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Greatness is defined as being distinguished(recognize someone or something as different) or eminent(famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession.) There is no arguing who some of the greatest NBA players are, we all know their names, nicknames, and number of championships. What about the guys with no championships, no rings, just an MVP and hood mentality. Allen Iverson averaged 27 points on his career, five 30 point per game seasons and two steals per game. Its not only his stats that stand out but his size and will. At just 6"0 feet he got to rack(rim for none hoopers) more than 9 times per game. Thats a six foot tall attacking guard, he hit the free-throw line at least 10 times ever night. The reason I call him thirty shots is because it always seemed liked he shot the ball at least 30 times. The truth of the matter Iverson never shot over 22 shots per game in his career. My argument is not his points, its his Answer to the NBA in the early 2000's Before Michael Jordan's second return and the Triple Crown of the Lakers. Allen Iverson carried an offensively challenged 76er team. He made it cool to have tattoos, braids,head bands and the popular arm sleeve, which came about during his MVP, playoff run from an injury against the Tronto Raptors. The problem with his story is the NBA and basketball fans alike decided to shun Iverson because of the bad boy reputation that made him the MVP of the 2000- 2001 NBA season. One thing that will not be denied Iverson is his respect and reputation as a competitor and his distinguishable flair on and off the court. His often imitated crossover was practiced on every court in the in the USA, when his crossover commercial came out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE8rS2pN4Aw The Question why so much bad publicity, why can no one say anything nice about AI besides showing his,"practice tirade," or talking of his financial and marital status? Lets respect his game and effect on NBA and pop culture.
