“A negative Allen Iverson story is the greatest Allen Iverson story, for some reason,” said Allen Iverson once. And this quote has been proven from time to time. Known for his unique crossovers that even startled Mihcael Jordan, fearless scoring ability, and undeniable swagger, Iverson revolutionized basketball and inspired countless fans and players. But his influence extends beyond his on-court brilliance. For former NBA player Caron Butler, Iverson’s story became a lifeline during a pivotal moment in his life, providing motivation to overcome his own struggles.

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Butler shared how Iverson’s perseverance and advice helped him rebuild his life after incarceration and rise to prominence in the NBA.

“I think from you know cultural icon, kinda what you said about Dwyane Wade, I think Allen Iverson, he’s personally one of my favorite players ever just because of you know, my upbringing and where I come from. The whole incident before he went to Georgetown, being incarcerated, I went through the whole process as well. He spent 18 months in jail and he was like the guy that I was looking at and if you can go through stuff and make it through anything like, he inspired me that, ‘Oh man I can go to college, Allen Iverson did it,” said Butler during the interview.

Allen Iverson’s journey to NBA greatness began with controversy. In 1993, while still in high school, Iverson was involved in a bowling alley altercation in Hampton, Virginia. The fight, which had racial undertones, resulted in Iverson being convicted of felony charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison. However after Civil rights groups and local churches joined hands to get justice for Iverson, the sentence was reduced to four months.

Despite the ordeal, Iverson emerged stronger. After getting out of prison, Georgetown University’s coach John Thompson helped him to get a scholarship that ultimately paved the way for his NBA journey with the Philadelphia 76ers as he was drafted in the 1996 NBA Draft, launching a legendary career that saw him win the 2001 MVP award, lead the league in scoring four times, and earn 11 All-Star selections.

Like Iverson, Caron Butler faced adversity early in life. Growing up in a tough neighborhood in Racine, Wisconsin, Butler got involved in d–g dealing and gang activity. By the age of 15, he had been arrested multiple times and was eventually sentenced to a year in prison for d–gs and firearm possession.

During his incarceration, Butler turned his life around. Inspired by stories like Iverson’s he found a new purpose in basketball After his release, Butler excelled in junior college before transferring to UConn, where he became a star. Then The Miami Heat selected him 10th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft.

“I can look this way. I can have braids in my hair, I can have tattoos. I can not be the norm of what corporate America wants me to be. From dresscode, to court switching and thins like that, I can just be exactly who I am and I think, Allen Iverson opened up that door for everyone be exactly authentically who they are and I’m forever grateful for him to be that talented and just to be comfortable in his skin and be that first one to do it the way he did it. I’m a huge fan of Allen Iverson, so that’s my brother for life,” added Butler during the interview.

Coming now to their time in the league. Iverson and Butler had great success in the NBA. Not only that, but Iverson averaged 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in an illustrious career. Butler, who had two All-Star appearances under his belt, was a defensive warrior and a big-time scorer, averaging 14.1 points, and 5 rebounds over his career.

For Butler, Iverson’s advice motivated them to rise above his circumstances, while for millions, Iverson remains a symbol of resilience and individuality. Their stories remind us that greatness often emerges from the toughest battles. However, Iverson wasn’t the only one about whom Butler spoke highly of.

Caron Butler’s praise for former NBA veteran’s in-game IQ

In the 14 seasons that Butler has played in the league, he has faced many great players. One of them was Shaquille O’Neal Highlights like his rim-shattering dunk on Chris Dudley in 1999 or his commanding presence during the Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002 are examples of his physical dominance.

However, during the same interview, Butler praised another aspect of the seven-footer. “He had a high basketball IQ as well. People don’t give him enough credit for how smart he was on the basketball court. You know he manipulated the game and that’s the reason why he has what four championships? And now what he has done away from the game of basketball, he’s an exceptional businessman, someone that a lot of people can follow,” said Butler during the interview.

In his whole career, Butler faced Shaq 13 times and was able to score only 200 points against him. It’s a reminder that while his size was his foundation, it was Shaq’s mind that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.