The Answer

The NBA 2K series recently announced the inclusion of Allen Iverson in their next installment, NBA 2K13.  I for one could not be more thrilled with this announcement.  Everybody was amazed when Michael Jordan first came on board for NBA 2K11.  This was understandable since MJ was rarely seen in video games throughout his career.  We saw him with the Bulls in a couple early ‘90s games, such as the NBA Playoffs series, with the Wizards at the end of his career and as a boss or teammate in games such as NBA Live 2000 and some of the NBA Street games.  What was special about 2K11 was that it was the first time the full ’96 Chicago Bulls team, the same team that posted a 72-10 regular season record, was featured on a game.

Getting back to Allen Iverson, he has been featured on video games before.  In fact, he was the cover athlete for the NBA 2K series for 4 years in a row.  The reason I’m so excited though is because fans will finally be able to use Iverson in his prime in a modern video game, a game where players get full control of the player and the athlete performs moves just as they would in real life.  Could there be a more fun player to use in this game then one of the quickest and most skilled ball-handlers in basketball history?

Iverson’s career has seen an immense downturn since he was traded to the Pistons in 2008.  Recent years have seen him putting up lackluster numbers, sitting the bench and having to travel overseas to find a team interested in him.  All of this among rumors of family problems, large amounts of debt and drinking issues.  I think that because of these recent troubles, people often forget what a great player he was at his peak.

Iverson came into the league in 1996 and immediately amazed the basketball world with his ability to put a whole team on his back, score from anywhere on the court and crossover anybody, including (SERIOUSLY!?!) Michael Jordan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3X274lz3wY).  He went on to a career full of accomplishments, including his 2001 MVP award, 11 all-star selections, 4 scoring titles and even 3 seasons of leading the league in steals.  Listed at an even 6 feet, he would be considered undersized even at the point guard position, which he did play at times.  For a shooting guard, AI ranks among the shortest ever; yet, he absolutely thrived at the position.  He had a great shot off the dribble, and an outstanding dribble to go along with it.  On a regular basis, he was able to put in layups with the most difficult of defensive traffic crowding the lane.  Countless big men were embarrassed as Iverson came out of nowhere to throw down put-back dunks off of rebounds that they couldn't quite grab away from the little guy.

Iverson is one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball.  Jordan is always the player that new NBA greats get compared to.  Everybody’s waiting for when (if ever) somebody will be able to grab that title of “greatest,” away from him.  The first to step up to this challenge was Grant Hill.  Hill wasn’t as good of a scorer as Jordan, but he was a superior rebounder and an arguably better passer.  Unfortunately, we never quite got to see if he could’ve matched Jordan, as his final season with Detroit ended with an ankle injury that kept him off the court for the better part of three seasons.

I would consider AI the next to come close to Jordan.  As far as strictly athletic skill and ability is concerned, I personally think that Iverson ranks at 2nd right behind His Airness.  On an overall player level though, Iverson doesn’t even crack the top 10, maybe not even 20.  He just couldn’t keep his head on straight.  We all remember his infamous “practice,” remarks during a press conference in 2002.  He also ran into disagreements with coach Larry Brown and at the end of his career, never shied away from complaining when he didn’t get the playing time or starting spot he wanted.  That extra large ego was disappointing to see on such a rare, outstanding talent.

If Iverson could’ve contained his cockiness, I think we would’ve seen more finals appearances, at least one ring and a longer stint in the NBA for The Answer.  He’s probably even second to Mike in his marketability.  Kids loved his style on the court, and it lead to successful sneaker and clothing lines with Reebok.  Did I mention how many times he appeared on the cover of video games?

Even though I remain incredibly disappointed in the way Iverson was never able to treat basketball as a team sport, I still have to admire his incredible skill for the game.  I’m really looking forward to being able to use that skill when NBA 2K13 comes out on October 2^nd.  So what legends can we hope for beyond this?  I’m hoping for a Pistons team with Grant Hill by the time 2K14 rolls around.