The Final Answer: 13 Memorable Allen Iverson Moments

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All good things must come to an end and just yesterday, Allen Iverson, the electrifying guard with the Hip-Hop flair, decided to call it quits for good.

His career didn’t actually unfold in the storybook ending. After parting ways with the Philadelphia 76ers–a franchise that he single-handedly revitalized–there were some uneventful stints in Denver and Detroit and plenty of controversy along the way.

But that’s neither here nor there. Allen “The Answer” Iverson’s legacy will be ultimately be defined as him being a former MVP and scoring champ who put his body on the line, despite a small frame compared to the rest of the NBA.

Is he a first ballot Hall of Famer? Most fanatics would cast their ballots as a definitive “yes” while the suits with the credentials will most likely drag their feet given his rugged image.

Who a God’s green earth is perfect anyway? Allen Iverson was a man of our Hip-Hop culture and with that, we give his career a worthy salute with 13 Memorable Allen Iverson Moments.

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Photo: NBA

More Than A Hoops Star

A true athlete is just that: one who can excel in a wide range of activities. Before he hit the hardwood full-time, Bubba Chuck was an offensive and defensive phenom for Bethel High’s football team. They don’t make ’em like they used to.

Squaring Off With The Worm

Dennis Rodman had a successful history of intimidating opponents into playing terrible. Iverson wasn’t afraid to dish it right back to Chicago in a multitude of ways.

Toronto’s Worst Nightmare

When you enter the NBA Playoffs with the mindset of getting to the championship, great things can be accomplished. Never mind what Drake tries to tell you, Toronto has a history of being torched for the world to see. Just ask Kobe.

Reebok Back!

With Nike and newcomer And-1 dominating basketball’s street wear, Reebok needed a jolt in their marketing plan. By recruiting Iverson to their roster, they were relevant again. Simple as that.

50 Points As A Rookie

Players tend have growing pains as a rookie in the NBA’s grueling season but not The Answer. Not only was he the 2nd youngest player to score 50 points in a game, he broke a record by scoring more than 40 points in four consecutive games, previously held by some guy named Wilt Chamberlain.

Jewelz, The Gangsta Rapper

It was a diamond in the rough for Hip-Hop to be blessed with a rapper/athlete who could actually bust a flow and not sound corny in the process. Alas, A.I.’s forray in rap was short-lived, due to his aggressive lyrics and anti-homosexual slurs.

Carrying On Hoya Tradition

Georgetown University’s glory years were waning but Allen Iverson put them back on the map in a two-year stint before jetting to the NBA. His accolades included the Big East Rookie of the Year award, All Rookie Tournament First Team and Big East Defensive Player of the Year (twice).

The Tyronn Lue Dismantlement

Yes, it’s true that the Los Angeles Lakers handily won the 2001 NBA Finals. And it’s also true that 76ers didn’t have much of a team outside of #3. But if Phil Jackson ever had a “WTF-were-you-thinking” moment, it would be putting the inept Tyronn Lue up against the reigning MVP. The proof is in the clip, people.

Career High: 60 Points

Dwight Howard got more than he bargained for in his first year in the league when Iverson decided to show his arse on the court. Bubba C. Note scored more than half of his team’s points and cruised them to victory as the battle for Eastern Conference playoff spots continued.

58 Ain’t Half Bad, Either

During his MVP run, A.I. put a little fire in the Houston Rockets’ life by breaching the century mark with ease. Just watching the clip will give you the chills.

Toronto’s Worst Nightmare Revisited

You know Vince Carter was like, “not this guy again!!!” In the same series as the previous one, Iverson dropped 52 points on the purple dinosaurs to let them know it wasn’t a fluke. To top it off, he received his MVP award at the beginning of the game.

The “Practice” Interview

In takes a remarkable figure to have an off-the-court interview cement its place in history. In so many words (well, actually, one: Practice!) Iverson explained his riff with then-coach, Larry Brown and how missing team workouts would not affect his play. A priceless moment to say the least.

The Michael Jordan Crossover

If you were going to make a compilation of moments where the great MJ (in a Bulls jersey) was left on the wrong side of a highlight, you might be a little hard-pressed. A.I. ultimately went down as the man who Mike know his reign was coming to an end. The shake, the bake–and he made the shot? Legendary.

We’ll miss you, Bubba Chuck. Stay out of trouble in your retirement.