Allen Iverson, celebrated for his scoring prowess, quickness, and toughness, is considered one of the most electrifying players in NBA history. At about six feet tall, he defied expectations in a league dominated by taller players, averaging 31.1 points per game during his MVP season in 2000-2001.

However, when Iverson first met Michael Jordan, he encountered the greatest player of that era, known not for his kindness but for his fierce competitiveness. Jordan was notorious for being aggressively abusive towards his opponents, including those who admired him. Iverson, one of those admirers, vividly remembers Jordan calling him out during their first game against each other.

Iverson shared his experience on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, discussing his feelings about the Bulls and how Jordan welcomed him to the league.

“He called me a little b***h. I was a Bulls fan coming up, but while he was in the league, man, I hated the Bulls more than any team in that league. I hated the Bulls. Once I got into the league and heard the way they talk to us, they knew they was at the top of the mountain,” he said.

The Philadelphia 76ers legend has always admired everything about Jordan since he first picked up a basketball and fell in love with the game.

Iverson, despite his deep respect for his idol, didn’t hesitate to try and dominate their first matchup, even as a rookie facing an established superstar. To his credit, A.I. fought hard and even managed to cross Jordan up, which became one of the most iconic highlights of his career.

That night, Jordan led Chicago to a 115-86 victory, scoring 27 points, grabbing two rebounds, dishing out five assists, and making four steals. Iverson, meanwhile, scored 15 points and grabbed four rebounds, shooting 4-for-13 from the floor.

Iverson’s Encounter with Jordan and the Respect That Endured
Even though his competitive nature prevented him from being overwhelmed by Jordan’s presence at that moment, Iverson was still starstruck by the Bulls legend before the game.

“I’ll never forget the first time I saw him. He didn’t seem real to me. I was clearly starstruck. I looked at him and he appeared almost inhuman. He was wearing Jordans and not even NBA socks, and I noticed his knee brace on his shin. I thought, ‘Man, it’s him.’ My teammates teased me before the game, saying I wouldn’t play my game because my idol was on the floor. I was starstruck, but once the game started and the ball was in play, it all faded away. It was showtime—time to perform,” he recalled.

Despite Jordan insulting Iverson directly, he never held a grudge against “His Airness.” Even though many fierce competitors would end a relationship over such an insult, Iverson didn’t take it personally during the heat of the moment, which is why he remains highly respected among all the superstars.