Allen Iverson

2016 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee

Full Name: Allen Ezail Iverson

Nickname: The Answer, AI

Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard

Height: 6’0″

College: Georgetown University

NBA Draft: 1996, 1st Overall Pick by the Philadelphia 76ers

Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)

College Career

(Georgetown Hoyas, 1994–1996)

Points: 1,539 points (23.0 PPG)

Assists: 466 (7.3 APG)

Defensive Impact: Led the Big East in steals both seasons

Key Achievements:

Big East Rookie of the Year (1995)

Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1996)

Led Georgetown to the Elite Eight in 1996.

NBA Career (1996–2010)

Teams:

Philadelphia 76ers (1996–2006, 2009–2010)

Denver Nuggets (2006–2008)

Detroit Pistons (2008–2009)

Memphis Grizzlies (2009)

Career Achievements:

11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010)

NBA Most Valuable Player (2001)

4× NBA Scoring Champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)

7× All-NBA Team Selections (3× First Team)

2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005)

3× NBA Steals Leader (2001–2003)

NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)

Career Points: 24,368 (26.7 PPG)

Career Assists: 5,624 (6.2 APG)

Career Steals: 1,983

Signature Moments:

2001 NBA Finals: Led the underdog 76ers to the Finals against the dominant Los Angeles Lakers. Iverson scored 48 points in Game 1, famously stepping over Tyronn Lue in an iconic play.

2001 MVP Season: Averaged 31.1 PPG, leading Philadelphia to a league-best 56 wins and an appearance in the NBA Finals.

Crossover on Michael Jordan (1997): Cemented his reputation as a fearless competitor with a legendary crossover move against the GOAT during his rookie season.

76ers Legacy: Became the face of the franchise and symbolized toughness and determination for a generation.

Playing Style:

Iverson redefined the point guard/shooting guard hybrid role with his lightning-quick crossover, relentless scoring, and unmatched heart. Despite being one of the smallest players on the court at 6’0″, he was a dominant force against much larger opponents.

Hall of Fame Induction (2016)

Iverson’s emotional Hall of Fame speech paid tribute to his journey, from overcoming adversity in his youth to becoming one of the most influential players in NBA history. His impact on the culture of basketball, including fashion (popularizing cornrows and tattoos), remains monumental.

Legacy:

Ranked among the greatest scorers in NBA history, Iverson’s impact extended far beyond the stat sheet.

A trailblazer for player individuality and a cultural icon, his fearless approach and electric playstyle captivated fans worldwide.

76ers retired his No. 3 jersey (2014) in honor of his contributions to the franchise.

Allen Iverson remains one of the most beloved, influential, and iconic figures in NBA history, embodying grit, authenticity, and excellence.

Allen Iverson Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech 2016

Allen Iverson signs the Original Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame sign (1968)

If you’re struggling with your shooting, then do other things on the basketball court.

Allen Iverson
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