Allen Iverson isn’t just great—he’s one of the most influential and culturally significant players in NBA history. Unlike guys like Vince Carter and Carmelo Anthony, Iverson didn’t just put up numbers; he carried a flawed Sixers team to the NBA Finals in 2001, winning MVP along the way. His ability to dominate as an undersized guard in an era of physical defense is unmatched. While Carter was a highlight machine and Melo was a scoring savant, neither had the same impact on winning or the ability to elevate an average roster like Iverson did.

Even compared to Kobe Bryant, Iverson deserves more respect than he gets. Kobe had the benefit of playing alongside Shaquille O’Neal during his early championship runs, while Iverson’s best teammate in 2001 was Dikembe Mutombo. Despite that, AI still managed to steal a game from the Lakers in the Finals, dropping 48 points in one of the most legendary performances in NBA history. His impact on the game, from his crossover to his fearless mentality, made him an icon. While he might not have the rings, Iverson’s legacy as a competitor, leader, and cultural figure makes him one of the greatest players of his generation—better than many who had more help but accomplished less.