Allen Iverson to be Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Next Week: How 'The Answer' Lived Up to His Nickname in the NBA
Former Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson is being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next week. The 41-year-old retired basketball star, otherwise known as "The Answer," had a unique journey to greatness in the NBA.
Iverson's Rise to Fame
Iverson played for two seasons at Georgetown University before he was selected first overall by the Sixers in the 1996 NBA draft. Per Antwon Smith, the six-foot guard immediately made an impact as he was the shortest first overall pick in the history of the league.
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The 11-time NBA All-Star won the 1997 NBA Rookie of the Year award, but he was less popular in the league until he executed "The Crossover" on March 12, 1997. The signature move has been coined by most fans and sports analysts as one of the most iconic moments in the history of the league.
On that night, Iverson and the Sixers played against the Chicago Bulls, who were headed by his idol Michael Jordan. The crowd exploded after he successfully crossed over Jordan and made the 20-foot jumper. The Sixers lost in the game but Iverson recorded his then career-high of 37 points and defined the game with his unforgettable move.
Changing the Culture of the NBA
According to Deasia Paige of Hoops Habit, "The Crossover" made Iverson justified his nickname "The Answer." She said that 2001NBA MVP successfully figured out a solution to the dominance of elite teams and taller players.
Paige also added that "The Crossover" did not only represent Iverson's skills but also the cultural significance to the game of basketball. She said that the signature move symbolized a new culture that was initiated by an NBA player who sports cornrows and wears tattoos.
Adam Reisinger of ABC News wrote that Iverson's style has been frequently credited as the reason why the NBA introduced a dress code. He added that the retired basketball superstar, who symbolized the trendy hip-hop culture of the 90's, encouraged players throughout the years to dress in their own unique ways.
Hall of Famer
Almost 20 years later after he showcased "The Crossover," Iverson will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 10 at Uncasville, Connecticut. He expressed in a press conference that he will dedicate his award to everyone who helped and stayed with him throughout the ups and downs of his imperfect basketball career.
Aside from Iverson, Shaquille O'Neal (Boston Celtics), Zelmo Beaty (Atlanta Hawks) and Yao Ming (Houston Rockets) are also parts of the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The Hall of Fame Enshrinement will run from Sept. 8-10. For tickets, you may visit the event's official website.
