When did we get to the point where Allen Iverson is a QUESTIONABLE HOFer?

[jjs07]

[DCAA] I was sitting on the train, and I overheard a conversation... [/DCAA]

JK about that part, but seriously...I thought there wasn't any doubt that AI was a sure-bet HOFer. I remember a while back ESPN had an article that pretty much lumped him with Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, Grant Hill, and T-Mac. Personally, I feel that the latter stages of his career really clouded the opinions of many people regarding how good he actually was. Yes, he was polarizing...but he was one of the biggest stars in the league for a while. No, he doesn't have a title, but look at his resume:

NBA Most Valuable Player (2001)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)
11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010)
2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005)
4× NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001–2002, 2005)
3× NBA steals leader (2001–2003)
3× All-NBA First Team (1999, 2001, 2005)
3× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2002–2003)
All-NBA Third Team (2006)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)

Not bad. ESPECIALLY for such a small player. When I think of Iverson, I think of the MANY clones that patterned their games after him but didn't amount to anything professionally. Marcus Hatten, SirValiant Brown, Keydren Clark, Luis Flores, etc. Just goes to show how ridiculously talented he was. I wonder (in my lifetime) if we'll ever see a small scoring guard taken #1 overall? I liken him to Charles Barkely in defying their height and doing things at their positions that people never thought were possible.

Anyways, I think he should be an absolute lock for the HOF. I don't put much stock what he became after he left Philly because he had already solidified his status TO ME. However, for those who think he shouldn't be there....what are your reasons as to why?

 

[rook]

He's going to end up in the Hof, no questions asked.

 

[jjs07]

He's going to end up in the Hof, no questions asked.

I'd like to think so...as a matter of fact, I think he's a lock. However, I think due to his polarizing nature, people have now made this an actual debate over whether or not he belongs. I've seen it in the media and I've also seen it here on NT.

 

[antidope]

I love NT AI threads, so many rustled jimmies.

I think hes a hall of famer, but if it takes him a while to go I wont be upset about it, as a matter of fact I dont see him getting in on his first year of eligibility. Its too easy to discredit the guy, and only when the public outrage follows from his year one snub will they change their minds on the matter.

 

[bigmike23]

the same way guys like TO and randy moss should get in the HOF because of there stats but wont because of off the field and locker room stuff.

 

[blahzee]

 

[zenfulkicks]

Media tries to tarnish Iverson for his image and street nature. Iverson is a first ballot HOFer without question. 

 

[duba169]

It's nt a debate. He will get in. The media moral police need to take a look in the mirror and **** off

 

[va757va]

hes better than dwade...

and neither him or dwade is better than scottie pippen..

ai will be a hall of famer..only on NT is he a slouch...

 

[RyGuy45]

Are there really that many people saying this anyway ? (I haven't paid attention lately).

Beyond any media/talk radio talk though it seems like this is a monthly NT debate, not understanding that the basketball HOF is by far the easiest to gain entry to in any sport.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

Cultural misunderstandings create this conversation. Anyone with sense knows this isn't even up for discussion.

SURE FIre, FIRST Ballot in MY World

 

[jjs07]

Cultural misunderstandings create this conversation. Anyone with sense knows this isn't even up for discussion.

SURE FIre, FIRST Ballot in MY World

Interesting you bring that up. I just would have never thought that this would be up for debate....I think his persona and the way he carried himself has much to do with people's warped viewpoint on how he was as an athlete. Even though that shouldn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

 

[dt43]

the same way guys like TO and randy moss should get in the HOF because of there stats but wont because of off the field and locker room stuff.

Except TO and Randy WILL ultimately get in because of their career accomplishments.. just like AI.

 

[proshares]

Except TO and Randy WILL ultimately get in because of their career accomplishments.. just like AI.

I'm guessing he meant that they should be first ballot HOF'ers...not guys who have to wait 3 or 4 tries in order to get in.

 

[bigmike23]

the same way guys like TO and randy moss should get in the HOF because of there stats but wont because of off the field and locker room stuff.

Except TO and Randy WILL ultimately get in because of their career accomplishments.. just like AI.

and if they do get in it will be a long *** time till they do. same for AI

AI is a HOF player but how the media is with HOF voting you know its going to take them awhile to vote him in

 

[losalmighty]

as soon as he stepped over Tyrone Lue he punched his ticket to the HOF.

 

[vladimir dinero]

as soon as he stepped over Tyrone Lue he punched his ticket to the HOF.

good to know that if you step over a man (who didn't even average 2 points a game in the playoffs) in your 5th year in the league, you are able to punch your HOF ticket

AI is a lock though. not sure who would debate that outside of BSPN

 

[CP1708]

I was someone that was always hard on AI. I've had many a battle on NT about him and his career. Same as I have had about TMac.

However, I would NEVER be so foolish as to say that he was not an absolute lock for the HOF. A LOCK.

Iverson is EASILY a HOF in my book.

TMac however, he is the one that I would need to look at REAL hard. Off the cuff, I don't think he gets in. But I could be persuaded.

 

[$tacy]

if tmac can get in, vince has to get in

 

[tripda6]

1st ballot, no question.

 

[vladimir dinero]

tmac isn't a HOFer to me. 7-8 really good years and a career of first round exits doesn't cut it. he never finished higher than 4th in mvp voting and 2 scoring titles isn't enough to get you in.

if vince makes it, it won't be on the first ballot

 

[jjs07]

and if they do get in it will be a long *** time till they do. same for AI


AI is a HOF player but how the media is with HOF voting you know its going to take them awhile to vote him in

How long did Dennis Rodman wait?

 

[Maximus Meridius]

Honestly, people will try to knock Allen cuz he made cooperate white folks a little uncomfortable but as far as on on the court he's a lock. One of best little man players of all time.

 

[bigmike23]

and if they do get in it will be a long *** time till they do. same for AI


AI is a HOF player but how the media is with HOF voting you know its going to take them awhile to vote him in

How long did Dennis Rodman wait?

6 years

EDIT:

well after looking again they count his career ending in 2006 and not 2000 so he only had to wait 1 year

 

[decemberlove]

Dude put the spotlight on little man players and no one after him have been able to duplicate