On Friday, August 10th Reebok will re-release Allen Iverson’s most iconic signature shoe, the Answer IV, which he sported throughout the 2000/01 season. The shoe is a certified classic… an iconic throwback to the absolute height of Iverson’s legend. During the season of the Answer IV we saw AI lead the league in scoring (31.1 PPG), win All-Star and regular season MVP awards, and carry his Sixers to the Finals.
While Iverson’s famed David vs Goliath run did not result in the elusive title he never was able to capture, it did lead to one of the most memorable games in the history of the NBA Playoffs. On the opening night of Finals, pitted against a Laker squad that hadn’t yet lost a postseason contest, Iverson took the floor at the Staples Center and poured in 48 points in a performance that epitomized the heart and soul of the game we love.
With a two-point lead and under a minute to go in overtime, Iverson’s Sixers needed but a dagger to leave the arena with a surprising victory. Iverson, with Tyronn Lue draped all over him, took it upon himself to deliver the field goal… and deliver it he did.
In his Answer IVs, Iverson put the ball on the hardwood and executed one of the most memorable crossovers to date. As he sunk the shot and arrogantly stepped over the fallen soldier he’d just slain, AI completed the finest moment of his soon-to-be Hall Of Fame career. In doing so, he happened to put the focus on his feet, elevating the legend of his sneakers along with that of himself.
Many, including myself, consider Iverson one of the most influential basketball players ever to lace ‘em up. The impact he made both on and off the court was like that of few others, and although he’s no longer in the league, his presence remains in every crossover, tattoo, and arm sleeve.
And it can remain on your feet come next Friday. I don’t get nearly as gassed up over sneaker releases as I used to, but to see this shoe for sale in [something very close to] its original form… I’ve got to have it. This is basketball history for $115. These days, you can’t but a f@cking pair of those Frankenstein Jordans for that.
In addition to the shoe itself becoming available again, one of the coolest things about this re-release is that it briefly brings Iverson back to the spotlight. Recently, he discussed the crossover on Lue (with whom he now considers himself “best of friends”), his MVP award, and the authenticity of his image. Check it out…
Well, for me personally… he hit the nail on the head. Iverson has always been someone I admire for the way he’s stayed true to himself. Every time the man opens his mouth the f@cking realness just emanates from his voice. Say what you will about the way he conducted his business on and off the court, the way his career came to a close… but for a six-foot basketball player who was completely unwilling to conform… well, his accomplishments speak for themselves.
***The shoe will be available in limited quantities at retailers such as Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Champs.
***Please, Reebok, give new life to the original white/red colorway.
***NBA247365.COM will be printing a t-shirt that goes along with the Answer IV re-release. I’ve placed the order, but I’m not exactly sure how long it’ll be before I get them (should be within the next few weeks). If you’re interested in purchasing one (there will only be a few), contact me via Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail (admin@nba247365.com).
