Former NBA MVP Allen Iverson was one of the most dynamic players to ever grace the hardwood, and his influence stretched far beyond the court. The tattoos, streetwear and his gritty style and personality made him one of the NBA's most polarizing figures during his 14-year career.
Recently, however, Iverson has received in a much more favorable light, as more and more players begin to enter the league who attribute some of their love for the game to watching A.I. while growing up. He's gone on to have his jersey retired by the Philadelphia 76ers and was announced as a NBA Hall of Fame finalist on Friday.
Reebok has also decided to honor Iverson and the 20th anniversary of his debut sneaker by re-releasing the Reebok Question Mids during this year's NBA All-Star Weekend.
Getting his own shoe was one of Iverson's career highlights, and even today, it's still hard for him to put into words how he felt accomplishing one of his biggest dreams.
"When you're a kid and you're a sneakerhead like me and you have all these dreams and aspirations, there are no words that can explain how I feel about it because I'm just overwhelmed with the fact that I had a signature shoe." Iverson told Sneaker News. "It's actually 'my shoe.' It's a great feeling, It's hard to describe, but I just know it's a beautiful feeling."
The Question Mids are one of the few shoes that sold "equally well in the suburbs and urban areas" and I remember hitting my first reverse layup wearing the ultra-comfortable kicks. But knowing your shoes sold well and actually seeing your fans wear them are two different stories.
And the latter, Iverson says, impacted him greatly.
"I remember the first time I saw a kid (wearing the Questions), I was in my car, I pulled over and watched him in the rearview mirror until he was out of sight." Iverson said. "It was just the greatest feeling to see a kid with your shoes on. I remember having my favorite player's shoes when I was younger and how I felt to get a pair. It was a great feeling."
It's great to hear Iverson reflect on what was likely a surreal and motivating moment in his career as he prepares to potentially gain NBA immortality in the coming year.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.