Multiple additions to Oak Hill Academy Hall of Fame, but one has moved Allen Iverson. OHA recently held a Hall of Fame induction ceremony. From Kevin Durant to Brandon Jennings, the HOF witnessed the inclusion of quite a few new faces. However, Iverson could not contain his happiness on the induction of ex-San Antonio Spurs icon, Stephen Jackson.

“@_stak5_ Congratulations on your HOF L4L Bro Bro,” read Allen Iverson’s Instagram story caption extending his best wishes to Jackson. The gesture comes as no surprise from the ex-Philadelphia 76ers star. The duo seems to have a mutual respect and an emotional connection from the past itself. Evidence of this can be traced back to a 2020 episode of NF2, where Iverson got emotional after Stephen gave Al his flowers.

“We love you, bro. And you gave a lot of people confidence when they didn’t have confidence in themselves. You let a lot of people know that they can be themselves and still be successful,” said Stephen back in 2020, speaking to Iverson on NF2. He further expressed how he believed that Allen’s impact was not just limited to the basketball community but on rappers as well, and almost everybody.

Jackson credited Al for providing people the confidence to be themselves. “And you know why I’m telling you?…Because you mean a lot to us…We can’t lose you. We’re going to give you all the flowers in the world,” he stated further. Allen was unable to control his emotions after listening to Stephen.

“What’s wrong with being you…Everybody else taken up, right…You disrespecting god for giving you life if you think that your life ain’t shit and you want to be somebody else,” said Allen with watery eyes. Jackson’s words are testament to Iverson’s legacy outside the basketball world.

Allen Iverson’s impact beyond the court

There are athletes who are contended confining themselves to their respective sports. Allen Iverson, however, was a different story. The ex-76er’s icon’s influence transcended the boundaries of the basketball community. Apart from the NBA, he had a huge impact on hip-hop culture, fashion and streetwear as well. Al’s baggy clothes, headbands, du-rags, tattoos and cornrows made him an inspiration in terms of fashion.

Read More: “People Think I’m Hating on Allen Iverson”: Smashing Beef Rumors, Warriors Veteran Reveals Intention Behind Rivalry

Iverson openly expressed his love for hip-hop music, incorporating it into his pre-game rituals and even releasing his own rap album. Known for his outspoken and sometimes rebellious nature, he spoke his mind, even when it wasn’t popular with the league or the media. However, being ahead of his time did not always completely work in his favor. There were instances where Al faced a backlash from NBA executives. Apparently, the executives were not a fan of association between the league and rap culture.

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What is your opinion of Al’s legacy as a player and as an individual? Let us know your views in the comments.

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