When I heard his name called in the 2014 draft, I had a feeling that reminded me of when Allen Iverson’s name was called by David Stern in June, 1996. There he was, raw and full of untapped potential. Not just any potential, but big-time, big-man potential. Hakeem Olajuwon potential, with a twist of Dirk Nowitzki. You’ve probably figured it out by now. I speak of nobody other than the latest Eastern Conference Player of the Month, Joel Embiid.
In Philadelphia, we know a legend when they show us their grit, loyalty, and greatness. Brian Dawkins, Mike Schmidt, Chase Utley, Iverson, and now Embiid. The latter figures are part of the basketball lore in this city, with one having more time to carve out his legacy. How are Allen Iverson and Embiid similar in impact? Let’s explore reasons why Philadelphia 76ers fans have much to be grateful for in these two players and what makes them so special.
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Just last week, Embiid accomplished something remarkable for someone who only started playing basketball at age 15. What he achieved was scoring his 7,000th point, in the same amount of games as Iverson. The thing that makes Embiid such a special talent is that his scoring is just one side of his skill. We’ve seen the Dream Shake and his fadeaway jumper. Yet, we have also seen him protect the paint with astounding chase-down blocks and stuffs shots at the rim.
By no means could Iverson have been in the top rankings of blocks, but he did lead the NBA in steals three consecutive years. He prowled lanes like a cheetah in the Serengeti and feasted on slower opponents. Though size may have been his disadvantage, his peers knew to never turn their backs on A.I., for if they did, the next image they’d see would be the back of his braids.
Position separates these two juggernauts, yet production cements their value to any Sixers team they suited up for over the years. I already mentioned scoring, but how Iverson generated offense compared to Embiid was special.
The signature crossover stands out the most. His athletic finishes at the basket dropped jaws more often than not. Yes, the Georgetown product’s style was reliant on speed and quickness, but Embiid’s footwork and skill in the midrange exceed what most, including him, would admit never saw coming. Not bad for the late-bloomer from Kansas.
Then, there’s the swagger both possess. Iverson held back no punches, on or off the floor. He spoke it how he saw it and held his own on more than one occasion, to say the least. He set trends before anyone realized he had it in him to do so. Braids? Tattoos? Arm sleeves? Check every box.
In Embiid’s era, his expressiveness may not impact fashion culture so to speak, but his Twitter game has morphed into a phenomenon like Iverson. Want to pick a fight with Embiid? Probably best to do it in person and not on the Internet. Just ask Karl-Anthony Towns. Imagine if Iverson had social media in the 90s. Better yet, imagine if Embiid got a tattoo. My money is on his son and brother’s name, Arthur, inked somewhere on his 7-foot frame.