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Rich Paul makes Allen Iverson claim that will leave Kobe, Shaq fans appalled appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It feels like Rich Paul has been everywhere these days because of all the drama surrounding the free agency of LeBron James following his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul said everyone should be more patient with James, adding that the four-time MVP has earned that right.
After appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, Paul went on his podcast with Max Kellerman, “Gameover,” where they had The Ringer’s Bill Simmons as a guest.
Of course, they talked about the situation with James. But they also tackled a myriad of topics, including the impact of some of the league’s greats. Paul claimed that during the heydays of the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson was a bigger superstar than Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
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“It’s not just about being the best player. It’s also about cultural relevance,” said Paul.
“Who did people rather be like? Kobe or Allen Iverson? There’s a difference. Do you know the effect Allen Iverson had on the NBA?”
Kellerman adamantly disagreed, stating that Bryant and O’Neal were the faces of the NBA at that time and were more known globally. It helped that the Lakers beat the 76ers in the NBA Finals in 2001 and had a dynastic run.
Still, Paul refused to budge.
“It’s very hard to put anybody in front of Allen Iverson, and these guys will say it. Let me tell you why. Cornrows, tattoos, jewelry, hip-hop, style, Allen Iverson brought all these things to the NBA. People wanted to dress like who? Name one person they wanted to dress like outside of Allen Iverson. Name one person outside of Michael Jordan whose name was mentioned anywhere. He had white America wearing cornrows and headbands,” added Paul.
Debates about legacies will never end. That is, however, part of the gamut of the sports experience. Sometimes, it is just fun to argue about players and teams.
But for sure, somewhere up there, Bryant is shaking his head at Paul.
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