Photo Credit: Clutch Points

Allen Iverson’s Amazing Story About How Incredibly Cool Michael Jordan Is

When we think of Allen Iverson, we probably all have the same career highlights of him in mind: His cross- and stepover against Tyronn Lue in the 2001 Finals, his ‘We talking bout practice’ speech and the famous crossover of him against Michael Jordan.

This crossover still is one of the things people bring up when talking about Allen Iverson today.

This is what Iverson himself said when asked about the infamous moment:

“Still, today, little kids, five and six years old, come up to me and they don’t say, ‘Are you Allen Iverson?’ They say, ‘You’re the guy who crossed up Michael Jordan, aren’t you?’ It was a special moment in my career because that was my idol … That night, we were just in a war. When you’re in a war, as much as you love the person you’re playing against, my Philly teammates and Philly fans, I was on their side.”

 

The 76ers legend is considered one of the most groundbreaking players in NBA history. His skills, unique style, and devastating crossover–to go with his 6’0” frame–put him in the same breath with some of the all-time greats. Iverson went toe-to-toe with many of them, and never backed down from a fight. He was the one of the reasons the NBA implemented a dress code. Overall, he was one of the flashiest and coolest guys to ever play in this league. But Iverson himself says that he never was as cool as Michael Jordan. He now shared his favorite Jordan story.

At the 2003 All-Star Game, Iverson wore a Jordan throwback jersey to the arena and tried to find Jordan in the locker room to get his reaction. Iverson eventually found Jordan.. but see for yourself:

Via The Players’ Tribune:

“I go into the front of the locker room. “Any of y’all seen Mike?” Nothing.

Go into another section of the locker room. “Any of y’all seen Mike?” Nothing.

Another section. “Mike?” Nothing.

Then finally I make my way to the coaches’ office. Figure they’d have to know where the man is. Open the door…….

But there’s no coaches in there.

It’s just Mike.

It’s just Mike, and man… you wouldn’t even believe this. You wouldn’t even believe what I’m seeing. It’s Mike, and he’s got his uniform on… and he’s in one of those reclining desk chairs, leaning back in that thing like he doesn’t have a CARE in the WORLD. In the world. Got his feet kicked up like he’s on some beach! And then to top it all off?? He’s smoking one of those big-ass Mike cigars.

…. ARE YOU SERIOUS!! Man, I think I’m a cool guy. I’m alright. But Mike is the only person I ever — I mean ever — met who can be so effortless in his cool that he leaves this…. GLOW. It’s almost like I’ll remember the details about that moment and then I’ll get worked up from remembering it, just thinking about how cool that man is, you know what I’m saying?”