Allen Iverson anoints Russell Westbrook as the NBA's current AI

There is no one like Russell Westbrook in today's NBA. He's a singular player, one who defies positional norms and conventions. We have never seen his like before.

There was no like Allen Iverson when he was in the NBA. We had never seen his like before. It makes sense, then, that when Iverson was asked in a Facebook Q&A who he thought was the current Iverson, the original AI chose Westbrook.

"'Westbrook no doubt. He’s a certified killer. Beast,' Iverson answered in response to the question from someone named Rainbow Good Bear."

Both players share the "killer" and "warrior" mentality, so from that standpoint, the comparison makes sense. As actual players, though, the two are dissimilar. Then again, that could be what validates Iverson's comparison in the first place. Westbrook doesn't play like Iverson, or anyone else. He plays like Westbrook. Iverson didn't play like any of the smaller guards before him, he played like Iverson. The NBA is full of unique talents, but when it comes to players like Westbrook and Iverson, they stand just a little bit above the rest. 

(h/t Sporting News)

Photo credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports