Renowned ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith recently released another episode of his highly viewed ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show’. While going mostly solo, the 56-year-old took things to a whole new level this time by inviting American rapper Jason Terrance Phillips, more commonly known as Jadakiss, on his show. During the conversation, the duo touched base upon former Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson who devoted over 14 years of his life to the NBA. Jadakiss himself had the opportunity to work alongside the former player as they shot a couple of commercials for Reebok. Even after a decade of his retirement, Iverson’s playing style continues to occupy a special spot in the rapper’s mind.
“Him on that court was incredible,” said Jadakiss. “Small body, big heart, long arms, always getting off the floor. He has some moves that just make you think ‘how did he do that’.”
Despite the respect that the rapper had towards Iverson, Smith wanted to know whether Jadakiss would still choose the NBA legend over one of the top players of the Dallas Mavericks: Kyrie Irving. After asking Jadakiss to choose between Iverson or Irving, Smith proceeded to hype up the latter in the rapper’s mind. He even went as far as to name the Mavericks star as “one of the great, great finishers at the basket”. Despite this, Jadakiss did not choose to defer away from where his loyalties originally lay, stating, “I’m taking Chuck all day.” However, he also claimed that his opinion could be subject to change.
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“Ky (Kyrie) is about to get even ‘Cuban’ and the Dallas people got him feeling lovely, he’s about to engage in a way we’ve never seen,” said Jadakiss. “So, if you ask me the same question a little later, I might switch to Ky but right now, I’m still on my guard”.
The rapper’s comments may have been a reference to how far Kyrie Irving has come during the ongoing NBA season. Despite this being his first full season with the Dallas Mavericks, the player has already become the team’s second highest scorer thanks to his average stat of 25.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. While the player has been sidelined for now after appearing in 31 consecutive games, he is expected to be present during the Mavericks’ playoff run.
It would be tough for anyone to make a decision when both Kyrie Irving and Allen Iverson are placed on the same pedestal. After all, during his prime, the latter was named the NBA scoring champion on four occasions and was declared the NBA steals leader for three consecutive years. Despite his unique ability to handle the ball, Iverson did not shy away from giving Kyrie Irving credit where it was due.
Allen Iverson believes that Kyrie Irving has “the best” ball-handling skills
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Back in February, the 76ers legend sat down for an interview with former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal on his ‘The Big Podcast’. During the conversation, Shaq’s co-host Adam Lefkoe highlighted coach Steve Nash’s comment in which he claimed that Kyrie Irving had a more “complete handle package” than Iverson. When asked if he agreed with Nash’s opinion, ‘The Answer’ didn’t have too long before replying in the affirmative.
“Hell yeah, he got the best. He’s the best,” said Iverson. “Kyrie will have you beat, and then bring it back and play with it. Like, he toying with people”.
Allen Iverson says Kyrie Irving is the greatest ball handler EVER
(🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/fvZKTONJGT) pic.twitter.com/kCoEqzbVhC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 21, 2024
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If Stephen A. Smith was asking you to choose between Allen Iverson and Kyrie Irving, who would you choose? Let us know in the comments down below.