Iverson Claims Modern NBA Has No ‘Answer’ as Perth Visit Electrifies HoopsFest
PERTH, 17 January 2026 – Hall of Fame icon Allen Iverson has sent a shockwave through the basketball world, declaring today’s NBA defences would be “ugly” against his prime, as his star-studded appearance at the NBL’s HoopsFest in Perth continues to captivate fans and players alike.
The ‘Answer’ for Today’s Game
Speaking at the basketball and culture festival, the 2001 NBA MVP and 11-time All-Star analysed the evolution of the league over the past 25 years. Iverson, known for his blistering speed and scoring prowess, argued that the modern spaced-floor, perimeter-oriented game would play directly into his hands.
“It would be ugly for defence,” Iverson stated. “Looking at the game with the way it is played now, with the court being spaced the way it is, you’ve got big men out on the perimeter. I’m thinking if they played me like that, all I had to do was beat my man.”
He elaborated that with less interior help defence, his path to the basket would be clear. “If I get by him, the basket is right there because the big men are all the way out on the perimeter. It would be ugly.”
Mutual Admiration with an NBL Legend
The cultural icon’s visit has been particularly meaningful for five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, who has long cited Iverson as his basketball hero. The Adelaide 36ers star’s public admiration was a key factor in the league’s decision to invite Iverson, revealed NBL chief executive David Stevenson.
“A big part of it was the Bryce connection,” Stevenson told The West Australian. “We know Bryce is a legend of our sport and the NBL. We know his passion for Allen Iverson.”
For Iverson, learning of his influence on a player of Cotton’s calibre is a profound honour. “To hear he took a lot from my game is a blessing and an honour,” Iverson said. “For me to be able to impact someone’s game that has had so much success makes me feel like I did something right in my career.”
Cotton, who will finally meet his idol this weekend, admitted he was initially in disbelief. “I didn’t believe it at first. I wanted to wait a few more weeks to be sure he was actually coming,” Cotton said. “Everyone knows how I feel about him, so it’ll be really cool to meet him in person.”
HoopsFest: The ‘Cream of the Crop’
Iverson arrived in Perth on Wednesday and will be courtside for multiple games across the HoopsFest weekend, which features all 10 NBL and eight WNBL teams in a four-day festival. He described the event as the “cream of the crop” for Australian basketball.
“It’s like bragging rights,” Iverson said. “You get the opportunity to watch it all unfold. It’s something I think that people will remember and cherish forever.”
His presence has already made an impact. Sydney Kings forward Kouat Noi put on a shooting clinic in front of the legend, scoring 24 points in a Kings victory over Brisbane, frequently glancing to the courtside for Iverson’s reaction. “That’s a legend of the game,” Noi said at halftime.
Allen Iverson: Career Highlights
| Accolade | Detail |
|---|---|
| NBA Most Valuable Player | 2001 |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 11 |
| NBA Scoring Titles | 4 (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005) |
| All-NBA Teams | 7 Selections |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Class of 2016 |
On-Court Action at HoopsFest
The festival tipped off with a thrilling WNBL clash, where the Perth Lynx, led by Ally Wilson’s 26 points, overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat the Bendigo Spirit 85-81. Iverson was in attendance for the final quarter.
In the NBL, the Sydney Kings continued their strong form with a 95-80 victory over the Brisbane Bullets, powered by Kouat Noi and Kendric Davis, with Iverson watching from a prime seat.
The weekend will culminate in a top-of-the-table NBL showdown between Bryce Cotton’s Adelaide 36ers and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday, though Iverson will have departed Perth by then to continue a tour of eastern capital cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Allen Iverson in Perth?
Allen Iverson is the headline guest for the 2026 HoopsFest, a major basketball and culture festival organised by the NBL and WNBL. His visit is designed to inspire fans and players, and was partly motivated by NBL legend Bryce Cotton’s well-known admiration for him.
What did Allen Iverson say about the modern NBA?
Iverson believes the modern NBA’s style of play, which spaces the floor and often pulls shot-blockers away from the basket, would make it easier for him to score. He stated, “It would be ugly for defence,” suggesting he would average significantly more points in today’s game.
Will Allen Iverson meet Bryce Cotton?
Yes. Meeting Cotton is a centrepiece of Iverson’s visit. Both have expressed excitement about the meeting, with Iverson saying he is “definitely looking forward to meeting him and chopping it up with him a little bit.”
Was Allen Iverson ever close to joining the NBL?
Iverson addressed old speculation linking him to the Sydney Kings, calling it “rumblings.” He explained that at a point in his career, he simply “wanted to play basketball and… wanted to play somewhere,” emphasising a player’s desire to feel wanted.