Liberty Links: Allen Iverson is a big fan of LeBron James

Let’s not waste any time today. We’re starting things off with a fantastic picture of Allen Iverson and LeBron James.

Iverson and LeBron James go way back

LeBron has repeatedly expressed his affinity for The Answer over the years, from calling him the pound-for-pound GOAT to filming a message for the montage they played during Iverson’s jersey retirement ceremony in Philadelphia. Given the respective circumstances in life they came from, James probably identifies with the struggle Iverson went through just to make it to the NBA as well.

I think one of my favorite things about watching Iverson age is not having to deal with him becoming a curmudgeon who goes out of his way to dump on how the game is played today. If you would have asked me to bet on it in the midst of his career, I would have guessed a fiery competitor like Iverson would refuse to accept changes to the league and the merit of other guys who came after him.

But it has been the exact opposite for the most part. Iverson consistently goes out of his way to talk about how much he loves watching some of the new stars play—unsurprisingly, he’s a Russell Westbrook fan—and it’s nice to see him show love to a bunch of guys who grew up watching and idolizing him.

I have to admit, a small piece of me died when Iverson shouted out a future Hall of Famer the Sixers could have drafted instead of Larry Hughes, but in the meantime, I will take solace in the fact that we have similar music tastes:

All Their Hoops And Dreams — Tim Keown, ESPN

During the Rockets' second-to-last home game, as the Pistons drift back onto the floor, she points to Ish Smith, who played in Philadelphia during D'Antoni's five-month stint there last season. Smith and D'Antoni meet in front of the Rockets' bench, and Laurel says, "Now Ish is going to ask Mike if I'm here, they're both going to look up at the same time, and Ish is going to wave." When each step happens, a second or two behind her narration, she laughs and says, "What did I tell you?"

This is what they call “relationship goals”, kids.

The crossover world of comic books and the NBA — David Ramil, Fansided

As a giant nerd on both the basketball and comic fronts, this hit the sweet spot for me. David is a super underrated writer who you all should be checking out on a regular basis.

The Clippers named their D-League team what now?

Coming soon: the Stub Hub Sixers of Philadelphia. I’m only half kidding.

Marvin Bagley III could be the future of basketball — Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation

Meanwhile, Bagley’s talent perseveres.

There’s a reason Bagley’s father always carries that video camera. He’s supposedly collecting footage for a documentary about his son’s life. If his journey to this point is any indication, it’s going to be a must-see.

That Kings pick is looking mighty fine, thank you very much.

The Isaiah Thomas — Draymond Green beef I didn’t know I needed

Up first, Thomas coming to the defense of (dirty player) Kelly Olynyk:

I don't know how he can call anybody dirty. It is what it is. Everybody's got a comment or something to say. That's all it is. It's a joke that [Green] said that. The playoffs, everything somebody says is blown out of proportion. Everything somebody does is blown out of proportion as well. We can't worry about what others are saying or doing.

Let’s go to the response:

This completely impartial, absolutely-not-a-Celtics-hater judge scores this one in favor of Green.