A Toast to Allen Iverson in Retirement

I remember this cover like yesterday. The beginning of an era we'd never forget.

With Allen Iverson's retirement announcement, his NBA career should read like this. One of the most important players in NBA history. A cultural touchstone. A lethal scorer.

For better or worse, he impacted the game and left his mark that will be felt for years to come. He's a Hall of Famer that made you respect him regardless if you liked him. I say that from my own experience.

I'm of the generation that grew up on AI. He got drafted the year I started junior high in 1996. Many of my classmates in high school rocked corn rows and our best hoops player had a game similar to Iverson - a fearless, high scoring, volume shooter without the crazy hops or speed.

All that said, I couldn't identify with him like other peers. I was in awe of how fast he was and how he scored with ease but in those early jr. high/HS years, I didn't like how he embodied the street culture. Back then, I was Mr. Smart Guy raised to be everything but hood so I couldn't relate to that. I related more to Grant Hill and Kobe Bryant.

Neo and Everything After (LeBron James in Rare Air)

Last year after the Finals, I wrote on how LeBron James went from just great to The One. He became Neo in the Matrix during the playoffs and the NBA Finals. This season was like watching the Matrix sequels only if you focus on how Neo was almost untouchable.

Now it's confirmed. LeBron has won his 4th MVP, one vote shy of being unanimous. Just like Shaq in 1999-2000.

I already stated why LeBron should win easily. Watching him this year was seeing him go even higher than I thought possible. The fact he finished 2nd in the Defensive Player of the Year voting shows how coaches respect his defensive prowess as much as scoring, passing and IQ.

The scariest thing is that he's proved how far he is above his peers. Say what you want about he has a better supporting cast in Miami. He was doing the same thing in Cleveland minus a post-game and shooting efficiency.