August 24, US time, is "Mamba Day", and Allen Iverson wrote an open letter in the "Players Forum" to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant.
Iverson writes, "The first time I saw you against a black Jesus (Michael Jordan), it was 18 years old. I knew you were the killer. That's when I realized you'd be a basketball legend. You attacked Mike that night, fearlessly. ”
"We may have different environments to grow up in, but when I see you on the pitch and see your efforts, I know we're the same kind of people. I'm not tall, but in my heart, I'm a giant every night I stand on the pitch. You're 1m 98, you can score for sleep, but that's not enough, you want to be the best ever. ”
"You and I, every time we go on the pitch it's a war. But we didn't have any hostility, like two heavyweight boxers fighting for their lives, but the game was over and there was only love and respect. Great people need partners, we need each other. ”
"You're the toughest person I've ever seen in a game, the toughest killer, the fiercest fighter."
"In the 2001 Finals, we attacked each other, but there was no hostility and hatred. It's something that people can't understand, only admiration, only love. ”
"Who lost the scoring champion with 33 points in the venue?" How do you get 35 points at the venue? Why? Because you are you, you are Kobe Bryant. Maybe you saw my performance at Sportscenter, 41 points? Then I'll get a 43 points to see. ”
"I've always been confident and know how strong I am. I'm a scorer, I'm a winner, in my own way. I won some games. But you are the champion and win the love of the whole world. My family, the eldest daughter loves Kobe. My kids always hit me and say they want Kobe Bryant's new Adidas sneakers, and they're wearing numbers 8 and 24 because you're their hero. You are also my hero, and although you are younger than me, I respect you because of your sacrifices, your dedication to the game. ”
"Any time someone asks me, 'Who's the best player in history?' MJ is always number one, and I know you think so too. Black Jesus, that's g.o.a.t. but what about the second? My answer will always be Kobe Bryant. ”