NBA: 12 players whose skills ideally match today’s uptempo play style

Allen Iverson, Guard (1996-2010)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies

Career best stat line: 31.1 points, 42% FG, 2.8 steals (2000-01)

Allen Iverson was an undersized two-guard for most of his career, but he never played that well. Towards the end, however, Iverson played the point guard position so he could handle the ball more.

Imagine the numbers he would put up against today’s point guards, who aren’t exactly known for their defense, as well as playing under a rule system that benefits an offensive player. One must also factor how many coaches like switching in the pick and roll.

So just like Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, and Kemba Walker, make it a habit of breaking many bigs’ ankles when forcing the switch, Iverson could have made several highlight tapes of his own. Remember, this is a guy that took the Sixers, almost by himself, to the NBA Finals. He was that explosive.