Allen Iverson Eyes No. 1 Pick in 1996 NBA Draft, Declares He Deserves Spot

Allen Iverson declared on 24 Jun 1996 that he deserves the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, emphasizing his 25‑point average at Georgetown and the historic scarcity of guards taken first overall.

Iverson’s senior season at Georgetown produced 25 points per game and 4.7 assists, numbers that put him ahead of most college guards that year. Scouts compared his quick‑handed style to a young Isiah Thomas, a compliment Iverson embraced. He argued that his defined point‑guard role gave teams a clear fit, unlike versatile forwards such as Marcus Camby whose position was still debated.

Only five guards had been selected first overall in the previous 30 years, the last being Magic Johnson in 1979. The 1996 class featured several point‑guards projected in the top four, including Georgia Tech’s Stephon Marbury. Suns VP of player personnel Dick Van Arsdale noted the draft was “pretty good for the point,” while Hornets’ VP Bob Bass said two star‑type guards could emerge.

“I deserve to be No. 1,” Iverson told reporters, adding that he would play every game “like it’s my last.” He linked his personal hardships to his drive, promising any team that selected him would get relentless effort. He also expressed admiration for Isiah Thomas, hoping to emulate the former star’s impact on the court.

Marbury, a fellow point‑guard, boasted a higher assist rate but fewer points per game. He claimed he could make every teammate better and was ready to be flashy when needed. Other recent guard draftees-Anfernee Hardaway, Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Kenny Anderson, and Damon Stoudamire-had all entered the league in the past six years, reinforcing the notion that a new era for point‑guards was arriving.

If the Philadelphia 76ers secured the top slot, they would lock up a player who combined scoring punch with gritty defensive hustle. Iverson’s confidence suggested he would immediately become the franchise’s face, a sentiment echoed by analysts who saw his style as a perfect fit for the team’s rebuilding plans.

The draft was set for the following Wednesday, with the 76ers holding the first pick. Iverson’s bold statements added pressure on the front office to honor his claim. Should he go No. 1, he would join a short list of guards to claim that honor, potentially reshaping the league’s perception of guard value.

The Sporting News ran a feature titled “Charging of the Guard,” highlighting Iverson’s determination. The piece noted that his hand-described as a “deadly quick extension”-was poised to meet David Stern’s. The article also referenced the rarity of a 6‑foot guard being taken first overall, underscoring the historic nature of the moment.

Iverson’s confidence, combined with his statistical output, made a compelling case for the No. 1 pick. Whether the 76ers or another franchise ultimately chose him, his declaration on 24 Jun 1996 set the tone for a draft that would spotlight the evolving role of point‑guards in the NBA.