Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett are undoubtedly two of the greatest players in the NBA and are rightfully considered to be legends. And the two had some competition even before they set foot in the league.
An archival video of an 18-year-old Iverson playing against a 17-year-old Garnett in 1993 at the Nike Hoops Festival All-Star Game surfaced, providing a glimpse of how they fared in their formative years.
Garnett was introduced as a lanky 6’10” and played center for Mauldin High School, in South Carolina. Meanwhile, Iverson was from Bethel High School in the Hamptons, Virginia.
18-year-old Allen Iverson vs. 17-year-old Kevin Garnett.
Nike Camp (1993) pic.twitter.com/bswtsKS69p
— Hoops Nostalgia (@HoopsNostalgia) January 26, 2023
18-year-old Allen Iverson vs. 17-year-old Kevin Garnett. Nike Camp (1993)
The clip shows the center and the guard going on scoring sprees giving fans an inkling of what they were capable of in the days to come. While Iverson doubled up as SG and PG in the game, Garnett dominated at the Center position, impressing scouts with his defensive prowess.
Allen Iverson And Kevin Garnett’s Foray Into The NBA
Kevin Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft. He also became the first player to be drafted straight out of high school. In his rookie season, the ‘Big Ticket’ as he was eventually called, averaged 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
He spent a major part of his career and attained success with Minnesota before he was traded to the Boston Celtics in a 7-for-1 deal. The Timberwolves had Boston’s 2009 first-round draft pick (top 3 protected), and the 2009 first-round pick, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, and Al Jefferson along with some cash aspect.
In his decorated time with the Celtics from 2007-23, Garnett went on to win an NBA Championship and Defensive Player Of The Year.
On the other hand, Iverson had a stint in college basketball in 1994-95 playing for Georgetown and winning Rookie Of The Year. He also led Hoyas to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament that year.
His career took off when he was chosen with the 1st overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft to the Philadelphia 76ers. He became a franchise icon over the next decade averaging 27.6 points, 3.9 assists, and 6.1 rebounds. He is one of the top 10 players from the ’96 draft class with the most career points behind Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen.
Those who followed Iverson will remember his stellar 2000-2001 season when he won MVP and led his team to the NBA Finals before going down to the Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal duo in five games.
What doesn’t change though is the fact that the pair were generational superstars, and the NBA gave them a platform to showcase their skills to the world.
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