Underappreciated: Why Allen Iverson's Fingerprints Remain All Over the NBA
As we enter a new year, there are a few stars from the 1990s who are still making an impact in the NBA. Shaquille O'Neal, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan are still chugging along. However, there is one name that is missing from list that sticks out more than the rest: Allen Iverson.
An amazing scorer for his small stature, unique street skills that set him apart from others, a huge heart that couldn't be matched by anyone and a drive to prove all his doubters wrong took him to the top of the NBA in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Those qualities lead to him being an NBA MVP, four-time Scoring Champion, and an All-Star, in which he won the MVP twice.
But what if I told you his biggest impact had nothing to do with any of those things?
Iverson's biggest impact is seen on the court on a nightly basis in different ways, other than his shooting or his toughness.
Children all around the world began to pick up his patented crossover dribble and use it in their pick up games, adding a level of excitement and fun for those who couldn't live above the rim like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins and others before him.
His crossover on Jordan was the launching pad into super-stardom for Iverson, and he never looked back from there. Now, guys like Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Derrick Rose have incorporated the crossover into their games. But that flash in today's game wouldn't be there if it weren't for Iverson.
Also, Iverson bought the cornrows/braids into the NBA. Sure, we had the afros of the '70s, the box fades of the '80s and the bald look of the early '90s, but when Iverson showed up in the NBA with the cornrows that had yet to be seen in the game, it led to a movement of players experimenting with the hairstyle.
Guys like Latrell Sprewell, Richard 'Rip' Hamilton and Carmelo Anthony made the cornrows a part of their look as well, but that look started with Iverson.
A subtle nuance that started with Allen Iverson is the arm sleeve. Trying to get back into the game early after injury, Iverson donned an arm-sleeve that soon became as much a part of his game as the crossover and the cornrows.
Other players began to wear the arm sleeve, more as an accessory than as a means of protecting an injury. Players such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard have worn the sleeve as an injury protector or accessory. But none may have worn it had it not been for "The Answer."
The biggest impact Iverson has bought to the NBA has been the tattoos that adorn his body. Inked up from head to toe with symbols and words that define him and his family, Iverson made a statement that he wasn't concerned about how he would be viewed, and it lead to a huge number of players doing the same. His whole body would soon serve as his canvas.
Players such as Chris Andersen, J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin have followed in Iverson's footsteps and have expressed themselves on their skin.
Whether age, injury or attitude has Iverson out of the league right now and probably for good is up for debate, but what isn't for debate is that Iverson's impact on the NBA will be felt long after his time on the court is done.
