So, we’ve all heard the stories: how this great player or that great player would have averaged far more points if not for the rules and restrictions that were in place at the time. What we often don’t hear: how this great player or that great player would have averaged far more points if the rules and restrictions were in place at the time. As such, we can’t be certain whether Allen Iverson would have averaged more points if the rules and restrictions were in place, but we can speculate. That’s what we do here.
Allen Iverson was a star NBA player who grew up to be an NBA analyst. He was a 20-year NBA player and is the 2006 NBA MVP. He also was a member of the 1996 and 2000 USA Olympic and 2006 World Championships teams.
In a recent interview with USA Today, NBA on NBC analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley shared his thoughts on the first half of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft. “I’m telling you, Allen Iverson is the greatest scorer in the game’s history. You can’t put him (in today’s game),” Barkley said. “He would average the most points of his career in today’s game. If you ever had the chance to put him on your team, you go with him every time.”
Allen Iverson is widely regarded as one of the best scorers in basketball history. He was dominating despite being a 6-foot, 165-pound guard. He didn’t pick and choose what he ate. Any guy who was willing to take on the task of defending Iverson would receive the job.
The NBA has changed over the years, and many former players are unsure how they would do in today’s game. Iverson made a big prediction regarding his scoring ability in 2021.
Allen Iverson has a lifetime scoring average of 26.7 points.
Iverson was selected first overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers out of Georgetown University. He went on to play in the NBA for 20 years, and in 2016 he was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Some rookies may need to make changes to their game when they first join the league. Iverson, dubbed “The Answer,” got off to a fast start. He won First of the Year in 1996 after averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in his rookie season.
On four times, he topped the league in scoring. Even though he was a little guard, the game didn’t overwhelm him. Iverson had exceptional ball-handling abilities and could score from any anywhere on the court. He was a high-volume scorer who could put up a lot of points in a short period of time.
In 2021, Iverson claims he will average the highest points of his career.
During an NBA game, Allen Iverson watches on | Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
At 30 years old, the Hampton, Virginia native set a career best in regular season points per game in 2005. He averaged 33 points per game in his tenth season with the 76ers. Kobe Bryant was the only player to have a higher average.
Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay welcomed The Answer and former teammate Al Harrington to discuss their business endeavors and playing careers.
Sharpe asked Iverson how many points he’d average in the NBA now if he were still playing. He responded, “The way they play today, and it’s so wide open, it’s certainly greater than my top average.” He also said that since the court is so spread out, it would be difficult for opponents to double team him.
The game is now officiated in a far different manner than it was during Iverson’s heyday. The NBA will have less hand-checking in 2021, and referees are more likely to provide superstar treatment to select players.
In 2020, Stephen Curry was the league’s leading scorer, averaging 32 points per game throughout the regular season. There’s no reason why a prime Iverson couldn’t average 34 points in the NBA today, given his skill set and the level of defense he’s played in the regular season.
Michael Jordan would score 40 points a game today, according to Iverson.
Allen Iverson, like many other basketball players of his age, grew up idolizing Michael Jordan. He got the chance to play against His Airness and the Chicago Bulls as a rookie. He got the best of Jordan on one play, crossing him up and putting home a beautiful jump shot.
Because of how much Iverson admires Jordan, this was a watershed moment for him. He’s publicly referred to No. 23 as the “GOAT.” Sharpe also asked Jordan how many points he would average in today’s NBA. He responded, “40 would be simple for Black Jesus.”
Jordan led the league in scoring with 37.1 points per game during the 1986 regular season. Given the same parameters used for Iverson, a 40-point scoring average is a distinct possibility.
If Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan were to join the NBA today, they would be a force to be reckoned with.
Basketball Reference provided all stats.
RELATED: Michael Jordan Didn’t Look Like a Real Person the First Time Allen Iverson Played Against Him: “I Looked at That Man and He Didn’t Look Human to Me” Michael Jordan didn’t look like a real person the first time Allen Iverson played against him: “I Looked at That Man and He Didn’t Look Human to Me”
Allen Iverson announced his retirement from the NBA today, after an illustrious 16-year career. The former NBA MVP was criticized by many for his lack of desire to play, but the man himself emphatically denied those criticisms. “Everyone wanted me to be different, but I’m not. I’ve always been the way I am, and I’m gonna continue to be the same way. I’m not gonna change. I’m not gonna cheat, I’m not gonna do all that other stuff that other guys do. I’m not gonna stop being who I am, doing the same thing I’ve always done.”. Read more about allen iverson stats and let us know what you think.
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