“I’m the Original AI”: Allen Iverson Obliterates Fear as ‘Identity Crisis’ Threatens to Taint NBA Veteran’s Legacy

Even though he made the coolest AI chatbot ever, Allen Iverson set the record straight. He will always own those initials. A couple of years ago, the NBA community united to prove that Allen Iverson was AI before AI. This was when artificial intelligence was advancing in different spheres and AI had become a buzzword. The Answer though is comfortable in his legacy standing out from the tech world’s hottest term.

“I’m the original AI,” Iverson asserted about artificial intelligence infringing on the AI term. While many fear the non-basketball AI taking over, Iverson shows a hint of intrigue. “I wouldn’t say disturbing but it’s different, you know what I mean? The way it’s thrown around now. But I mean, I look at it as a good thing. A cool thing. My kids think it’s cool.”

Iverson didn’t go into his children’s interest in the field. The closest he came to the other AI was his partnership with Pepsi to drive up March Madness. The beverage giant has launched a trendy campaign along with an ad spot to get answers from The Answer. The ad sees the Philadelphia 76ers act as an AI chatbot in a short titled ‘A.I. Can Do That?’ It complements the 2024 Zero Right Bracket Challenge.

Pepsi welcomes fans to send in their bracket during the NCAA Tournament for a chance to win $100,000 on DraftKings. The ad spot featured a woman struggling to fill her NCAA bracket when a friend suggests asking ‘AI’ for help. “AI can do tha?,” she asked when her friend pulls out the surprise on her phone, the AI she’s referring to is The Answer. Yet Iverson hilariously throws this line in the ad, ” I can’t always be the Answer.” On the contrary, we disagree.

Allen Iverson reigns supreme

Sure, now when we hear ‘AI,’ the tech jargon comes to mind – but it has its limits. Artificial intelligence can’t win NBA MVP, make Michael Jordan trip on his feet, and average 26.7 points per game across 14 seasons. That’s why NBA fans have firmly claimed that term for Allen Iverson and the representative behind those initials isn’t changing anytime soon.

READ MORE: Allen Iverson Has 2-Word Reaction to Business Partner’s Latest Partnership Saving Iconic Magazine

Last year, Iverson was asked about AI and he kind of took credit for its popularity. “I think the way it’s taking over the world is because of the two initials and what it stands for,” he said. Right after that, he’s letting his interviewer know that he was here first. “Why ain’t me, man? Why I couldn’t do that first? But you gotta give me more credit.” 

As far as we’re concerned, the only AI we know is The Answer. Though we wouldn’t be averse to that Iverson chatbot.

READ MORE: Allen Iverson Wears His Heart on His Sleeve as LeBron James’ Praise Receives Emotional Response