Allen Iverson kicked off his NBA career in 1996 as the first-round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers when Michael Jordan already established his dominance on the court. In his debut season, Averson went on to win the Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-Rookie Tournament First Team. However, his entry into the league wasn’t without its controversies, especially when it came to his interactions with established veterans like Jordan.
In an interview with SLAM, Michael Jordan shared his thoughts on Iverson’s behavior during that rookie season. Jordan revealed that he was taken aback by Iverson’s lack of deference toward the league’s established stars.
“I think that the thing that happened with [Allen] Iverson last year was probably the worst that’s happened, where he feels like he doesn’t have to respect us [veterans]. I think, in actuality, he meant to say that he’s not scared… he’s not scared of us, and he said it in terms of, he doesn’t have to respect,” Jordan said.
“Which prompted to me to say, “You’re gonna have to respect us if you plan on being the champions. Or beating us.” If you don’t respect us, then you don’t have a chance,” he added.
Allen Iverson’s Stats Against Micahel Jordan
Michael Jordan, a famous personality in GOAT debate, retired from basketball in 2003. Before hanging up his sneakers, he and Allen Iverson clashed 13 times in regular-season games, but their paths never crossed in the playoffs.
Jordan has a 7-6 winning record over Iverson in those encounters. One of Iverson’s most memorable performances against Jordan came on March 12, 1997, when the rookie sensation scored 37 points against Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
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However, with Jordan’s dominance, the Bulls won the game 108-104. Throughout his career, young Iverson averaged 29.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds against Jordan.
Also Read: Dominique Wilkins Claims Playing Against Michael Jordan Was Like Facing Someone “Possessed”.
