Earlier this week, the NBA community celebrated another anniversary of the crossover Allen Iverson made over Michael Jordan during his rookie season in one of the coldest moves somebody did on the Chicago Bulls legend.
24 years ago today, rookie Allen Iverson hit Michael Jordan with one of the most iconic crossovers ever. https://t.co/tpDBiiwTKt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 12, 2021
That play showed how daring and bold AI was, as he went against one of the best defenders in the league, during his best days and made him look bad. MJ addressed that play when one camper asked him about it. Jordan said that he wouldn’t try to play a 1-on-1 game with Iverson but he broke down how things would have gone for them if they went at it.
“That was a great move. I’m never the type of guy that says, I can’t get shown up. I just try to limit those opportunities. So I’m gonna try to make it a 1-on-1 between Allen Iverson and myself…“He could beat me on the perimeter, but I could take him in the post. He’s a heck of a good player. He’s a young talent. He is gonna continue to get better once he learns how to play the game on a much higher scale. Right now, he’s doing a lot on physical ability. He’s good, he’s quick. That’s a challenge for me to go out to him and his stature. He’s so quick and small. But it’s a challenge I won’t back away.”
24 years ago, Iverson made his infamous crossover on MJ. Here’s what MJ had to say about it when asked by a camper 🗣🗣🗣
— Jumpman History (@HistoryJumpman) March 12, 2021
MJ never backed down from a challenge and this was another proof of that. He faced some big players during his career and that never scared him; that motivated him to give his best and he was ready to go at it with AI after this play.
His competitiveness is something unmatched and Jordan confirmed that day in and day out. He’s widely considered the GOAT for that and with every story we hear about him, it’s hard to think the opposite about His Airness.
