Allen Iverson Influenced Culture of Philadelphia-area Youth, Local NBA Players

Allen Iverson captured the attention of fans around the world who aspired to one day play ball like him.

The influence was even stronger for NBA hopefuls growing up in the Philadelphia area. As young basketball fans watched Iverson dominate for their hometown team, he inspired them to pursue their pro dreams. 

For a handful, the NBA goals fueled by Iverson have become a reality. On the brink of Iverson’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday, those from Philadelphia reflected on how he impacted their careers. 

“I don’t even know if he realizes how much he really touched the people and how all the young kids wanted to be him,” Heat guard Wayne Ellington said. 

Ellington and Sixers guard Gerald Henderson played basketball at Episcopal Academy. Ellington bought an entire Iverson uniform down to the sneakers and styled his hair in cornrows. Henderson bought Iverson shoes, too, and often wore a headband or wristband on the court. To this day, Henderson still dons an Iverson shirt.

“He’s the man,” Henderson said. “People know that, but if you grew up in Philly, then you really get it. What he’s meant to the city since ‘96, just his style and how hard he played, everybody embraced him and he embraced the city. You would think he’s from here.”

Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson grew up in Chester. Even though he was born just one year before Iverson made his NBA debut, the 21-year-old looked up to Iverson as soon as he began following basketball. 

“I was an A.I. fan,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “On top of how competitive he was and that swag, he just had a great feeling for the game. It was amazing to watch him play. He was so confident. It was just like, ‘Wow.’ Every kid said, ‘I want to be able to do that like A.I.’ I was one of those kids.”

Hollis-Jefferson had the opportunity to speak with Iverson before beginning his rookie season in 2015. He was struck by Iverson’s noticeable passion for basketball years after he left the league. 

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for him,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “When I met him and we talked, it was genuine, it was real. You could tell he loved the game until the end of his time. He said, ‘I respect how hard you play,’ and that’s big coming from a guy like that.”

When Iverson takes his place with basketball's elite, he will be remembered by these players for far more than his accomplishments on the court. They will always appreciate the way Iverson shaped their NBA aspirations so close to home. 

“I’m glad they made that decision," Ellington said of the induction. "Pound for pound, the guy’s the best to do it. He did amazing things, not just for the NBA, but obviously for the city of Philadelphia.”