When talking about basketball’s greatest “killers,” you’d be mistaken not to include Allen Iverson. The dude was an assassin every time he stepped foot on the court, often willing his teams to victory night in and night out.
Today, on August 24th, the Sixers legend shared a letter he dedicated to his friend, Kobe Bean Bryant following the tragic death of he and his daughter, Gianna.
As two guys who understood the value of passion, dedication, and hard work, it’s easy to see why Iverson had so much respect for Bryant. In the first few paragraphs of the letter, A.I. reveals the moment he knew Kobe was special…
The first time I saw you going up against Black Jesus, when you were 18 years old, I knew you were a killer. That’s when I realized you were going to be a legend in this game. You were going hard at Mike that night. No fear whatsoever. I mean, I knew from passing you in traffic over the years that you were a dog. But when I saw you going at Black Jesus like that?
That’s when I knew you were a kindred spirit.
We might have grown up in different circumstances, but when I saw you on the court, and how hard you were going, I knew we were raised with the same mentality. I wasn’t tall — but in my mind, I was going to be a giant out there every single night. You were 6′ 6″, and could’ve scored in your sleep. But that wasn’t enough. You were trying to be the best that ever did it.
He describes how they brought out the best in each other.
You were the toughest man that I’ve ever seen in this game. The most cold-blooded serial killer I’ve ever seen. The fiercest competitor I’ve ever seen. I remember hearing the story that you were on the road, and you were watching the highlights of me dropping 35 on the Knicks at the Garden our rookie year, and you got so mad that you smashed up the hotel room and you started researching me like you were in the CIA. “GET ME THE FILE ON A.I.” — I bet it was like that. Studying how great white sharks hunt down seals in the Pacific Ocean and whatnot.
What I love about that story is, it’s the truth. That was just our relationship. Two dudes pushing each other to greatness. The next time you came through Philly, you were ALL up in my sh*t. There was no half-stepping you. Every first step, I had to go 100. You’re 6′ 6″, and it was like you wanted to guard me. You wanted the challenge. You wanted to show me that you were the baddest motherf***er to ever play the game.
Iverson and Bryant experienced the league together and their heart for the game (and for greatness) is what linked them. To Iverson, Kobe’s toughness and competitive spirit is part of the reason why he has him second on the NBA’s All-Time list.
Any time anybody asks me, “Who’s the greatest of all-time?”
I’m not going to bullsh*t you. M.J. is always Number 1. I know you’d say the same. Black Jesus, that’s the G.O.A.T.
But Number 2?
Number 2, I’m always going to say it’s Kobe Bryant.
Nobody was tougher than you. Nobody got more out of me. We’re linked forever in this game — in this life.
Towards the end of his letter, Iverson wrote about how Kobe’s long-lasting legacy and how even though he’s gone, his name will live on forever.
You’re not here on this earth anymore, but you’re not gone, either. You just say the name Kobe Bryant, and the memories come back in a split second.
I can see you pointing your finger up in the air, walking off the court after you dropped 81 on Toronto.
I can see you jumping up in the air just like MJ after you won the title.
I can see you standing there next to me at the free throw line, smiling, not even saying anything — just looking at me like, It’s on, Chuck.
Those memories aren’t going anywhere.
You can check out the full letter on the Players’ Tribune:
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) August 24, 2020
It’s a truly sad day for the NBA community, but especially for those that got the chance to know Bryant on a personal level. Iverson and Kobe seemed pretty close and it’s clear A.I. is still hurting from the loss.
Today, all of us will be remembering Kobe and the amazing legacy he left behind.
