Allen Iverson has had a huge impact on the NBA. Apart from being a huge reason behind the inclusion of the hip-hop culture among the players, the undersized guard truly revolutionized the role of a point guard.
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Regarded as one of the best ball handlers the game of basketball has ever seen, the Philly legend put even the best defenders on skates. Using his innovative handles, AI had a huge advantage as a score-first player.
Despite being merely 6-foot tall and competing against some of the game’s most dominant big men, Iverson had quite a successful career. Over the span of 14 years, the HOFer got selected to 11 All-Star Games & 7 All-NBA teams. He even won 4 scoring titles, 3 steal championships, the 1997 Rookie of the Year, and the 2001 Most Valuable Player honors. However, the only accolade missing from his near-perfect trophy cabinet is the coveted NBA championship.
Also Read: Gilbert Arenas Details How Allen Iverson’s “Vices” Were Keys to His Success
Gilbert Arenas named Allen Iverson as the greatest NBA player ever without a ring
The lack of an NBA title has always haunted him. People have kept the combo guard out of their top 20 lists because of the same.
However, Iverson is often the top pick to be named when talking about the greatest ringless player. Recently, Gilbert Arenas was the latest NBA personality to do so.
In an interview with VladTV, Agent 0 agreed that AI was in fact the greatest player without a ring.
“As far as an individual, he would be probably the greatest (player ever without a ring).”
Further, the former Wizards star lauded the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team member for being so accomplished despite having a size disadvantage.
“It just shows you how dominant… but that just shows you how hard this man played. You gotta remember, if you want to know how good Allen Iverson is look at the team he took to the championships. That’s says it all. If you wanna know how great he was, look at that team.”
Other greats to never win a ring
While AI might be the most popular ringless athlete, there are many other all-time greats who too haven’t lifted the NBA Championship.
The likes of Barkley, Malone, Ewing, and Reggie Miller all reached the NBA Finals, but failed to clinch the series. Whereas, Steve Nash and Vince Carter are a few examples who never even won a conference title.
Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Chris Paul are a few active players & probable future HOFers, who are still on their quests to win the desired title.
Also Read: Gilbert Arenas Praises AI, Says He Had ‘White Boy’ Energy, but ‘Black Man’ Skill
