AI is always smiling when MJ name came up... And as he said in his hall of Fame acceptance speech (he is my idol he is my hero) such a great respect from a basketball icon
His expression of love for MJ feels so genuine and sincere. Respect. Allen Iverson is one of the most talented NBA basketball 🏀 players ever. Mad respect
AI -"I was telling Michael how much I loved him, how much he meant to my life and how much he meant to my career." MJ to AI-"You don't love me that much. You wouldn't have crossed me like that" LOL!
@@chhansen9813 he is not broke check the Reebok contract and the $50 million that was put aside that he can t touch until 50 or so. Stop,listening to the street committee.
@@bpowe52 no flippin' hit, CLOWN! He broke without that, and broke til he gets that! That's what happens when you have 50 ppl freeloading off ya all the time!
Yeah because a few years back he was talking a little strange, it's hard to explain, like stuttering quite a bit . But here he sounds clear and alert again. Probably eased up off the drink
Love the amount of respect AI has, not just for MJ, but the sport and others too. He was one of the greats but is so down to Earth and humble. Really great to see.
Bird used to talk smack to MJ when he was young too lol. There's a story (not sure if true); before a game between the NBA Stars and the '84 Olympic team (summer of 1984 before MJ even played in the NBA), both teams were doing their drills and whatever on their side of the court before the game. Apparently a ball from the Olympic team end rolled over to the All Star team end and MJ went to get it. The ball ended up rolling to Larry Bird's feet. MJ stuck out his hand for Bird to give him the ball back but instead of doing that Bird shot the ball over MJ's head lol. He knew MJ was going to be a problem in the league so tried to gain a little mental edge from the get go
MJ called Bird a b*** - after Bird had retired from playing. When he was a coach. Prime Bird's Celtics owned Jordan's Bulls- and it was Bird doing the trash talking.
@@stuartperry1047 makes sense since jordan was a rookie and wasn't in his prime yet when bird was kicking his ass. Michael started kicking ass in 1991 when bird was getting old and was having back problems since 1985 i think. bird was kicking micheal''s ass while having back problems lol.
If Mj called Bird a bit ***h and Iverson he respected a d liked their game and meant it for sure big ups to them both that's what's up coming from Jordan.
I feel you. I saw Mike at a bar in Santa Barbara during Fiesta week. Hundreds of people around him. I felt like the sick woman who wanted to only touch Jesus outfit and she knew she'd be cool. I only saw the man through the window from the sidewalk. I was on cloud 9 that evening.
@@garfieldheathcliffe5535 My experience was a bit more intimate.There was this kid who aged faster than he should named Petey. My mom babysat him. Jordan came to see him as a "Make a Wish" thing. My mom couldn't care less who Jordan was but me and Petey did.
I'm ALMOST speechless! That was truly a great tribute to MJ, and it was sweetened by the fact that A I experienced that same adulation from his fans! Such humility is refreshing to see.
I officiated basketball 15 years and let me tell you more kids wore the number 3 than any other player Allen Iverson was the most liked and admired player EVER believe me I witnessed it.
@@Star-kp8oc You are absolutely right. Kobe like MJ and AI showed no fear and I like all 3. My bad I got caught up the moment of the picture and story behind those two.
The way he talks about Jordan is exactly how I feel about MJ. As a kid with a hard life from Chicago he is the only person I idolize. Thank you MJ for sharing your greatness with the world. ❤
All I can say is much respect to Allen Iverson. He never let that time he broke MJ's ankles get to his head. It was clear that he wants to see if Jordan has a weakness on defense. Other players might brag about something like that. But he didn't. He was like a second little brother for Jordan I guess.
The two most UNGUARDABLE people in basketball i watched on tv live when Iverson crossed Jordan I was like wtf just happen LOL was amazing to watch and to grow up watching basketball from 1982 on
I respect people like Iverson, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, they were not lucky enough to win a single cup. But they will still go down in basketball history as the greatest athletes in the world!
Add Barkley to that mix and Reggie Miller bc they are also great players that never one a title but Iverson did lead the 76 era to the final but never won also Wilt also never one a title I think.
i don't think that's true. he practices a lot. it was just that one time where the reporters asked him why he wasn't in practice, AI blew up because he was grieving for a friend that passed away. that's why AI was asking "really? you're going to talk about practice?".. that whole situation got blown out of proportion
I'm thinking, Kobe felt the same admiration for M.J. Even early in his career. You could see it in his play on the court. Especially when shooting Free Throws. And Mike loved him so much. He broke out in tears at his funeral. Both of these guys are ( were ) his little brothers. Priceless!!!
Both guys keeping it real ....... trash talk is a part of the game ... and they gave it to each other. To acknowledge someone with trash talk was th way you showed your respect for their game ....................legends
Such a humble person. I mean he is like that with everyone from Jordan to the young guys that revere him. Every time you see him interacting with these young cats he is the one that’s telling them how great they are and how impressed he is with them.
Man, ive seen nearly every interview this guy has done. Ive seen all the games. All the scrimmages. The pickup highlights. Seen AI cross people on the concrete with a football. Seen him killing it like a 5 star QB recruit in high school. Never, nowhere close, have I seen Allen with such a genuine and loving smile as that hug with MJ. Just awesome.
That dude is pure class and so down to earth. I was posted overseas for most of his career and I’m sorry I didn’t get to experience his play during that time.
This is one of my favorite relationships in sports. It reminds me of a time long gone. Our mentors were tough on us. Some may call it toxic, but I appreciated the hazing.
Love AI. At his size, to play like the giant he was, is uncanny. People like to compare Isiah Thomas and AI and I don't even think it's close. Thomas was great but AI was something else.
AI is the reason I started playing. So grateful for that. Haven't played in years in any sort of serious way but playing ball taught me so many great life lessons and that always has meant a lot to me. Hope I get to shake this legends hand and thank him some day!
Wow, what a class act. And what a testimony to & about his friend. Amazing.... So cool, AI. So cool, big dog! You're one of the greatest ever too, my friend. NO DOUBT!
AI said what many of us have said for years. He crossed Jordan twice and Jordan almost blocked it. He’s done much worse to other defenders. Antonio Daniels and Jacque Vaughn off the top of my head.
Best compliment I've ever heard an all time great pay to another (in any sport) was Kobe talking about AI. “We’re all fortunate that Allen Iverson isn't 6 foot 5, otherwise it would have been over for the league. Pack up and goodbye.” Not for nothing, he was right. EDIT: Upon further review, it's the 2nd best. Bird saying it was God dressed like Michael Jordan is hard to top.
Ai was no joke and to show that level of respect speaks volumes to Ai's greatness also. MJ will always be the GOAT, never question that, but much respect for AI on this.
This is a great story. Mike will remember and HATE that crossover until he dies. He and Kobe are the most competitive people I have seen play the game. They are like my German Shepherds, they are ON 24\7. I cannot get them to stand down. Ever!!! I loved watching Iverson play, too. Mike and Kobe stand tall like that.
Do you see the common denominator?....Jordan respects, connects and loves all the players that have the heart of lion and determination...this why he hasn't reach out to some lol
Jesus Jesus Jesus! The Lord is Wonderful! Brother Allen Iverson, WE LOVE ALL OF THE JOY THAT GOD HAS USE YOU TO BRING TO THE GAME OF WE PRAY 🙏 THAT ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SIR!
If it was a younger MJ, he crossed him yeah but AI's shot would've been blocked. Defense was still up there. Just played the footage all over again and saw, MJ almost got him. The crossover didn't shook Mike. He recovered and went for the block. Lesser players would've have been in skates or can't gather themselves to adjust. MJ is the GOAT.
True that, MJ VERY NEARLY BLOCKED AI's shot after the crossover. So glad to see AI in the NBA top 75. I'm glad to see the love that MJ and AI show to each other. BUT... MJ is the GOAT of the NBA .
Man I might not of made it to the league but I pickup a basketball because of Allen Iverson my favourite player of all time made me believe in myself ❤❤
Mad respect for one of the greats..so humble and down to earth..not a hint of attitude..unless of course you were playing against him..AI let's his play on the court do the talkin for him, then leaves it on the court, just like his hero MJ. Two class acts for sure!!
AI along with the Big O and Earl The Pearl are my all time favorite players. I saw AI for the first time playing at a summer league at Georgetown University and could believe how amazing he was as a player/athlete.
Allen is one of the greatest players, that shared his brilliance. I love to watch clips of him. Sheer talent! The respect he holds to MJ is honorable. Hats off to you young man. Much love and respect ✊
