Despite Making Millions, Was Allen Iverson?s Shoe Line Underrated Like His Career?

NBA legend Allen Iverson is one of the best point guards the game has ever seen. The Hall of Famer had a massive impact on various things on and off the court. While his influence on fashion is talked about a lot, his impact on the hardwood is often overlooked. Iverson arguably paved the way for shifty superstars like Kyrie Irving. However, Irving is still taller and we might never witness anyone as great as AI who was only 6’1″. Despite this, he is still overlooked by many. And the same can be said about his signature sneaker line.

AI was a cultural phenom, much like Dennis Rodman, but has a lot more individual accolades on the court that separates him from The Worm.

There is no one like Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson was a high school superstar and was considered a major college prospect despite his size. During his two years in college, AI reminded everyone about his incredible abilities and heart. In 1996, he declared for the NBA draft and the Philadelphia 76ers selected him as the first pick. He hit the ground running and once again proved that his size won’t hamper his performance in the league and won the ROY award.

Over the next few years, Iverson established himself as one of the best players in the league. In the 1998-99 season, he led the Sixers to their first playoff appearance in eight years and helped them win the first round. In 2000-01, Iverson was unstoppable throughout the season and helped his team clinch the #1 seed. AI was crowned the NBA MVP averaging 31.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Iverson and the Sixers were on a roll and reached the Finals.

In the Finals, the 76ers faced the Los Angeles Lakers led by superstars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Notably, the Lakers swept every team in the playoffs on their way to the Finals. They were close to becoming the first team to sweep every team to clinch the title. Also, a lot of people thought it would be a sweep in the Finals given the lack of support Allen Iverson had.

However, Iverson and the Sixers shocked everyone by winning game 1 of the Finals in front of Lakers fans. AI erupted for 48 points, 5 steals, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in one of the best Finals performances ever. Notably, no other Sixers player scored over 13 points that game. AI had 7 points in the overtime to clinch the 107-101 win. However, it was clear that it was not sustainable and the Lakers won the next 4 games.

Over the course of his career, Iverson has made the All-Star team 11 times. He has 3 All-NBA First Team selections and 3 All-NBA Second Team selections. The former point guard has 4 scoring titles which is the third-most below only Wilt Chamberlain with 7 at 2nd and Michael Jordan at 1st with 10. Every athlete who has more than one scoring title is over 6 feet. The only player who comes close to Iverson is Stephen Curry, listed as 6’2″, who has two scoring titles.

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Furthermore, he also won an MVP award to go with his ROY. Iverson has a career average of 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. Also, he was in the top 25 of the All-Time scorers list with 24,368 points. But he was recently overtaken by current superstars. Iverson did not let his size restrict him on both ends of the court and we have never seen anyone close to his level at 6 feet or under so far. And we might never. Despite this, The Answer is still underrated and not given enough credit.

Allen Iverson’s influence on fashion in the NBA

Allen Iverson had a huge impact on the NBA with his fashion. His baggy street clothes, tattoos, and cornrows were a massive hit not just among fans but among fellow stars as well even though the league was not very pleased. From the clean-shaven heads to the baggy suits of the Michael Jordan era, the NBA was heading in a new direction. Interestingly, the league tightened its rules around the dress code because of Iverson’s influence which ultimately led to the business casual style followed by the current stars. The pre-game entrance where the players express their style would arguably not have been a thing if not for AI to break barriers.

While this is mostly acknowledged by many, Iverson’s impact on sneaker culture is not. Recently, Reebok announced Shaquille O’Neal as President and AI as Vice President of its revamped Basketball Division. The relationship between Iverson and Reebok started way back. Ahead of his rookie season, Iverson agreed to a ten-year $50 million deal with Reebok. However, just five years into his contract, the brand wanted to tie down the superstar forever. So, Reebok offered him a lifelong deal with $800,000 per year along with a $32 million trust fund that AI can access when he turns 55.

The iconic but underrated sneaker line of AI

Over the years, both Iverson and the brand made a fortune from their relationship. However, the crucial reason behind the star’s decision to sign with Reebok was his first signature shoe Reebok Question, an ode to his nickname, The Answer. Notably, AI was deciding between Reebok and Nike. But the Reebok Question’s availability on his debut was a major reason behind his decision to sign with the brand.

Furthermore, a rookie AI donned the shoe, it was a massive hit with the fans. Notably, the Hexalite cushioning system used in the original sneakers?became a fan favorite. Next in line was Reebok The Answer which was released during his sophomore year. It was yet another technology-packed shoe with a hidden lacing system. The shoe was released in three colorways and was an instant hit among the masses.

In the 1998-99 season, the NBA world realized Iverson’s greatness as he led the league in scoring. However, the shortened season and no All-Star game because of the lockout did not help the popularity of Reebok Answer 2.?However, the Answer 3?which was released in the next year earned a lot of praise. Similarly, the Answer 4?was again a huge hit among fans which is iconic for more than its looks.

Notably, Iverson donned during his MVP season when he beat the Lakers in game 1 of the Finals. He also won the All-Star MVP award wearing the same sneakers. However, the best sneaker was yet to come. After AI signed the lifetime deal with Reebok in 2001, the brand released the Reebok Answer 5 which is arguably the most popular signature shoe of the Hall of Famer. The shoe was unveiled by rapper Jadakiss and AI in a legendary commercial and the fans loved it.

After this, the brand released, Answer 6, Answer 7, Question 2, Answer 8, Answer 9, Answer 10, Answer 11, Question 3, Answer 12, and Answer 13 during his time in the NBA. Furthermore, the Reebok Q96, Answer 14, and Iverson Solution?were released after his retirement. But no other sneaker lived up to the Answer 5. However, most shoes from his signature line are loved by enthusiasts and are still in huge demand. Yet, Iverson’s sneaker line is still overlooked by many.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.

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