Miami Heat

Miami Heat Intensity Extraordinary Tim Hardaway Settles Discussion, Says Crossover Dribble Is Better Than Allen Iverson’s

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Miami Heat
Miami Heat

Miami Heat great Tim Hardaway has a thing or two to say about who is the true king of the crossover.

The five-time All-Star and Hall of Fame point guard — who made a career out of crossing defenders over with his trademark dribble, the “UTEP two-step” — says there’s “no question” that he has the best crossover when asked who has the best ever dribble.

“I’m the original crossover king,” said Hardaway in a one-on-one interview during All-Star weekend. “Don’t insult me like that.”

Allen Iverson — the Philadelphia 76ers legend and fellow Hall of Fame guard — entered the NBA several years after Hardaway, but was often touted for his own crossover abilities. However, Hardaway — who has always maintained he’s a better crossover artist than Iverson — explained why his crossover dribble is better than the former MVP’s own move.

“People think I’m hating on Allen Iverson,” says Hardaway. “I’m not hating on him. I’m just saying this — ask people what crossover are they using in today’s game. Is it Tim Hardaway’s or is it Allen Iverson? I guarantee nobody in basketball today in the NBA today is using his crossover or teaching his crossover. I guarantee that.”

However, the move didn’t come without controversy. In fact, not only did many consider it to be a carry, the NBA itself considered the move to be a carry. Former referee Tim Donaghy claimed that himself and referees targeted Iverson by calling palming violations on him in one particular game, even going so far as to say that the Philadelphia 76ers great did it every game. Miami Heat

In a November ‘96 column, Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan pointed out how Iverson’s “palming” violation was already creating a fuss shortly into his NBA career.

“The NBA has actually instructed referees to monitor Allen Iverson’s natural dribble, which, as all college basketball fans have known all along, is a palming violation … By God, there’s slim hope for this league yet,” wrote Ryan.

Hardaway points towards Iverson’s reputation for “carrying” the ball as the reason why his crossover is better.

“Because it was a carry,” says Hardaway bluntly. “Everybody says that I’m hating. I don’t hate on Allen Iverson. The truth is the truth. Even the referees in the league said it’s a carry. But they let him get away with it because he was Allen Iverson.”

The 57-year-old former point guard actually defends Iverson’s move, mentioning that other NBA greats such as Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant have gotten away with their own dribbling violations over the years. He also points out that there are multiple traveling violations in the game today, saying that you could call 60 travels per game.

“They let Magic Johnson get away with a double dribble,” says Hardaway. “The referee called it sometimes. If you want to call a carry, Kevin Durant carries all the time. But they don’t call it because that’s his move.”

Hardaway explains that he has no beef with the Sixers guard, calling him the best “pound-for-pound” player in NBA history.

“I love Allen,” says Hardaway. “We don’t have a beef, I’m happy for his career. Pound-for-pound he was the best guard in the NBA. He did what he’s supposed to do, he revolutionized hip-hop culture in the NBA with what he did. I’m not taking anything away from him. But you cannot tell me his crossover is better than mine. I’m just not going to have that.”

In the annals of basketball history, few moves are as iconic and game-changing as the crossover dribble. A debate has long raged among fans and experts alike: whose crossover reigns supreme? Miami Heat great Tim Hardaway has now weighed in, declaring his crossover dribble superior to that of Allen Iverson’s. In this article, we delve into Hardaway’s assertion, exploring the significance of the crossover dribble and its impact on the game

Tim Hardaway’s Unrivaled Crossover:
Tim Hardaway, affectionately known as “Timmy” or “T-Hard,” etched his name in basketball lore with his electrifying crossover dribble. During his tenure with the Miami Heat in the 1990s, Hardaway mesmerized audiences with his lightning-fast moves, leaving defenders in his wake with his signature crossover.

Hardaway’s crossover was characterized by its combination of speed, agility, and deceptive footwork. With a lightning-quick change of direction and impeccable ball-handling skills, Hardaway routinely broke ankles and created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

The Impact of Hardaway’s Crossover:
Hardaway’s crossover wasn’t just a flashy move; it revolutionized the way point guards approached the game. By mastering the art of the crossover, Hardaway paved the way for a new generation of dynamic ball-handlers who sought to emulate his style and creativity on the court.

Moreover, Hardaway’s crossover transcended basketball, influencing popular culture and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His crossover dribble became synonymous with excitement and innovation, captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats.

Hardaway vs. Iverson: Settling the Debate:
The debate over who boasts the better crossover has raged for years, with Allen Iverson often cited as Hardaway’s primary rival in this regard. While Iverson undeniably possessed a lethal crossover of his own, Hardaway’s recent declaration has reignited the discussion, prompting fans to reevaluate the merits of each player’s dribbling prowess.

In settling the debate, Hardaway’s assertion carries considerable weight, given his firsthand experience and expertise. His endorsement of his own crossover as superior to Iverson’s adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue surrounding basketball’s most electrifying move.

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