via Getty
SHANGHAI, CHINA American former basketball player Allen Iverson receives interview during rehearsal for 2018 Double 11 Global Shopping Festival on November 10, 2018 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
via Getty
SHANGHAI, CHINA American former basketball player Allen Iverson receives interview during rehearsal for 2018 Double 11 Global Shopping Festival on November 10, 2018 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
Allen Iverson’s place in the GOAT conversation has been explored exhaustively. Although he has the weakest trophy cabinet among the other names on the list, AI’s legacy is about something greater than the silverware. LeBron James worshipping Iverson while growing up says a lot about what he means to the culture.
Recently, the 30-year-old award-winning journalist Jamila Mustafa talked about her first experience of meeting Iverson. Mustafa also explained why she thinks so highly of the 11x NBA All-Star.
Allen Iverson won over the 30 YO journalist
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During a recent conversation with Brandon ‘Scoop B‘ Robinson, Mustafa talked about the impact of Iverson. She recalled meeting the Philadelphia 76ers legend for the first time at a parking lot. She said that as soon as AI reached his car, he told everyone around that he wouldn’t be taking any pictures or signing autographs. However, Mustafa who was five years old at the time, ran up to him despite his instructions. She said, “I just ran up to him. Like, I didn’t care if he was giving no[autographs and pictures].”
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia 76ers player Allen Iverson acknowledges the crowd during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
“Hey, AI. I love you so much. You did a great job. Like, nice to meet you. Can I have a hug?” she told AI. The 11x NBA All-Star, despite his prior announcement, gave her a hug. Mustafa said, “He gave me the biggest hug. Just embraced me and I remember I was so excited.” The journalist still holds that 25-year-old encounter with AI very close to her heart. She then explained what Iverson meant to her and the basketball culture. She said that the 2001 MVP was the one who revolutionized the game and inspired millions around the world with his presence.
Even someone as great as LeBron doesn’t hesitate to give the basketball icon his flowers.
LeBron James thinks Allen Iverson is a god
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Mustafa talked about one of LeBron’s quotes on the 48-year-old. He had said that he doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson, but he wants to be like Allen Iverson. Prime Iverson was the ideal player for anyone who shared the hoops dream. AI was a bit undersized, yet he was dominant, had fluidity in his movement, and was an incredible scorer.
Imagine meeting your idol at 5 years old! @JMedia_ talks about meeting the great @alleniverson in her chat with @ScoopB pic.twitter.com/HYaIsb89W6
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His killer instinct on the court is what inspired several youngsters to take up the sport. Talking about the comparisons with MJ, LeBron said, “Michael Jordan inspired me, and I looked up to him, but he was out of this world. A.I. was really the god.” Many great players have been a part of this sport and they have helped elevate the sport, but we are yet to see another version of the great Allen Iverson. And because he was so original with his approach, we might never get to see one in our lifetime.
