Ma$e has voiced his dissatisfaction with the recently revealed statue honoring Philadelphia 76ers icon Allen Iverson, insisting that “they need a do-over.”
During the April 15 episode of “It Is What It Is,” a show he co-hosts with fellow rap veteran Cam’ron, Ma$e shared his perspective on the NBA’s latest tribute.
Expressing his concerns, he remarked, “They better not have messed AI’s statue up,” unaware of the ongoing criticism directed at the statue situated at the team’s practice facility. Critics have highlighted its resemblance more to a trophy than a lifelike representation of Iverson, primarily due to its size.
Ma$e elaborated on his stance, emphasizing Iverson’s stature in both physical and symbolic terms. “If there’s anybody’s statue they can’t mess up, it’s AI,” he asserted, citing the challenge of accurately portraying Iverson’s relatively shorter height compared to other basketball legends like Kobe Bryant.
Drawing parallels with Bryant’s involvement in selecting his own statue before his passing, Ma$e underscored Iverson’s hypothetical preference for a statue that accurately reflects his identity and legacy.
“He shoulda been able to check that and been like, ‘Naw, that’s not the one I want,’” he remarked, emphasizing Iverson’s agency in the matter.
In light of the criticisms and Ma$e’s concerns, the call for a redo of the Allen Iverson statue gains momentum, highlighting the importance of accurately honoring sports legends through art.
