Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.
Many of us here at The Hoop Doctors are diehard fans of “The Answer” Allen Iverson. In my mind he is pound-for-pound, one of the best players in NBA history, and is quite possibly the best player 6’0 and under this league has ever seen(with all due respect to Nate “Tiny” Archibald). In this generation, their has never been a player who wore their heart on their sleave, whether good or bad, like Iverson. Once he finally decides to hang it up, Allen will undoubtedly be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer as the Sixers will surely make sure that no other player ever wears his signature #3 jersey again. Now that he has just retired un-retired and gone back to Philadelphia where it all started, what better time to honor the original A.I., Allen Iverson with his very own multi-part Player Rewind Series, featuring some hidden gems caught on video showcasing “The Answer’s” biggest and best moments in his HS, NCAA, and NBA career.
Part Six – Killer Crossover Victims
One single move is synonymous with Allen Iverson when discussing his offensive prowess: The Crossover Dribble. Many feel that the NBA changed their interpretation of the palming and carry violations in the late 90’s directly because of A.I.’s unstoppable crossover dribble move. A player knows that he is one of the league’s all time dynamic players when the NBA alters rules specifically because of one player( a la Wilt Chamberlain). While Tim Hardaway may have possessed a similar move, Iverson’s was undoubtedly more difficult to defend because of his lightning quick speed and first step which enabled Iverson to get past his defender with ease. Around the league, the move has become legendary since many of the game’s greats have succumbed to Iverson’s signature move.
Check out a sampling of some of A.I.’s best victims:
Iverson vs Steve Nash(’96 Rookie Year)
Allen Iverson Crosses Michael Jordan(’97)
Iverson vs Jacques Vaughn(’05)
Iverson Breaks Gilbert Arenas Ankles(’06)
