Watch: "No one had seen this type of crossover in a game before" - Isiah Thomas looks back on Allen Iverson’ iconic crossover on Michael Jordan, on this day 25 years ago
Allen Iverson was faulted for not being tall enough, so rather than sulk about something he couldn't change, he worked harder on his game. Becoming one of the best players to ever play the game, his talent was raw and nothing anyone in the league had ever seen.
25 years ago today, Iverson pulled off an iconic crossover on Michael Jordan that continues to be talked about decades later. Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas reacted to a clip of the crossover. Though it was over two decades ago, the move still remains special.
"When he came in with this crossover, no one had seen this type of crossover in a game before," said Thomas.
On March 12, 1997, the 76ers went up against the Almighty Chicago Bulls for their 62nd game of the season. Iverson crossed Jordan over, beating him to net a mid-range shot. He was only a rookie at the time and Jordan was in the 12th season of his career.
Allen Iverson, the Philadelphia 76ers legend's career in retrospect
Allen Iverson made his way to the NBA in 1996 as the first overall pick in the draft and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was named Rookie of the Year, having averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season.
He made his debut on Nov. 1st in the 76ers' loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he registered 30 points, six assists and two rebounds. He had a shooting percentage of 63.2%, netting 12 of 19 points from the field. Iverson also registered a three-point percentage of .500, sinking 4 of 8 threes attempts.
In his Hall of Fame speech, Allen Iverson thanked Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. for saving his life. https://t.co/DE1xospWIZ
In his 14 years with the NBA, Iverson represented four franchises and featured the most for the 76ers. He spent 14 seasons with Philly and won all four of his titles with the franchise.
For his contribution to the game and consistent impact since his first day in office, Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame as a player in 2016.