Depending on who you ask, Allen Iverson is one of the most iconic players to ever handle a basketball. The man turned 45-years-old this weekend and, in doing so, he celebrates an important milestone on his path to getting a major payday from Reebok.
According to Darren Rovell of The Action Network, Allen Iverson signed a historic deal with Reebok that guaranteed him a huge sum of money when he turns 55. That deal was worth $32 million and he's officially only 10 years away from cashing in that check.
The ink dried in 2001, which was the year Iverson won the NBA MVP award and led his team to the NBA Finals.
Reebok already pays the retired hooper just under $1 million as an annual salary, so he'll be pretty comfortable until 2030 when he will become $32 million richer.
AI celebrated his birthday with a post on social media.
"Thank God, I’m blessed to be here right now," he said. "I thank the ppl that helped me and love me for me. U know who u are!!! Ima keep Pushin. All the ppl that love me, I love y’all back. Thanks for all the birthday wishes!!!"
Happy birthday, AI! You're one step closer to getting the bag.
Allen Iverson Reveals The First 5 Words Michael Jordan Said To Him
Michael Jordan always used to come through with some dope
When Allen Iverson first entered the NBA, he was coming in at a time where Michael Jordan was dominating with the Chicago Bulls and was well on his way to winning a second three-peat. Despite this Iverson wasn't scared of Jordan and knew he could play some solid offense on him. In fact, there is a stat that Iverson was the only player to ever outscore Jordan in terms of average points, throughout their respective matchups. Jordan clearly recognized the talent in Iverson and when they first played each other, MJ made sure to have some harsh words.
In a recent clip from an old interview posted by Complex Sports, Iverson reveals the first five words MJ ever told him. As he explains, the GOAT said “What’s up you little b*tch?”
Jordan loved to intimidate opponents like that and most of the time, it worked quite well. However, when it comes to Iverson, it's clear that the 76ers legend knew exactly how to handle the spotlight.
Thanks to "The Last Dance," we have gotten a whole new perspective on MJ and the docuseries is making us excited for similar features in the future.
Let us know what you think of the documentary, in the comments below.
Dwyane Wade Names His Top 5 NBA Players Ever
Dwyane Wade recently gave his personal all-time list of top 5 NBA players.
Debating who the greatest athletes of all time are, in any sport, is a tall task. At the end of the day, a lot of this comes down to subjective opinion and who you grew up watching. Basketball is a particularly interesting sport to debate because there have been so many superstars throughout the various different eras. Everyone will give you a different top-five and that's what makes the sport so special to so many.
Recently, Dwyane Wade was doing an AMA with Bleacher Report where he was asked a plethora of questions by fans. At one point, Wade was asked to give his top five players of all time and in the end, he gave a fairly wide range. Wade started out with Michael Jordan and added former teammates LeBron James and Shaq, while also giving shoutouts to Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
Based on the names given, it's clear Wade decided to go with his favorites as opposed to who he thinks is truly the best. The man still has plenty of relationships to maintain around the league and as a former player, you never want to ruffle any feathers with these debates that tend to hurt egos.
Let us know in the comments below what you thought of Wade's list and who you would put in your own top five.
Allen Iverson’s Reebok Question “Black Toe” Release Revealed
Allen Iverson’s Reebok Question Mid slated to return next week in a brand new “Black Toe” colorway.
Allen Iverson’s first Reebok signature sneaker, the Reebok Question, will be returning to select retailers next week in a crispy “Black Toe” colorway. In classic Reebok Question fashion, A.I’s kicks come equipped with a pristine, white tumbled leather construction with black detailing and regal, gold accents on all of the Reebok branding.
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This white-based “Black Toe” colorway (priced at $140) is much more in line with the original Reebok Questions that debuted in the late ’90s, rather than some recent retros like the red “Heart Over Hype” colorway or the hairy, grey suede “Year of the Rat” joint. If you’re feeling the classic look of this Reebok Question, look for them to hit retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods at 10am ET on Friday, March 13th.
Scroll down for a detailed look at the “Black Toe” Reebok Questions, and click here to preview the Top 10 sneakers releasing in March.
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Allen Iverson’s Reebok Answer V Honors High School With New Colorway
Allen Iverson’s signature line is still going strong.
Allen Iverson remains one of the most iconic basketball players of all-time and his signature sneaker line with Reebok continues to be highly-regarded amongst sneakerheads. The Question and Answer ranges have been immensely popular and over the last few months, we have been receiving new colorways of the Reebok Answer V. One of the latest colorways to be revealed brings Iverson back to his high school days at Bethel High.
As you can see in the images below, this is an alternate colorway that matches his school’s uniform, perfectly. The upper is covered in black suede while yellow and green highlights maker their ray throughout. “I3” branding can be found on the side panels as well as the toe strap. Overall, it’s the Reebok Answer V we all know and love, with some history thrown into the mix. If you go to Bethel High or you’re a big fan of Iverson, these are definitely worth checking out.
According to Sole Collector, they will be dropping on Friday, February 28th for $140 USD. Let us know in the comments below what you think and whether or not you plan on copping.
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Stephen A Smith Channels A.I. In Preview Of All Star Celeb Game
Stephen A. Smith is ready to take it to Michael Wilbon during tonight's NBA All Star Celebrity Game.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith will be manning the sidelines tonight for the annual NBA All Star Celebrity Game, although it looks like he is prepared to lace 'em up if need be. Smith, who will be coaching one team opposite fellow ESPN host Michael Wilbon, took to twitter on Friday afternoon to share a sneak preview of what he expects to happen out on the floor.
The 2020 NBA All Star Celebrity Game will take place on tonight, February 14 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. You can catch all of the action on ESPN starting at 7pm ET.
Smith's squad, captained by Chance The Rapper, consists of former Celebrity Game MVP Quavo, as well as A'ja Wilson and Darius Miles. Others on SAS's roster include Taylor Bennett, actor LaRoyce Hawkins, Anthony "Spice" Adams, Ronnie 2K, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, gymnast Katelyn Ohashi, and Lil Rel Howery.
Wilbon's team will be captained by Common, and includes ex-Celebrity Game MVP Famous Los, Bad Bunny, Chelsea Gray, Quentin Richardson, Hannibal Buress, Kane Brown, Jon Batiste, Jidenna, Saturday Night Live comedian Alex Moffat and Chef Jose Andres.
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Zion Williamson Reacts To The Historic Start Of His NBA Career
Zion joins some elite company following his 31-point performance in NOLA.
Basketball fans had to wait a little longer than expected to see Zion Williamson out on the court, but the New Orleans Pelicans No. 1 pick has not disappointed thus far. In just his ninth career game on Tuesday night, Williamson went off for a career-high 31 points, nine rebounds and five assists in just 28 minutes of action. The only other 19-year olds in NBA history to post such a stat line? LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Luka Doncic.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Williamson is the first rookie since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77 to post a 30-point, five-rebound, five-assist game in fewer than 30 minutes. Furthermore, Williamson is just the third player with seven 20-point games in his first 10 career games over the past 30 seasons, joining Hall of Famers Grant Hill and Shaquille O'Neal.
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Following Tuesday's 138-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the 19-year old phenom admitted that not even he envisioned this kind of start to his NBA career.
"I expect to make an impact, but I don't expect to do nothing like this," Williamson said after the win, per ESPN. "Just kinda look to come in, kinda fit, not try to mess up. My teammates and coaches are always pushing me, like be outside the box."
As a result of their third straight W, the Pelicans improved to 23-31 on the season which puts them just 4.5 games back of the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies heading into the All Star break. Check out some highlights from Zion's 31-point performance below.
Allen Iverson’s Reebok Answer V Receives Colorful BBC Ice Cream Makeover
BBC Ice Cream x Reebok Answer V on tap for All Star weekend.
Reebok and BBC Ice Cream have partnered up to give Allen Iverson’s Reebok Answer V a gaudy makeover in celebration of the NBA’s All Star weekend. The collaborative kicks also tie in nicely to Valentine’s Day holiday with it’s pink suede upper and bright red detailing.
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In addition to the combination of pink and red throughout the silhouette, the BBC Ice Cream x Reebok Answer V is highlighted by a yellow sock liner and BBC branded insoles, as well as the BBC logo in place of the familiar ‘I3’ emblem, and gum detailing on the outsole.
The kicks, priced at $180, will be available on Sunday, February 16th Reebok.com. Check out the official images below and click here to preview the Top 10 sneakers dropping in February.
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Allen Iverson’s $500K Worth Of Jewelry Returned After Thief Turns Himself In To Police
The suspect confessed to the crime.
Just over 24 hours since former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson reportedly had a half a million dollars worth of jewelry taken from him, a suspect is in custody. It was reported by multiple news outlets that Iverson was the victim of a high-priced theft after someone described as being an early twenties, tall, thin-built man walked off with Iverson's backpack that was filled with his jewelry.
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A friend of Iverson's reportedly left the bag sitting in a chair inside of the lobby of the Sofitel Hotel. Surveillance footage shows someone walking up to the chair before he grabs the bag and calmly walks out. Philadelphia's ABC 6 Action News reports that the thief, 21-year-old Christopher Daniel, turned himself in to police on Tuesday. An image taken from a surveillance video circulated quickly through social media so it appears and Daniel decided to surrender himself and spare the further embarrassment of an online frenzy.
Daniel reportedly confessed to the police that he did, indeed, steal the bag of bling and reportedly returned all of the items. Although his specific charges have yet to be shared, Daniel will be facing a number of theft charges. Iverson is said to have been at the hotel at the time of the theft, however, he wasn't in the lobby area.
Allen Iverson Has $500K Worth Of Jewelry Stolen From Hotel: Report
Allen Iverson had half a million dollars in jewelry stolen from him Monday morning.
In the wake of the Kobe Bryant news, Allen Iverson is having to deal with someone stealing nearly half a million dollars from him. According to ESPN and other outlets, Iverson had a backpack stolen from him this week that contained $500,000 worth of jewelry.
The incident reportedly took place Monday morning around 10:30 a.m. at the Sofitel Hotel in Philadelphia. Authorities wouldn’t identify who owned the backpack, but multiple reports say it belonged to Allen Iverson.
Police say they are looking for a black male who is approximately 20-years of age. The suspect is approximately 6-foot tall with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a dark colored jacket, red shirt, dark colored pants, and black and white sneakers.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS. Check out the local news report of suspect (below).
This report comes just hours after A.I. was dealing with the loss of his good friend Kobe Bryant. Iverson took to Instagram to share some kinds words on the Laker great, perfectly saying “we are not okay. But we will find the strength to pull through this together because that’s what Kobe would want us to do,” he wrote. See his reaction below (swipe right for full statement).