No one likes to be called pompous, but with Allen Iverson, it’s hard to ignore his NBA reputation. Iverson has never needed a rehearsal, a fact that has been well-documented over the years. Remember the infamous practice rant? Yes, the same press conference where he repeated the word ‘practice’ 22 times. You’d think that with age and experience, AI might’ve softened a bit, but apparently, he’s still on with his rants, just with a little more casual flair these days.

Allen Iverson made a special appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and fans got a sneak peek thanks to a fun promo. The video shows Fallon and Iverson chatting backstage. But the conversation quickly spiraled into a playful parody of AI, a moment that still hasn’t left him (more on this later).

Jimmy Fallon called the NBA legend for a rehearsal before the cameras went live, and the hoopster’s quick reply was classic: “Rehearsal? We talkin’ about rehearsal? Not the show. We talkin’ about rehearsal?”

When the viral talk-show host looked confused, Allen added, “We’re not even talking about the show. The actual show. How the hell can I make the show better by rehearsing? I mean, how silly is that? I’m a guest on the show, and we’re sitting here talking about…” Fallon played along, but Iverson’s disbelief and humor seriously stole the moment. The skit ended with the host closing the door, leaving fans laughing and super nostalgic.

You might be wondering why Allen Iverson showed up as a special guest on the show. It was for promoting his new docuseries. Prime Video announced Allen Iv3rson, a three-part series premiering October 23, 2025, in over 240 countries and territories. If you want to see more of Iverson, beyond the stats and crossover dribbles, this show is the perfect option. It promises an intimate look at the life of the man who revolutionized basketball.

The series is directed by One9 and produced through a collaboration between Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends and Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton’s Unanimous Media. It follows AI’s journey from his early days in Hampton, Virginia, to becoming a global basketball icon!

Shaq, a rival turned supporter, shared his excitement: “After competing against Allen for many years, I’ve witnessed his greatness firsthand. I know the man Allen is, and I’m honored to tell his definitive story and show his impact off the court.” The series also dives into some of Iverson’s most challenging moments, including his 1993 arrest for a bowling alley incident, criticism over his tattoos, braids, clashes with the NBA dress code, and struggles with addiction.

Iverson reflects in the trailer, “In so many things in life, you’re trying so hard to do the right thing. But trying to do the right thing leads you into doing the wrong thing.” This isn’t his first documentary. It will be his third major one, following ESPN’s 2010 No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson and 2014’s Iverson. Earlier this year, he also collaborated with Shaq on a Netflix docuseries about Reebok. He released a new book, Misunderstood, providing fans with another glimpse into the life of the basketball icon.

The infamous story behind Allen Iverson’s legendary “practice” rant

In 2002, Allen Iverson delivered one of the most unforgettable press conferences in NBA history. Four days after the 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Celtics, Iverson was supposed to confirm whether he and coach Larry Brown would remain in Philadelphia for another season. In reality, despite their contentious relationship, both planned on staying back. However, the conversation at the presser quickly turned to practice, and AI took off.

“We sitting in here. I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice. I mean, listen: We talking about practice. Not a game. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game. We talking about practice, man.”

On the surface, it seemed like Iverson was simply upset about practice. But there was more to the story. That season had been a tough one, after almost winning a championship the year before, and with AI securing back-to-back scoring titles, the Sixers struggled that season, finishing barely above .500. 

However, a later idea emerged that the media hadn’t provided sufficient context. Iverson was dealing with the loss of his best friend, Rahsaan Langford, who had been tragically killed seven months earlier, and the murder trial of the accused was ongoing.

Iverson himself had said, “I’m upset for one reason: ‘Cause I’m in here. I lost. I lost my best friend. I lost him, and I lost this year. Everything is just going downhill for me… And then I’m dealing with this… My best friend is dead.”

Even decades later, the rant is still remembered, quoted, and parodied. Coach Larry Brown and others speculated AI might’ve been drinking, which he has repeatedly denied, calling it a “flat-out lie.”

The “practice” rant has become part of Allen Iverson’s legend. Despite being a Hall of Famer, MVP, and 11-time All-Star, many younger fans know him first for that presser. His moment in the spotlight that day wasn’t just about practice; it was about a man expressing the struggles and pressures he faced both on and off the court. But who else could’ve turned an infamous moment into such an iconic piece of sports history?