Iverson Vs. Marbury

Iverson vs. Marbury

Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury are two of the NBA’s most exciting players to ever witness. Both Iverson and Marbury were drafted in the 1996 NBA draft with high expectations on their shoulders. Their mission was to lead there struggling teams to the promise land, the NBA Finals. Fans dispute on who is the better overall basketball player. When comparing these two athletes, it’s quite evident that Allen Iverson is the superior.

On the collegian level, these players can be contrasted. Allen Iverson played freshman and sophomore basketball at Georgetown University. He was the starting point-guard for Georgetown University. Allen Iverson averaged 23.0 points per game as the point-guard for Georgetown. Iverson also passed out 4.6 assists per game. In addition, he swiped a total of 217 steals in his career in college basketball. Allen Iverson was selected to the All-American 1st team in his sophomore year in college. Finally, Allen Iverson, according to the Herald Sun in Virginia, Iverson was ranked number #1 in college basketball at the point guard position. As Allen Iverson was soaring through the college basketball world, Stephon Marbury was trying to make a name for himself. Stephon Marbury played his freshmen and about 2/3’s of his sophomore year at Georgia Tech. Marbury wasn’t the starting point guard until the middle of his freshman year. Stephon Marbury averaged 18.9 points per game during his tenure in Georgia Tech. He assisted out 4.5 assists per game. Also, Marbury whipped out a dismal 63 steals during his college basketball career. Stephon Marbury was announced to the All-American 3rd team after his sophomore year at Georgia Tech. As reported in the Georgia Times, Stephon Marbury was also ranked #4 in the state of Georgia as one of the best college basketball players in the state of Georgia. In comparing these two athletes, it seems Iverson has the edge on Marbury at the college level.

Both players’ rookie years can be contrasted as well. Allen Iverson was drafted #1 to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft. Allen Iverson, position wise, is versatile because he can either play the point or shooting guard position. Iverson poured on an incredible average of 23.5 points per game his rookie year. While scoring 23.5 points per game, Allen Iverson unbelievably was shooting .416% from the field. Also, Iverson was playing almost the whole game by averaging 40.1 minutes per game. In addition, Allen Iverson was named the 1996-97 Schick NBA rookie of the year, becoming the first 76ers player to accomplish such an award. Finally, Iverson scored 40 points in five straight games in April 1997 to set an NBA rookie record. Compared to Iverson’s remember able rookie season; Marbury had a more bumpy rookie season. Stephan Marburg was drafted #4 to the Milwaukee Bucks, but then traded to the Minnesota T-wolves in the 1996-97 NBA draft. Position wise, the only position Marburg can play is the point guard position. Meanwhile, Stephon provided a career low in points by averaging 15.8 points per game his rookie year. While averaging only 15.8 points per game as a point guard, Marbury was shooting .408% from the field. As time passed, Marbury didn’t get the same amount of minutes compared to Iverson because he was only averaging 34.7 minutes per game. In addition, Stephon Marbury disappointingly came in 3rd place for rookie of the year. Finally, Named NBA Rookie of the Month for January 1997, averaging 16.9 points, 8.1 assists and 1.10 steals per game. Compared to Allen Iverson’s rookie year, Stephon Marbury’s rookie year is incomparable to Iverson’s rookie season.

Finally, comparing both players’ playoff statistics should be looked up. Allen Iverson, in his career has started in 62 playoff games with the Philadelphia