When you think about NBA legends who changed the game, who’s the G.O.A.T.?
Magic or Bird?
Shaq or Kobe?
The King?
How about Wilt Chamberlain? Scoring 100 points in a single came for Philadelphia? Or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revolutionizing the game with his patented, unguardable sky-hook?
Then, of course, there’s Mike.
But even Allen Iverson crossed him up.
Before A.I., there was the original A.I., and the only one we’ll ever answer too. Bubba Chuck. ‘The Answer’. Allen Ezail Iverson. Even artificial intelligence couldn’t replicate him in this modern day. But he’s the reason why you see guys like Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, and practically the whole damn league, shine.
Allen truly changed the game. The barely six-feet, buck fifty soaking wet, smallest man on the floor, who played with the biggest heart. No matter how many times he hit the deck of the hardwood. Like the Japanese proverb that gets referenced here says. If number three fell down seven times, you just know how many times he was getting up.
There have been plenty of ‘Iverson’ (Netflix) documentaries in the past. Like the ESPN ’30 For 30′, ‘No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson’. That, and more, are explored here in ‘Allen Iv3rson’. The new three-part docuseries from Amazon’s prime video. Much like they did with Diana ‘Taurasi’ earlier this summer. Or when Pau Gasol told us, ‘It’s About The Journey’.
All as Amazon, who are also showing actual NBA games this season, want fans to crossover from Netflix. Taking some shine off of the ‘Starting 5’, and the rest of the roster of hoop dreams, documentaries and movies from the world’s most successful streaming service.
Inside this NBA, it really is the golden era of basketball broadcasts, and what better way for Prime to throw their headband into the ring, than with the cornrows and tattoos of an icon who made the suits sit up and take notice?
They’re calling it “unprecedented” and “unflinching”. Allen doesn’t hold back, either. The same goes for the family and friends, who he wouldn’t be here without, as the emotions are stirred like defenders under the influence of his dribble.
The true origin story of his crossover, and who helped him handle it, is finally told, too.
Teammates and opponents also pop up. Vocally or literally. Recently, Allen Iverson appeared on Netflix’s (we should be getting paid by the reference) ‘Power Moves‘ with Shaquille O’Neal, as the new vice to his Reebok basketball president. And now, The Diesel returns the favour for The Answer. They chop it up about the legendary 2001 NBA Finals between the champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, who took Game One, and the Lake Show’s previously unbeatable record.
LA coach, Tyronn Lue, is still on the court, unable to comment.
From Georgetown days with the late, great John Thompson. To Sixer ones with the legendary Larry Brown. Being behind bars after a bowling brawl, to almost dropping some with Iverson’s infamous unreleased rap album. It’s all here. Unanimous and unfiltered.
The first pick. Rookie of the Year. MVP.
Loyalty, love, basketball, and that infamous “practice” press conference are on display for the cultural icon as well.
Now, you get to see, that the practice problem was more than just a soundbite that would go viral on socials today. Allen was really going through it after the loss of a friend.
It was more than the game.
“Not the game I go out and die for.”
Just like he was in the years of drink, depression and divorce. Not to mention, Denver, Detroit and Memphis. The only thing sweeter than his Philly reunion, kissing the mid-court circle logo, was his one with his wife Tawanna.
Iverson inspired a generation. His influence was just that great. ‘Allen Iv3rson’ is a holy trinity of work from a basketball God.
