“I don’t wanna be Jordan, I don’t wanna be Magic, I don’t wanna be Bird or Isiah, I don’t wanna be any of those guys. When my career is over, I want to look in the mirror and say I did it my way.” – Allen Iverson
Today marks Allen Ezail Iverson being named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Over the course of 14 seasons, Iverson dazzled the crowds with his play and inspired the next generation of guards to be stylish on and off the court. Iverson has battled with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and countless others which makes this selection to the HOF a storybook ending to his story. There were many times Iverson was not supposed to get as far as he did. His persistence and dedication to doing what he loved granted him the ability to face all odds and come out on top. The best “pound for pound” player we have seen and it will be quite an acceptance speech this fall (think back to the practice rant which made him infamous).
Iverson has countless achievements in his playing career. He has won the MVP award, 4x NBA scoring champion awards, and has been named an All-Star 10 times in his illustrious career. Iverson has played with the 76ers (twice), Nuggets, Pistons, and Grizzlies. He has also played abroad for a season with Besiktas for Turkey.
Iverson is joined by Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Izzo, Sheryl Swoopes, Yao Ming, Jerry Reinsdorf, and Kevin Johnson for the Hall of Fame class of 2016. The Class of 2016 will be enshrined during Hall of Fame festivities in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Sept. 8-10.
