Iverson says ’96 draft class NBA best ever

MANILA, Philippines -  Allen Iverson siad yesterday the 1996 draft class where he belonged is better than LeBron James’ 2003.

“Definitely,” Iverson, a former NBA MVP who is in the country for a charity game, said in yesterday’s press conference at the NBA Cafe of the SM Aura in Taguig City.

Iverson’s batch was composed of Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Marcus Camby, Derek Fisher, Stephon Marbury, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O’Neal and Shariff Abdul Rahim, all former All-Stars with some winning MVPs and NBA championships.

James’ batch features the league’s current superstars, including Carmelo Anthony of New York, former Miami Heat teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, Boris Diaw of San Antonio and Indiana’s David West.

Iverson, 39, said he is not surprised that Kobe, a multiple champion and a future Hall-of-Famer, is still playing the game.

“I’m not surprised. Seeing his work ethic, his passion for the game, I’m not surprised at all,” he said.

Asked if he’s going to play again, Iverson said no.

“The passion you saw from me is gone,” Iverson, who has officially retired last year and whose No. 3 jersey was also retired by the Philadelphia 76ers organization last March, said in a Philstar.com story. 

“At this stage of my life, I’m done. I don’t want to do it anymore,” he added.

Iverson said he is now focused on his family and charity work.

“I lost a lot of opportunities...  playing in the league, traveling all the time. I love just being a full-time dad with my kids,” he said.

Iverson will display his coaching skills with the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars in tonight’s charity game dubbed “All-In Basketball Charity Game” at the MOA Arena in Pasay City with Gawad Kalinga children as its beneficiaries.

They will clash with Team PCWorx to be handled by two-time PBA grand slam coach Tim Cone and composed of brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Jeron Teng, Almond Vosotros, Mark Belo, Troy Rosario, Javee Mocon, Ola Adeogun, Jaymar Perez, Jerry Codiñera, Renren Ritualo and Willie Miller.