Allen Iverson Shared the Simple yet Hilarious Reason He Decided to Get Cornrows Early in His NBA Career

Allen Iverson came out of retirement to become a professional wrestler, but his most surprising career move was the decision to get cornrows early in his NBA career. The iconic basketball player is now known for many things, including being one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and having an enormous afro that made him stand out during play. However there’s something else that has continued to represent Allen throughout his life: getting cornrows when he was just 18 years old after deciding he wanted them. According to Sports Illustrated , this happened because Allen loved wearing headbands as a youth so much he got tired of people asking about it every day on bus rides home from school so decided to take matters into his own hands by cutting off some hair before heading back onto the court again.

Allen Iverson shared the simple yet hilarious reason he decided to get cornrows early in his NBA career. He said that he wanted to be able to grow his hair out and still have braids.

During his first season, Allen Iverson snubbed Michael Jordan and made him seem foolish. After hitting a 3-pointer from the corner in the 2001 NBA Finals, he disrespectfully walked over Ty Lue. AI was a one-man wrecking crew on a squad with mediocre skill at most. With the Philadelphia 76ers, he was a spectacular player on the court. He was strong and reckless, and he had an obvious swagger on the field.

But, as powerful as Iverson was on the court, he was as so off it. The Answer’s style is famous, as is the impact it made on the league and basketball culture. AI was a game-changer in every way, from his shoes to his clothing.

During his NBA career, the Sixers’ great was also renowned for wearing cornrows, and the tale behind his hairdo is fascinating.

Allen Iverson was one of the best players in NBA history, both on and off the court.

During a game against the New Jersey Nets, Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers recovers his breath. | Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images )

Iverson was one of the best players in NBA history in terms of pound-for-pound. He was a four-time scoring champion, an 11-time all-star, a seven-time All-NBA player, and the NBA’s MVP from 2000 to 2001. He averaged more than 26 points per game during the 1998-99 and 2006-07 seasons. He averaged 31.1 points per game the year he won MVP and a career-high 33.0 points per game in his last season with the Sixers before being moved to Denver.

During his NBA career, Iverson became a global icon. For tattoos, do-rags, baggy clothing, and retro jerseys, he is credited with introducing hip-hop culture into the league. Today’s players are emulating AI’s style throughout the league.

However, he claims that the cornrows were more of a practical choice than a fashion statement.

Iverson said that he was tired of people tampering with his hair.

Allen Iverson is responsible for a lot of today’s swag among your favorite players. His tattoos, braids, and general look ushered forth a new kind of baller.

Don’t argue with me. pic.twitter.com/eplckA0Dpa

January 29, 2021 — Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss)

Although The Answer didn’t start the league with cornrows, it didn’t take him long to change things up. In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Iverson explained why he changed his hairstyles:

“Everyone was talking on how nice my cornrows were… I was fed up with people f****** my hair on the street. I was having haircuts and they were ruining my hair, so I decided to grow it out and get cornrows so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. That was the only reason I went through with it. It had nothing to do with my attempt to imitate a gangster… I was simply fed up with people messing with my hair.”

Allen Iverson explains why he wears cornrows.

During his tenure in the league, Iverson was dubbed a “thug.” Because of the impact of 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, the NBA implemented a clothing rule for players.

In the league, AI introduced his own unique flair. He was — and continues to be — unabashedly himself. Although fashion in 2021 differs from that in the early 2000s, Iverson pioneered the idea of dressing to fit one’s own identity.

Iverson made a name for himself in the NBA, but it wasn’t always easy.

In Rooks’ interview, the 1996 No. 1 overall choice went on to describe what it was like to play with cornrows, baggy clothing, and tattoos in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“They’d never seen a hat and a do-rag before. They’d never seen anything like that before, and it was terrifying. When I was the face of the NBA, I recall being placed on magazine covers, but my tattoos were airbrushed off. Those events occurred in my memory.

The NBA said, “We want some of you.” We’re interested in your game, as well as some of you. We don’t want the cornrows or tattoos, but we’re OK with anything else.”

Iverson discusses the NBA’s reaction to his presence.

The former Georgetown standout is one of the league’s most popular players. He was a ruthless player who never backed down from a challenge. Despite his 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame, he drove into the paint with abandon, often scoring, and then returning for more the following trip down the floor.

Iverson, on the other hand, is an all-time favorite due to his impact off the court. It wasn’t an easy road for him to go, but he paved the way for many of today’s celebrities.

The cornrows, on the other hand, were purely for the Hall of Famer’s convenience.

Basketball Reference provided all statistics.

RELATED: Allen Iverson was called for a technical foul once, but he scared the official away before he could even blow his whistle.

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