"A.I. was one of the first ones that touched the hood" - John Wall says MJ is the GOAT, but Iverson was different

allen-iverson-and-michael-jordan

Before he became an NBA star, John Wall was an avid basketball fan. Like any other kid, Wall was enamored by Michael Jordan’s incredible athleticism and Allen Iverson’s charisma. For John, it has always been a toss-up between the two legendary players.

However, Wall once pointed out that while Jordan’s six NBA titles and unmatched dominance undisputedly made him the GOAT, Iverson’s legacy goes beyond basketball. In John’s conclusion, A.I.’s influence on the neighborhoods and communities was profound, something MJ didn’t quite achieve.

“The funny thing is Allen Iverson was actually my favorite player growing up because I was short and had braids. Don’t get me wrong, Jordan’s the GOAT, we all get that. But, A.I. was one of the first ones that touched the hood and all that type of stuff,” Wall told Revolt in 2020.

MJ is the GOAT of all GOATs

Clearly, both MJ and Iverson were impactful figures in Wall’s childhood. But the five-time All-Star point guard always does his best to stay as fair as possible whenever he engages in GOAT discussions.

Unsurprisingly, Wall’s admiration for Jordan stems from his impeccable skills, clutch performances, and electrifying plays, which inspired kids to pursue a basketball career. For John all, those are the reasons why, regardless of how many players dominate the game, MJ will always be the one and only rightful GOAT.

“But Jordan and what he stood for, like kids my age and younger didn’t understand why people called him the GOAT, they’ll say, ‘Well, Kobe’s our GOAT,’ and there’s nothing wrong with that. But, it’s what you saw in Mike. The resilience of Mike,” Wall explained.

Iverson and MJ share a special category in the sport

Delving a bit deeper into Wall’s GOAT picks, it’s hard to refute any of his takes about Jordan and Iverson. For obvious reasons, MJ has solidified his case as the best to ever do it because he took over the game with fierceness and an undying competitive spirit. On the other hand, A.I. etched his name in NBA history for revolutionizing the game with his unconventional style of play and persona.

Ultimately, it’s safe to say that both Jordan and Iverson brought something unique to the NBA that transcended the game itself. In many ways, they helped shape the NBA and how it is being played today. That said, to say that MJ and A.I. are the two most influential figures in NBA history may not be a bold claim after all.