When most people hear the word ‘Basketball’, they unconsciously connect it with Michael Jordan, such was the impact of MJ on the game of basketball. He has been retired for almost 20 years and is still regarded as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT).
Since Jordan’s retirement, there have been a handful of players that can be put on the same air as ‘His Airness’ like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. However, many have forgotten how amazing of a player Allen Iverson was.
During his player time, AI was known for his amazing ball handles. To which even Jordan had no answers. Iverson was an incredible player, but could he have been the GOAT instead of MJ? Well, not in this world, because the difference between their accolades is way too much.
But what if AI was 6’6? Now, this changes everything, as per NBA analyst Max Kellerman.
“AI is one of the greatest athletes of all time,” Kellerman said on First Take. “His name doesn’t come up enough in great athlete conversations. No. 1 recruit overall in the country for football and basketball, that’s impossible to do… You know why Michael Jordan’s the GOAT because AI wasn’t 6’6. If he was 6’6 he would have been the greatest player of all time.”
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As Kellerman pointed out, AI had everything any athlete could desire. He was incredibly fast and despite his small structure; he proved to be a nightmare for opposition. If AI had the same height as MJ, there is a very big chance that he would have become the GOAT of basketball.
Because even though he wasn’t 6’6, he almost carried the Philadelphia 76ers to a championship during his prime. The only thing that could have held him back was his questionable work ethic.
There were numerous stories about Iverson being absent from practice, sometimes even before important games.
So, if AI was almost half a foot taller and had a great work ethic, fans might be debating about Allen Iverson as the GOAT of basketball.
What is your take on Kellerman’s comments? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
