With every Answer there's a Problem
If I said the name Allen Iverson what would your first thought be? practice I assume. That interview has shaped the way many young NBA fans remember aruguably the greatest "little man" to ever play the game. Through the end of his NBA career the media painted Allen Iverson as a selfish, more about himself than the team ball stopping gunner. Allen Iverson problems and characteristics now have been thrown on another: Carmelo Anthony.
In order to realize how history is repeating itself, you must understand both players. Both are prolific scorers, both fan favorites, both considered saviors to a franchise, and both believed by many that their styles would never win a championship. You may ask why the comparison between these two? It comes down to the love both received from the people. Every player has fans but guys like Iverson and Carmelo give off a different aura. The comparison also involve their isolation game, both even had braids, and leading to the way the media have and will ruin their image.
Growing up there was Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan , Shaq O'neal, and Allen Iverson. I'm here to tell you no one was more loved in his prime than Allen Iverson he was a inner city icon. Allen Iverson was the people's champ the smallest player on the court, all heart, deadly cross over and a jumper you had to respect. Many players are either quick or fast. Iverson was both, people paid to see Allen Iverson light it up and thats exactly what he did for the good of the team and the bad.
Even though Iverson reputation paints him only as selfish gunner the facts are he played with 120 percent every game and was always league leader in steals. The people's champ help to bring life to the Philadelphia 76ers for 10 years electrifying the city but never bringing a championship which leads to the problem. Iverson only made the NBA finals once with a team he literally put on his back but unfortunately he ran into the Lakers on their way to a back to back championship season. Iverson was so loved, Kobe Bryant who is from Philly, was booed for years following that season.
Iverson was a top 5 player in the league; even his sneakers where popular only behind Jordans in popularity. Through all the success he was blamed by the media and coaches because his style never won a championship. Iverson's will to win and playing style held him back from ever becoming a better team mate thus ruining his legacy.
Iverson's Career Achievements:
- 1996 Rookie of the year
- 2000 MVP
- 24,020 Career points, 5522 Assists, 1965 Steals
- Four time scoring champion
- 27.0 ppg over 13 full seasons
- Three time steals leader
- Ten time NBA All-Star
- Two time NBA All-Star MVP
- Led the NBA in scoring four times as a Sixer, becoming one of only four players in league history to capture four-plus scoring titles.
The sad truth is Carmelo Anthony is no Allen Iverson, even though coming out he had the potential to be much greater player. Carmelo helped turn around a terrible franchise in Denver, leading them to the playoffs his first season. Carmelo, like Allen Iverson, became a inner-city favorite instantly. He was one of the players that people gravitated to automatically. We fell in love with his one on one game, how he could score from anywhere on the court, all the flashy plays, but the older we become and more times Carmelo gets eliminated in the first round we ask ourselves many question, can you win with Carmelo and is Iso game, will he ever evolve into a better overall player?
Iverson was one of the greatest players in NBA history even though he isn't remembered as that. Carmelo unfortunately has less achievements that Allen Iverson so how will he be remembered? The New York Knicks thought they found their home hero even though he's from Baltimore. Now, many are asking is he the right person to lead the team to a championship? Like Iverson, Carmelo has developed too much of the blame, but not once has Carmelo been on a real contender.
However his style of play and lack of evolution as a player might be the reason the teams never progressed. In the end Iverson and Carmelo are their own worst ememy. Iverson missed his chance. Will Carmelo follow and if the great Allen Iverson image can be scaled, what will we make of Carmelo? Every team needs a superstar but key to a championship is the right superstar.
Carmelo Anthony:
NBA awards and accomplishments
- 4-time All-NBA selection:
- Second team: 2010
- Third team: 2006, 2007, 2009
- 5-time NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Rookie selection
- First team: 2004
- Bronze medal with Team USA, 2004 Summer Olympic Games
- Bronze medal with Team USA, 2006 FIBA World Championship
- Gold medal with Team USA, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship
- Gold medal with Team USA,
By Phillip "Stats" Rodney
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