When the new NBA season starts next month, one of the league’s newest media partners will celebrate the life and career of an extremely influential figure in its history.
This week, Amazon announced that it will premiere a three-part documentary on former league MVP and Hall of Famer Allen Iverson. The three-part series will debut on October 23 – one night before Prime Video’s debut as an official NBA broadcaster.
Deadline says that the documentary series will explore how “Iverson’s authentic voice and unapologetic expression of style paved the way for future generations.” The series will include interviews with Iverson’s family, teammates, friends and even the man himself.
NBA Royalty Helped Tell Iverson’s Story
Some of the NBA’s most popular players of all time are helping make the documentary a reality. Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen Curry – both of whom played against Iverson during their careers – are connected through their respective production companies. One9, who has worked on projects about musicians like Nas and Nipsey Hussle, will direct.
“After competing against Allen for many years, I’ve witnessed his greatness firsthand,” O’Neal said.
“I know the man Allen is, and I’m honored to tell his definitive story and show his impact off the court. Allen’s willingness to give One9 complete access to his life story will allow audiences to see the true Iverson for the first time.”
Curry, along with partner Erick Peyton of Unanimous Media, said that Iverson was “a true original whose fearless authenticity reshaped the game and the culture around it.”
“‘Allen Iv3rson’ goes beyond the highlights to explore the man behind the legend, from his upbringing to his lasting global impact. This film is a celebration of Iverson’s legacy and the path he paved for future generations.”
Iverson’s Legacy and Influence
Iverson played 14 NBA seasons, spending most of his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers selected him with the first overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft following an excellent career at Georgetown.
Iverson made an immediate impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award in his first season. A few years later, he won the league’s Most Valuable Player award while leading the Sixers to the NBA Finals. Internationally, Iverson helped Team USA win bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Despite only standing at 6 feet tall, Iverson was one of the most prolific scorers and offensive talents of his or any era. He won four scoring titles, including the 2001-02 season in which he averaged a career-high 31.4 points per game. Despite never winning a championship in his career, many current players say Iverson inspired them to play basketball with his fearless style and unapologetic individuality.
Players of today routinely center their style as a part of their off-court brand or persona, but Iverson was a pioneer in personal expression. He dressed, acted and played the way he wanted to – no matter what anyone had to say about it.
Fans will be able to hear about Iverson’s career, life and experiences in and around the game of basketball when ‘Allen Iv3rson’ premieres on Prime Video on October 23.
