Allen Iverson — naturally a popular name in the media headlines. While some of it was for his personal life, a lot of it included the goods and bads of his game. Having lived it for years, specifically in 2001-02, the former star guard had come to experience the wrath of it all. So when Andre Iguodala joined the 76ers in 2004-05, he reveals, the downside of fame was one thing Iverson prepared the rookie class for. 

Appearing on a recent episode of ‘7 PM in Brooklyn’ podcast, the 4x NBA champ revealed the one aspect Iverson imparted as they headed for their future in the NBA.  “He did a really good job of warning us of what was to come. He prepared us for the downfall. He’s like, ‘Listen, man, at some point, they gonna turn on y’all… Be careful who you get all cool with,'” Iguodala said on the podcast. Notably, this was a hint of how quick media and fans can turn against you when things don’t work out.

However, AI was not all subtle with his warning, as Iguodala recalled on the show Iverson telling him during their days in Philadelphia 76ers to not read newspapers. Although Andre used to read newspapers back then, he quickly understood the media and fan landscape in Philly.

“They’re not as happy of a population to put it nice,” he said. Notably, if Allen Iverson was doing anything in his initial seasons with the 76ers, he was only growing as a player. Yet not being able to secure a championship with the team soon put him on the bad side with the media.

This happened during the 2001-02 season when he received frequent criticism for missing practice. So much so that the 11x All Star went on a rant on it during a media interaction. “We sitting in here — I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice… We talking about practice… Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last..,” he said.

The criticism was despite Iverson averaging 31.1 points per game in season 2000-01. And it turns out it was not Iverson but the franchise to be blamed, as revealed by Iguodala.

Iggy believes not Allen Iverson but 76ers should’ve received criticism

Andre recalled on ‘7 PM in the Brooklyn’ podcast that AI was happy to be landing on a team that got a practice facility — Denver Nuggets. As per the 4x NBA champ, Philly back then didn’t even have their own gym. He further mentioned the players used to train at an osteopathic medicine college. No wonder that Iverson showed a lack of interest in practice sessions.

Iggy recollected the first time he landed on a different team from 76ers and the facilities over there amazed him. “I’m like, wait, what. What world was I in? We weren’t trying to win the whole time I was there,” he said. The 4x NBA champ believes media should hold the franchise accountable for not trying to win rather than the players who give their all.

Andre stated AI had some great years with coach Larry Brown. But after he left, it was never about winning for the 76ers, for which Allen Iverson got blamed. He believes all of this wore AI down and thus the sourness towards the media.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.