Andre Iguodala Reveals Allen Iverson’s Key ‘Media Tidbit’ Advice That Helped in NBA Success

Andre Iguodala got 4 championships to his name and a finals MVP during his time with the Warriors. But the 19-year-veteran started his career with the 76ers too, with Allen Iverson on his side. Being a first-round pick, Iggy had a lot of expectations on his shoulders to help the franchise. That’s when Iverson’s words came in clutch and helped him navigate his career, which he fondly recalled recently on a podcast.

“It took me a long time. Like he would tell me things like give me tidbits ‘Don’t read the paper man, stop reading that.’” This made sense. Since revered sportscaster, Richard Vitale had revealed apprehension about the 76ers drafting Iguodala. Working with ESPN at the time, he stated, “Iguodala couldn’t dominate in the fast break and transition style at Arizona, averaging around 12 ppg. To me, Jackson, who shot 44 percent from three-point range last season, could have been the outside shooter to play off of Allen Iverson.”

The 4x NBA Champion revealed in 2018 that Vitale apologized to him for predicting that wrong. “Two years ago, I run into him. And I know he doesn’t remember. He came up and apologized. That was crazy. He was like, ‘Sorry I got you wrong.’ I’m like, ‘You remember that? That was 13 years ago.’”

Iguodala and Iverson would share the court 192 times during their time with the 76ers. Although it did not result in any rings, for Iggy, the mentorship was like gold. “As time going, I’m like, damn your game, everything he was saying was like being true,” via The OGs podcast. The belief from Bubba Chuck meant a lot to Iguodala, as he was the only 76er to play and start all 82 regular-season games plus five playoff games. On the other hand, Iverson was at his usual best, averaging 30.7 points, 7.9 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

And Iguodala’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed as he earned the All-Rookie First Team selection. Plus, finished fourth in voting for NBA Rookie of the Year. Finishing behind, the eventual winner, Emeka Okafor, runner-up Ben Gordon and the overall #1 draft pick Dwight Howard. Despite their great partnership, AI left the 76ers on a sour note, and Iguodala pointed out why.

Despite being a franchise great, Allen Iverson had some ‘bitter feelings’

The 11x All-Star and his run during the 2000-01 season is well cherished. That season helped him win the MVP award and their coach, Larry Brown, with the coach of the year accolade. Ever since his departure in 2003, the team lost its identity as per Iverson. Not just identity, but even the winning mentality.

That’s why Allen Iverson very famously once stated, “I was on a franchise where winning was not the priority.” The Answer soon left the team with a move to the Denver Nuggets, where he formed a partnership with Carmelo Anthony. Andre Iguodala, who was with the 76ers at the time, expressed, “I think that wore him down a little bit and that’s how he kinda got a little sour on the NBA.”

But that sour experience doesn’t come in between AI’s and Iggy’s relationship. In fact, once the latter stated how the former was ready to lock horns with LeBron James. Such continuous backing truly signifies Allen Iverson’s impact off the court as well.

But that sour experience doesn’t affect AI’s and Iggy’s relationship. In fact, Iggy once stated how AI was ready to lock horns with LeBron James. This continuous backing truly highlights Allen Iverson’s impact off the court as well.