Gilbert Arenas on Allen Iverson changing the dapper guideline for NBA: “You’ve seen f**kers with robes & pajama pants”
NBA legend Allen Iverson was one of the most unique superstars the game of basketball has ever seen. He's been considered by his peers as, pound-for-pound, one of the greatest talents in league history.
After becoming the first selection in the 1996 draft, Iverson came into the league with lofty expectations. Iverson went on to become a league-wide phenomenon after winning Rookie of the Year.
At 6-foot, 165 pounds, Iverson was often physically limited compared to his opponents. That didn't stop the talented guard, who was one of the most competitive players the league had seen. Iverson carried himself with confidence on and off the court.
He became well known for his style. Iverson was one of the first players to don a shooting sleeve. He would also show up to games in hip-hop styled clothes. Eventually, the NBA implemented a dress code for players.
Recently on "Vlad TV," Gilbert Arenas, one of AI's contemporaries, shared his praise about Iverson as a player. Arenas was eventually asked if he believed the NBA implemented a dress code because of Iverson. Arenas was quick to point out that the dress code was stricter when he played compared to now.
“You’ve seen f**kers with robes & pajama pants coming to the game,” Arenas said of today's players.
Looking back on Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson
Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson was one of the most influential players in NBA history. His style on and off the court is something that remains a marvel to fans this day.
Iverson played with a great amount of passion and determination on the court. Although undersized, Iverson was fearless and would sacrifice his body to win.
He averaged 23.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game as a rookie during the 1996-97 season. It would be the first of 12 straight seasons in which Iverson averaged north of 20.0 ppg.
January 2, 1997: Philadelphia rookie Allen Iverson elevates for a left-handed slam in Seattle.
SuperSonics 96, 76ers 82. https://t.co/nge1ApwDv1
One of Iverson's best seasons came during the 2000-01 year. He finished with 31.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.6 apg and 2.5 spg and was named MVP. The legendary guard ended up playing 14 years in the NBA and was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.