“I’m not sensitive, I’m not a weepy person,” said Gabrielle Union once. And over the years, through her outspoken advocacy on social issues and empowering messages, Union has proved her words right. Whether it’s supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights alongside Wade and daughter Zaya, or discussing her personal struggles with fertility, Union’s candor has been a source of motivation for many. But this time, the 52-year-old, instead of motivating others, has herself gotten inspired by an NBA legend’s words.

The celebrated actress and wife of NBA legend Dwyane Wade recently posted a video on her Instagram story featuring one of the most iconic moments in the league’s history: Allen Iverson’s infamous ‘practice rant.’ The story was also accompanied by the caption “Motto” which was a nod to embracing resilience, a value she often embodies in her own life.

To understand the weight of Union’s reference, one must revisit the context of Iverson’s unforgettable 2002 press conference. The Philadelphia 76ers’ star point guard was addressing criticism regarding his commitment to practice after the team’s playoff elimination after getting defeated by the Boston Celtics.

“To make the team better, well if it’s to make the team better, then I’m cool with it. I am going to win wherever I go. I do not care about where I go, I am going to win. You talk about making my teammates better…I am going to win no matter where I go,” said Iverson during the press conference.

Frustrated, Iverson delivered the now-legendary monologue, repeating the word “practice” over 22 times while questioning why his work ethic, not his on-court performance, was being scrutinized. Moreover, questions regarding his practice weren’t the only reason for this rant. The original agenda of the meeting was to confirm if Iverson was going to stay with the franchise for another season. But since he was late to the conference, the point guard had a bit of an argument with his coach, Larry Brown.

“We sitting in here—I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice,” Iverson said. “I mean, listen, we talking about practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game. We talking about practice. Not a game. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game. We talking about practice, man,” said Iverson during the presser.

Now if we take a look at Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson’s bond, they share something more than their Hall of Fame careers. Iverson, an 11x All-Star, revolutionized the game with his crossover and relentless scoring ability, finishing his career with an average of 26.7 points per game.

On the other hand, Wade, often called “The Flash,” won three NBA championships with the Miami Heat and averaged 22 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

By captioning Iverson’s rant as her “motto,” Union distilled a complex moment into a powerful affirmation. It’s a reminder to embrace individuality, passion, and perseverance—qualities that define not only Iverson and Wade but also Union herself. Moreover, there was even a time when Gabrielle Union’s star husband praised ‘The Answer‘.

When Dwyane Wade spoke highly of Iverson

Wade, the sixteen-year NBA veteran, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2023. His career was marked by three NBA championships and thirteen All-Star appearances. But according to him, he got his greatness from another NBA standout.

During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Wade took a heartfelt moment to pay homage to one of his idols and his presenter for the event, Allen Iverson.

“You brought hope to those who grew up with limited resources . . . A.I., you are a living, breathing reminder that redemption and growth are possible. You inspired a generation, my damn self included, to believe that coming from nothing was not a limitation, but motivation… From the bottom of my heart, you are the culture. We love you, and we thank you, Allen Iverson,” said Wade during the ceremony.

Previously, Wade revealed that he chose to wear the No. 3 jersey because of Allen Iverson, and to make the Hall of Fame ceremony even more memorable for the Miami Heat legend, Iverson had sported a Wade jersey emblazoned on a suitcoat.

In the end, we can say that this tribute underscored the profound respect Wade holds for Iverson, celebrating the enduring impact of a player who redefined basketball’s cultural and competitive landscape. And Gabrielle is also preaching the same path now.