“I lost scoring title to Kobe…” Allen Iverson confidently claims he’d average 43 points in new era of NBA basketball

Allen Iverson was a huge force to be reckoned with during his NBA days.

“I lost scoring title to Kobe…” Allen Iverson confidently claims he’d average 43 points in new era of NBA basketball

Allen Iverson and Shaquille O'Neal (The Big Podcast with Shaq)

In a recent episode of The BIG Podcast, host Shaquille O’Neal felt tempted to ask Allen Iverson a question that had been on his mind for a while. Remarking how NBA basketball had devolved as a contact sport, Shaq asked the legend how much he would average if he were playing right now.

Iverson, though hesitant to boast at first chuckled as he entertained the thought. AI had won the scoring title four times even with legends like Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tracy McGrady around. Widely known for crossing up Chicago Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan in his very first game in the NBA, the young star was a force to be reckoned with.

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Allen Iverson told Shaq he’d put up at least 43 points each game, considering how his achievements were against defenders who used to “touch up” opponents:

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Okay if I averaged 30. I lost the scoring title to Kobe [Bryant] the year he averaged 35. I averaged 33. And I'm just thinking like if I was to play in this era, where it's wide open if I can average 33 in a season, Imma just take it up to 43. I know ten points more.

What’s scary though, is that he isn’t even boasting that much. Experts and former players like Shaquille O’Neal himself have long lamented defense taking a backseat in today’s NBA to the point that it’s visible in stat sheets. Only three active players rank in the top 50 for steals per game historically. Similarly, just eight are in the top 50 for blocks.

In contrast, eleven current players rank in the top 50 for free throws. This indicates a clear trend of bias towards offense in the game, with players getting foul calls despite facing a weaker and more limited defense.

AI can’t get enough of Luka Doncic

Iverson, a legend known for his unstoppable moves recently showered some love for the Dallas Mavericks’ superstar, Luka Doncic. On “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” Iverson was all in on Doncic’s vibe. He was amazed by how Doncic had kept his cool while slicing through defenses with a bit of streetball in the mix. Both Shaq and AI concluded he played with the “swag” of a “black guy”.

Allen Iverson is a big fan of Luka Doncic and his swagger (The Big Podcast with Shaq)
Allen Iverson is a big fan of Luka Doncic and his swagger (The Big Podcast with Shaq)

At just 24, Luka Doncic is already turning heads in the NBA. Scoring an average of 34.2 points per game this season, he’s at the top of the scoring chart. His play is a smart mix of brains, skill, and a special ability to lift his team.

Doncic’s magic doesn’t stop with scoring. With 10 triple-doubles this season, his all-around talent is clear as day. The Mavericks’ standing, rocking a 29-18 record when Doncic is on the floor, shines a spotlight on his influence. Iverson’s applause is a salute to Doncic’s growing legacy, one that promises to be as impactful as the legends before him.

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