Allen Iverson was one of the most talented players in NBA history. The Answer made an instant impact as soon as he landed in the association as the No. 1 overall pick in the iconic 1996 NBA draft.
He became the heart and soul of the Philadelphia 76ers for many years until things started to go wrong. The combo guard had an issue with practice and had to deal with a lot of things during his active days that hurt him. Fortunately, AI always had the support of his head coach, Larry Brown, although he couldn’t see how important that was for him at the time.
During a recent conversation with Geto Boys Reloaded, the 2001 NBA MVP discussed a variety of topics, including the impact that Brown had not only on his career but his life. Iverson learned the lesson a little later, but he did it and hasn’t stopped thanking Larry for his help.
They didn’t have the same mindset and life approach, which was an issue as soon as they met. Iverson explains that coming from two different backgrounds, it was hard to connect for them, but making it clear they are on excellent terms right now (55:20).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfzd1S0oCbk
“He just didn’t understand. I am a hip-hop dude. We are from two different parts of the world. He was trying to make me become who I am now. That is what he was doing. That is my motherf**ing man, that is my man, and I love him to death.”
AI also said that their situation didn’t change until years later when he started taking Brown’s advice and looking at them differently. He just tried to help the player and not attack him.
“The change came in 2000, and I thought he was criticizing me, and I couldn’t accept constructive criticism. When I started to realize he loved me and what what is best for me and the team, that is when I turned from Allen Iverson a good basketball player, to a Hall-of-Famer.”
Iverson’s career was full of controversy, especially with the league and then-commissioner David Stern, who allegedly didn’t like the image Iverson gave to his league. Still, even when the world was against him, Allen had the support of his head coach, who became a close friend of him during and after their time together. Unfortunately, they could never win a championship together but did create a terrific relationship that lasts to this day.
