Allen Iverson Opens Up About His Heartwarming Friendship with Shaquille O'Neal

Published: June 4, 2025

Allen Iverson is getting emotional about his friendship with Shaquille O'Neal, and it's a beautiful thing to see. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Iverson couldn't help but shed a few tears when talking about his bond with O'Neal.

"I love him so much. I don't want to be up here crying and s---, you know what I mean? I just love him," Iverson says, holding back tears. O'Neal is more than just a friend to Iverson - he's a "big brother, a mentor and just everything you're supposed to be as a man."

Iverson's admiration for O'Neal extends to his family as well. "I love his family. I love how he raised his kids," he says. "I learned from him, you know what I mean? He's just a beautiful guy...I can't talk about him."

The NBA legends have teamed up to rebrand Reebok Basketball, and their partnership is the focus of the new docuseries Power Moves, now streaming on Netflix.

Iverson also opens up about his new chapter in life, saying he's "ecstatic" to share it with fans. "I'm just happy about the people in my life that helped me, and my maturation," he says. "The people that I know love me, and they show it, they really, really show it to me. I think it's just a beautiful life."

Iverson also gives credit to his partner, who he says "gave me a second chance when I did wrong." He adds, "I've been this happy, but the fact of being given a second chance? I'm just a blessed guy."

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Allen Iverson and Shaquille O'Neal on Feb. 18, 2005. Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty

Allen Iverson and Shaquille O'Neal play in the NBA on Dec. 16, 2009. Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty

Allen Iverson smiles during the game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 12, 2024. Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty