Duration 32:12

Allen Iverson’s Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

by OfficialHoophall

8 822 175 watched

0

99 K

Published 10 Sep 2016

Allen Iverson delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2016. To learn more about Allen Iverson take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/allen-iverson/

Category

Show more

Tags

Allen Iverson

Basketball

NBA

Georgetown

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement

Comments - 10517

@

@razza15805 years ago “You’re lucky he wasn’t 6’5”
-Black Mamba 4418
@

@toimiesturdivant45557 years ago Spent 90% of his speech thanking everyone from birth to the end of career. True man and legend. 5798
@

@fabiocaetanofigueiredo13533 years ago "I wanna thank coach Thompson... for saving my life" gets me every single time 1437
@

@samlawhorn3 years ago This is one of the best acceptance speeches of all time in any field. He thanked not only his friends, family, mentors, and idols, he thanked his enemies, his competitors, his betrayers, and his critics for making him stronger—and he named names and told tales while doing it. Deep, thoughtful, and simply amazing. ... 751
@

@neox10528 years ago still doing crossovers while making his speech. a real beast 6791
@

@Falkon9525 years ago "My mom went to Georgetown and begged him to give me a chance... and he did." That's one powerful statement right there. 2346
@

@armyguyautographs40833 years ago This dude just made baby sounds to his daughter during his speech! That’s epic!! Unapologetically Allen! Love it 578
@

@lisaleese63983 years ago Ain’t nothing like a humble talented God fearing man who honors his parents and wife. This was the best speech 569
@

@mariecampbell33734 years ago I LOVE how he describes Jordan. It's like a kid talking about a superhero. 2584
@

@waygookinway18054 years ago This was the most hood, real and special HOF speech of all time. 4329
@

@tropical99133 years ago This man literally thanked everybody he could. He even thanked hip-hop! That's dope to see. 157
@

@Defx109 months ago Allen Iverson was inducted into the Hall of Fame the same way he played the game... He poured his heart into it and left it all out there. Respect. 21
@

@SSJ2Phenom4 years ago He's fighting back tears the entire time. Iverson is the realest dude I've ever seen. Wears his emotions on his sleeve. 1628
@

@wiibbz4 years ago AI: Moving side to side
Cameraman: You ain’t about to cross me over! 2090
@

@joejesus99023 years ago It’s clear that AI put people above everything. He never lost sight of everyone around him who helped him along the way. A true class act. 429
@

@smileyscrubs22623 years ago i love his MJ tribute, MJ inspired them all, MJ is a once in a lifetime player 146
@

@6sols9888 years ago who else shed a real nigga tear to this 193
@

@anthonyclark94418 years ago Allen just wanted to be loved and appreciated for being himself and not a phony version of what people thought he should be. He had no problem showing his vulnerabilities. Doesn't get any realer than this man. Much respect, Philly loves you forever. ... 3157
@

@kjax06302 years ago When Shaq smirks at ......that was him saying, "yeah.....we all did bro"......the connection that man brought to NBA...... incomparable 249
@

@fbistatmajor59182 years ago I am so glad John Thompson lived to see this moment. You can tell these two men had real love 214
@

@LeBeautiful8 years ago AI is the real one. "Thanks for my coach to saving my life" 1374
@

@aaronsnyder22895 years ago Damn - he didn't forget ANYBODY. I started listening to see if he thanked me! You could tell this guy was loyal to the bone - a beautiful thing to see. 2916
@

@dumbartonyankee3 years ago I lived in Philly in 2001 and it is impossible to overstate how important he was to us. If I were to ever meet him, I would shake his hand and thank him for the most exciting summer of my life. I can't adequately explain just how exciting that year was. Philly is the underdog city. The movie Rocky is about Philadelphia, it's uncrushable spirit and dogged resilience. AI embodied that perfectly. Small, flawed and outgunned, he persevered and prevailed solely on heart. Like in 1776, when some scrappy colonists took on the greatest empire the world had ever seen by declaring independence in Philadelphia.... It's about heart and determination. We didn't love Allen because he was dominant, or the greatest but because he fought with a ferocity that gave every underdog hope. ... 421
@

@upabittoolate3 years ago Dude is humble as hell. I guess life can do that. What's coolest here is how he's taking all these people into the HoF with him. 327
@

@jackreynolds95984 years ago He's so athletically gifted yet he's truly humbled and overwhelmed by the recognition. He's uncomfortable in the spotlight. Such a cool guy. 1545
@

@Go2Arctic8 years ago A.I. is so emotional. Man, you deserve it! You have so many fans around the world, especially in China. 2442
@

@galaxynews720last year The love that Allen's kids have for him is so easy to see. So awesome! 53
@

@flexman702 years ago "I want you to be proud of yourself. I want you to walk around and understand that You are A Hall-of-Famer." The best praise I've ever heard someone say to their spouse - bar none. 47
@

@IXIRob_MarleyIXI4 years ago The only person that will never be dissed for not having a ring 1630
@

@sijoser8 years ago Lol, 2 times Allen Iverson wore a suit and tie, "Draft Day & Hall of Fame", respect tho, he was a great player. 640
@

@Mystique1_85last year Whew chile…when he honored his wife, I got all emotional. She’s so deserving and it’s amazing that he made sure to tell her she’s a huge part of where he is. Indeed a Hall of Fame couple. 32
@

@mikkifarmer9626last year Congrats to Allen Iverson for becoming an NBA Hall Of Famer. He was actually a pure joy to watch on the basketball court. His induction into the NBA Hall Of Fame is well deserved. 37
@

@altonf623 years ago I tear up every time he thanks John Thompson for saving his life. The system tried to destroy this man but he prevailed anyway. Changed the culture of the NBA. 2033
@

@chrismareko106 years ago When he thanked coach Thompson for saving his life.. I felt that shit 702
@

@50Nzinga2 years ago Whenever I feel a need to be lifted, this is one of my favorite speeches to listen to. I keep it locked and loaded in my list. What a truly exceptionally inspirational story. So when they say, "Nay", I say, "They said I couldn't do it...but I did". ... 85
@

@borood11884 months ago I never seen anyone thank more people in a speech. What a class act. 4
@

@KesserCFC4eva4 years ago Shout out to the cameraman for swaying side to side with AI. 2215
@

@freeandblessed85005 years ago Iverson Documentary is the best one on Netflix.
That's my strong opinion.
His mother is the True MVP. 1378
@

@jonathanbaird8109last year Taking the time out to address his kids and tell the world how great they are was fantastic. That's a guy who's involved and devoted to his kids and it's why I'm an AI fan. 22
@

@teeHOLLY242 years ago The way he thanked his wife is AMAZING and shows just how much he is grateful for her. Whew! 25
@

@Baltimorehop5 years ago When he said, "I wanna thank Coach Thompson for saving my life..." boYYYYYY!!!! I was done. Tears streamed down my face. I knew what he was talking about. Incredible life story of this brilliant basketball player. God bless you A.I. ... 779
@

@aadarshjasthi22454 years ago AI and Rodman’s speeches were soooo real... u gotta love it 1231
@

@donnellboozer44323 years ago Allen Iverson gave a nontraditional inception speech, where he made himself vulnerable and showed his human side. His emotional thank you to coach John Thompson was a tough act to follow. May God continue to bless him and show favor on his family... ... 32
@

@edselhundangan32833 years ago "But man, I wanted to be like Mike".
So much respect. I love you A.I 12
@

@bakugancm76 years ago It's a crime that this MAN doesn't have a ring, it's absolutely heartbreaking... 604
@

@mannycalavera23357 years ago Iverson in the Hall of Fame. We're getting old. 893
@

@gimpfoot2 years ago Real man giving a real speech from the heart. This is part of why he is so special 18
@

@johnkoziol15373 years ago This has to be, by far, one of the most heartfelt and thorough speeches I have heard thus far. He is ABSOLUTELY without a shadow of a doubt one of the most naturally gifted athletes ever to play a sport!!! God made him small because if he was any taller or bigger no one would have a chance against Him so He made sure He kept it fair by making AI the size that he was. ... 54
@

@laxiesaenz284 years ago some dudes with rings will never get this love 1208
@

@alvinmarsh98785 years ago He a testimony of “I rather be hated for who I really am . Than to be loved for someone who I am not.”
A.I was not afraid to be himself on and off the court . Braids, tattoos, sleeves, jewelry. No matter what people thought 💭. ... 977
@

@pensivevalues19492 years ago This man has a sense of humour that's underrated and overall he is in my top ten greatest ever. 25
@

@LJ_in_VRlast year The way he accepted this honor is the same way he played every single game; with 100% heart. Absolute legend!!! 7
@

@johndotcue6 years ago Probably the only player that played like it's his last day on Earth. Philly's pride. 615
@

@stantaylor5242 years ago This is absolutely the most sincerest speech I have ever heard and I have heard thousands of speeches. There was no fluff. Deeply moving originating from purity of heart. God bless you AI!!! 25
@

@dr.jobenabraham872 years ago He just thanked everyone who touched his life, amazing! 25
@

@AK-ev5ie6 years ago How can anyone even down vote this shit..
Most genuine athlete in American History. Huge respect. 701
@

@fepowell2744 years ago Allen Iverson is like DMX, flawed, emotional, prone, but completely authentic and that why we love and root for them! God bless! 638
@

@kueen75382 years ago Wow! That was the most humblest and realest speech ever given! He thanked everybody! He understood that he did not get to where he is by himself. And he intentionally took the time to thank each and everyone that helped him along the way! ... 43
@

@djfisher342 years ago Exactly what I knew it would be like. People don’t understand that the most controversial and hardest players in the league are the most loving and sensitive dudes. Will always love this guy 11
@

@victory96094 years ago Rest in peace Coach John Thompson💔💔💔😭
A list of John Thompson accolades:
- First African-American head coach to win a major collegiate championship
- 2× NBA champion ('65, '66)
- NCAA champion ('84)
- NABC Coach of the Year ('85)
- 🥉 Olympics ('88)
- 3× Big East COTY ('80, '87, '92)
- HOF class of '99
Just to list a few🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
R.I.P Coach ... 983
@

@JERMAINE6508 years ago I wasn't out and about when Jordan was popping, this is my Jordan 531
@

@nelsonuzonwa2 years ago Still my favorite basketball player of all time. Got goosebumps when he spoke about his daddy 23
@

@terrytraylor58903 years ago Most humbling, selfless hall of fame speech ever, spoken by a true icon, "TheAnwser3" 15
@

@blacclivesmatter46374 years ago "Michael Jordan made basketball. Allen Iverson made basketball COOL" 1216
@

@fostinathrower3948last year One of the most gracious acceptance speeches I've ever witnessed. Beautiful, just beautiful. 5
@

@tae-yunlee76582 years ago Changed the culture of the NBA and basketball both on and off the court. So much heart and swag. What a legend. 24
@

@hansolo67518 years ago Yao is AI`s best friend, just take a look at how many time AI said “I love Yao.” 470
@

@kalelwilson83378 years ago Allen Iverson is one of the greatest players to have ever played in the NBA. It's sad that he didn't win a championship during his career. Thanks for the memories AI.. 368
@

@seanfelder39775 months ago Allen lverson deserves to be in hall of fame what a competitor and sixers should give him a job 1
@

@beverlygarza7332 years ago Love the way he thanked his wife at the end didn’t realize they had such a big family beautiful children I’m sure all the sacrifices she had to make 15
@

@ericlegend958 years ago I love that AI is such a emotional person. 440
@

@nicholasadams23742 years ago I was never a fan of Iverson when he played, but now I'm a fan of him as a man. A speech that he gave completely from the heart, nothing written. I have a new found respect for him. This is something every young basketball player should witness. ... 13
@

@michelled.60012 years ago I love this speech so much.. I could watch it over and over.. the best part is when AI told his dear wife of 24 years, who went through so much to keep their family together, that he loves her so much, wants to stay with her for life, and most of all, to him, she too is a hall of famer - one of the GOATs, his MVP!! 💖💖💖💖 ... 13
@

@pennyccw8 years ago AI is the realest guy in the world. you see the MVP chant from the crowd, not even MJ can get this love.
AI3forever 1974
@

@itsrandom61622 years ago I love this guy, such a humble soul..despite all his accomplishments, he has a lot to be thankful for. ❤🙏👏 31
@

@AllLife13543 years ago Damn he made me cry.. great speech.. calling his wife a hall of famer is real because nobody would give the wife light on all the stuff she did and went thru with him 21
@

@aboutmillions8 years ago AI to real, my nigga didnt even get a edge up. 1052
@

@captainwangy2244 years ago He definitely went on stage and just spoke from the heart. What a speech. He was 100% AI up there. Much respect, and a well deserved HOF member. 567
@

@usaSAVAGE2 years ago Little man with a Big Heart, i was wiping tears all the way through this shit. I am twice his age and i am so proud of the man he is. 14
@

@bv51502 years ago for a man of that stature, he sure is humble. Gotta love AI. He's a true legend. One of the best in the game. 28
@

@barimvp8977 years ago Literally the only man on the globe who will never be roasted for still having cornrows in 2017 1857
@

@kailashchimbaikar62862 years ago Wow what a speech, im not even an A I fan and i cried more than 10 times throughout his whole speech. A real MAN thoroughly inside out. Love ya Allen Iverson. 29
@

@matemaatongastayfefeka38784 years ago "but man i wanted to be like mike" really puts into perspective how great Jordan is 547
@

@ojijiigbehin96778 years ago 80% of his speech it's about shoutouts.
That's my dude! 253
@

@michelejones14622 years ago He had me on tears. Keeping it real and thankful for everything 20
@

@octaviusalexandr38992 years ago Hands down one of the best acceptance speeches ever. The Question with no Answer 10
@

@Jordan23-G.O.A.T.8 years ago Salute to A.I......Aside from Jordan....the best player with heart to ever grace the court. 551
@

@justinwilson50068 years ago Man, you can't watch this with out tearing up! 364
@

@aaronflowers88812 years ago I've always liked Iverson. He was an amazing talent. He had so much stacked against him and made it anyway. True definition of toughness. 18
@

@safariamaniupendo33 years ago I’m like man he got on the Jordan’s 🤣🤣 classic 13
@

@kaiosama38468 years ago Allen Iverson wasn't human.. that's why they called him AI. 288
@

@joncoleman37548 years ago Not only one of the best to play the game but also one of the most genuine .. A.I! 577
@

@monolithgeometry32212 years ago They all stood up for Allen. I don't remember ever seeing that love and admiration. He owes it to them to be the best man he can still be 7
@

@Zantsui3 years ago That he thanked Dean berry for teaching him the crossover, shows actual humility. He didn’t need to do that. 18