Iconic guard Allen Iverson was recently the guest on Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast “The Big Podcast,” where he named his all-time starting five. It was a who’s-who of NBA basketball led by none other than the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Michael Jordan, whom Iverson idolized growing up in Virginia.
Unbeatable five
Speaking to Shaq and host Adam Leftkoe, the man known as “The Answer” revealed his five, saying:
“Let me tell you my whole lineup – Steph, Kobe, Mike, Bron, and Diesel,” Iverson shared.
Iverson has always admired Curry’s game, going as far as to share that the latter was why he bought NBA League Pass. He also crossed paths with Kobe and Shaq, battling the duo but eventually losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000-2001 NBA Finals.
However, it was Jordan that Iverson really looked up to.
“Anybody that know Allen Iverson know Black Jesus was it for me. I wanted to be like Mike. I remember the first time seeing him; I couldn’t believe it, man. I ain’t never looked at a person in my life — and I’ve seen millions of celebrities — I never looked at somebody that didn’t look real. Never. Like, the God damn guy was glowing or something, man,” Iverson said in a talk with the Players’ Tribune.
Passing of the torch
Iverson and Jordan also had a memorable one-on-one matchup during Iverson’s rookie year. It was a game many consider the “passing of the torch” moment from one generation’s superstar to another.
The date was March 12, 1997, and Iverson was wrapping up his sensational rookie campaign. Though the Philadelphia 76ers still weren’t winning many games, Iverson had been spectacular as a scorer. He averaged 23.5 points per game and would win the Rookie of the Year award.
During that game against Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, Iverson put on a show with his flashy ball-handling and scoring ability, including a crossover move that famously left Jordan stumbling to the ground.
