Allen Iverson’s impact on and off the court is known worldwide. Former players and current stars have always credited the 76ers legend for paving the path for them all. From his braided hairstyles and one-arm sleeves to his on-court athleticism, everybody tried to follow it. For many years now, Ja Morant has been one such player who constantly gets paired in the same conversation. Even AI acknowledged such a narrative some time ago.

But before we share that, let’s look at the recent decision, where Ja Morant and the 2001 MVP similarities were spoken of. “I say Ja is a combination of Allen Iverson and Vince Carter. Like I, you know, if Allen Iverson jumped like Ja Morant dog, that would have been crazy.” Baron Davis spoke to his co-host Draymond Green, when asked about the Grizzlies star’s abilities.

“Allen Iverson was the dude when you knew you was playing him, it was no matter where you were in Philly, Charlotte, Cleveland, the gym is hot. You know, like when it feels like the fog and all that, man, that’s how Allen Iverson, you know, that’s the type of energy that he brought.”

This is the similarity that even ‘The Answer’ saw in Ja Morant, as he spoke about it back in 2022. “The greatest feeling that I had as a player was my teammates feeling like if they had me with them, then we could beat anybody… And I feel like that’s how Ja’s squad, that’s how they feel about him — we got him, we can beat anybody.”

In his 6th year, he has already achieved ROTY and Most Improved Player with the Memphis franchise. With an overall average of 22.6 points, during that spell, he has scored less than 20 points only twice. Certainly, hard to see why everyone compares Ja Morant to Allen Iverson.

The Grizzlies also used Allen Iverson’s example when Ja Morant faced suspension from the league. They resorted to this method because “the message just wasn’t getting through.”

Since then, there are currently no reported issues, with his focus solely on helping his team, after missing out a chunk of the season due to injury. This season, he is back and second in the leaderboard for points, first for assists, and third for defensive rebounds. So, he is contributing all over the court.

Another similarity highlighted by Allen Iverson

Speaking about the similar style of play with the 25-year-old, Allen Iverson said, “The eye test says ya, it’s Ja.” During the same 2022, NBC interview he admitted to knowing the comparison and parallels being drawn between the two on social media. “The similarities? I was able to jump like that, but he’s 6’3 .”

AI knows what Morant is capable of, and with 3 inches taller than Iverson, yet his attacking play style is similar. “Our style, when you look at it, his jumper doesn’t look like mine, I was never good with my left hand, but you can see the aggressiveness going to the basket, and the way he controls the game, he’s the guy on the top of the scouting report in the game, I see those similarities.”

Players like Dwyane Wade crediting AI, as the reason for him wearing the No. 3, to LeBron James calling AI as “relatable and kids felt like they could be them.” It’s huge for Ja Morant when Iverson himself clarifies the comparison and puts his two cents on encouraging the young Memphis star.