As the basketball community continues to mourn the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others in a tragic helicopter crash, numerous players, both past and present, have expressed their grief. On Monday, Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson released a statement conveying his sorrow and extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Iverson emphasized his emotions with two poignant words: “devastated” and “heartbroken.” Despite their differing styles on the court, Bryant and Iverson were among the fiercest competitors of their era. Their most notable confrontation was in the 2001 NBA Finals, where Bryant’s Lakers triumphed over Iverson’s Sixers in five games, despite Iverson’s valiant effort.
Iverson’s statement also highlighted a significant message: “We are not okay.” This phrase underscores the deep sorrow Iverson feels, a sentiment shared by many in the basketball world, whether they personally knew Bryant or not. It also communicates that it’s acceptable to express grief openly. In sports, showing such vulnerability can be seen as a weakness, but Iverson’s words validate the pain many are experiencing and encourage expressing those feelings.
Iverson and Bryant are forever linked, having been drafted in the same year, in what is considered one of the greatest draft classes ever. They were iconic figures of their era, bridging the gap between the Michael Jordan and LeBron James generations. Both inspired countless individuals globally, teaching invaluable lessons and cultivating a new generation of basketball enthusiasts.
In an April 2017 article for The Players’ Tribune, Bryant acknowledged Iverson’s impact on him, noting that Iverson’s dynamic performances motivated him to work harder, fueling Bryant’s legendary competitive spirit.