ve got to tighten our seatbelts, for this journey will be an emotional roller-coaster ride. The Answer’s legacy and the impact of this film will inspire the youth in the NBA.

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