While we do love and respect our elders and while Moses Malone and Alonzo Mourning are both from Virginia, we couldn't find it in our hearts to snub Allen Iverson as the NBA king of the Mother of States. Born in Hampton, Virginia, the 6'0 point guard redefined the game using his speed and dribbling ability to leave his defenders disoriented and embarrassed in front of millions of viewers. After all, Allen Iverson is one of the very few players to leave Michael Jordan on his heels and stumbling after utilizing his killer crossover.
After two years with Georgetown Hoyas, Allen Iverson declared himself to the NBA Draft where he was drafted first overall to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. He would go on to earn eleven NBA All-Star honors, three All-NBA First Team roster spots, and one NBA MVP (2001). Unfortunately, his only opportunity to win an NBA title was stripped by Kobe and Shaq's Lakers during the 2000-01 NBA season. While he might have had his shortcomings, he is the reason why seven-footers today play face-up, dribble-first basketball. Allen Iverson single-handedly changed the game forever.