Allen Iverson has been one of the game’s most unique retired stars in the way he has embraced the modern game and shown support for superstars from every era. He has never shied away from criticizing players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry and has been a great ambassador for the game, much like Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was in his early years after retirement.
One way Iverson has done this is by always acknowledging the generation after him when discussing the greatest players of all time. And in a February interview with Shaquille O’Neal, he focused almost exclusively on players younger than him.
O’Neal asked Iverson to list his five all-time starters, and the former Philadelphia 76ers star included three Lakers — O’Neal being one of them — alongside three players who played all or most of their careers after him, via The Big Podcast with Shaq:
“Steph (Curry), Kobe, Mike (Michael Jordan), LeBron (James) and Diesel (O’Neal). »
Iverson includes three Lakers – Bryant, James and O’Neal – in his all-time starting five. These are arguably three of the game’s all-time greatest players, and regulars on almost every team ever. However, as a general rule, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is favored over O’Neal.
Iverson also includes Bryant and Michael Jordan, even though the two play very similar positions. Defensively, a Jordan-Bryant duo would be a sight to behold. They are arguably the two best defensive guards of all time.
James and Curry, meanwhile, just showed how incredible they can be when they share a court together at the 2024 Olympics. They were the stars and leaders of the gold medal-winning team in Paris. And O’Neal’s dominance in the paint would make this team unscorable and nearly unstoppable.
LeBron James considers Kevin Durant the best player of all time
The Paris 2024 Olympics were a saving grace as they saw two legends, Durant and James, team up for the final time.
This Olympic run for Team USA has been significant as James, Durant and Curry have been the headliners for the team despite being in their late 30s. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still put on legendary performances as each of these three players have had their highlights along the way.
In the end, the United States was able to win another gold medal, their fifth in a row. It’s hard to give them equal credit because of the number of stars in attendance, but James gave Durant his fair sharecalling him one of the greatest players of all time.
Do you have subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive event coverage, join live broadcasts and much more!
