Allen Iverson’s best 5 seasons

Table of Contents

Anyone familiar with my work knows that I hold a profound respect for the era of basketball when Allen Iverson's cornrows flapped in the breeze as he zigzagged around the court, leaving a trail of befuddled defenders in his wake. This was a time when the NBA still felt like a blue-collar arena, the battles on the parquet were as raw and unfiltered as they came, and no player epitomized this more than A.I.

This task of ranking his five best seasons is something akin to judging Picasso's best paintings – there are just too many masterpieces to pick from. Nevertheless, for the love of the game, for the love of the 76ers, and in tribute to a player who epitomized what it means to give your all, I'm up for the challenge. So, without further ado, let's dive into the time machine, back to the days of Reebok Questions, throwback jerseys, and that distinctive swagger that only Iverson could muster.

5. 1999-2000 Season:

Kicking off the list at number five, we have the 1999-2000 season. After the lockout-shortened season, Iverson came back with something to prove and boy, did he prove it. At this point, A.I. was like a young Robert De Niro eager to prove himself in the Scorsese universe. He averaged an awe-inspiring 28.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. This was also the year A.I. became the shortest player in history to lead the league in total points.

He shot the ball 24.8 times per game, which was kind of like watching a younger, unfiltered Scorsese making "Mean Streets". The raw energy, the unadulterated passion, the wild creativity – it was all there. The maturity might not have been, but who cares? We were watching a star in the making, a player finding his rhythm and testing the limits of what he could do.

4. 2001-2002 Season:

Next up, the 2001-2002 season. Iverson was peaking here – he was no longer De Niro in "Mean Streets", he was De Niro in "Goodfellas". With averages of 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per game, Iverson was pure, unadulterated electricity. It felt like every time he had the ball, the crowd held its collective breath, anticipating another moment of Iversonian brilliance.

His usage rate this season was a staggering 37.8%, a clear reflection of how integral he was to the Sixers' offensive scheme. To put this into perspective, it's like making a movie and having De Niro not only star in it but also handle the direction, screenplay, editing, and probably catering too. The weight of the team was on Iverson's slender shoulders, and he carried it with an elan and gusto that only he could.

3. 2000-2001 Season:

Taking the bronze medal is the 2000-2001 season. I often liken this season to Robert De Niro's performance in "Raging Bull", not because Iverson put on 60 pounds and beat up his relatives, but because this was his most fearless performance. Averaging 31.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, Iverson was a whirlwind of activity, a vortex that sucked in defenses and spat them out dazed and defeated.

This was the year Iverson took a ragtag 76ers team to the NBA Finals. The Sixers were like the film's low-budget production crew, and Iverson was De Niro, delivering one of his most unforgettable performances. Despite the Lakers' eventual triumph, this was the season that cemented Iverson's place among the greats.

2. 2002-2003 Season:

In second place, we've got the 2002-2003 season. Iverson averaged a career-high 27.6 shots per game this season. His playstyle was like watching De Niro in "Taxi Driver". It was intense, gritty, and raw. He didn't care about the odds, he didn't care about the critics. All he cared about was playing the game his way.

This was the season when Iverson's basketball philosophy came into full view – that relentless, never-say-die attitude, that refusal to play by anyone else's rules but his own. He averaged 27.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. His stats were phenomenal, but what set this season apart was the ferocity of his play, the unyielding determination that set the tone for the Sixers.

1. 2005-2006 Season:

And here we are, the pièce de résistance, the 2005-2006 season. This was Iverson in full De Niro in "The Godfather II" mode. The complete player, the consummate professional, the undoubted superstar. He averaged a career-high 33 points per game, along with 7.4 assists (also a career-high) and 1.9 steals.

This season was like watching a master at work. Every movement, every decision, every shot seemed like it was carefully calculated yet carried out with a level of fluidity and grace that made it seem natural. Iverson was like a seasoned conductor leading his orchestra, or more appropriately, a maestro creating his magnum opus.

This was the season that proved Iverson was more than just a prolific scorer – he was a leader and a playmaker. He was the answer to every challenge, every criticism, every doubt. It was Iverson at his very best – unfiltered, uncompromising, and absolutely unforgettable.

There you have it, folks. Five unforgettable seasons from one of the most remarkable players to ever grace the NBA. Iverson wasn't just a player; he was a force of nature, a whirlwind of raw talent and unyielding will. He played the game like a man possessed, and in doing so, left an indelible mark on the sport. Ranking these seasons wasn't easy, but it was a ride worth taking, just like Iverson's career itself. As they say in Philly, "That's the answer".