Allen Iverson Counters Challenge From Barack Obama With Spades

Hollywood and basketball stars abound at NBA All-Star Weekend 2026, and produced one of the most legendary meet-ups in history.

Among the All-Star festivities, basketball icon Allen Iverson and former President Barack Obama met for the first time.

During the iconic encounter, which included an embrace and brief conversation, Obama challenged Iverson to a pickup basketball game.

“What an honor. What a life,” Iverson said after meeting Obama for the first time. “My man challenged me to a one-on-one, but we agreed to bust some spades instead.”

Iverson was named Most Valuable Player in 2001 and led the NBA in scoring four times. He was a 12-time All-Star, with his final selection occurring the same year Obama was inaugurated.

Though it’s been a while since he laced up the sneaks, there’s little doubt who’d prevail in a potential matchup between the two cultural icons.

The victor of Iverson’s counteroffer — a game of spades — is harder to predict.

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Barack Obama Goes Viral at All-Star Weekend 2026

 

Anytime President Obama attends an NBA game, he is welcomed with cheers and an appearance on the Jumbotron.

During the Team Stars vs Team World matchup, Obama ended up with the loose ball after Nikola Jokic nearly spilled into the crowd.

Just before the Denver Nuggets star crashed into the crowd, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker redirected him with a shove, sparing the Obamas in the process.

Obama sat courtside next to Sixers legend Julius Erving.

After watching the NBA All-Star Game and Team USA compete at the Winter Olympics, Obama posted a message about the impact of sports.

He tweeted: “Watching the NBA All-Star game and Team USA at the Winter Olympics, it’s clear that sports — just like music and art — still have the power to bring us together, build community, and remind us of our common humanity.”

Anthony Edwards, who was crowned the All-Star Game MVP, said he was motivated by Obama’s courtside presence.

“Yeah, for sure. You always got to put on the show for (him)… He’s my favorite person in the world,” Edwards said. “We was kicking it yesterday. Me and him, I had a great time yesterday. So, I told him I was going to put on the show for him.”

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Allen Iverson Mentee Shines as All-Star Starter

With his franchise mentor Allen Iverson in attendance, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey put on a show at All-Star weekend.

Maxey, a first-time All-Star starter, finished the championship game with nine points and three steals.

This was the second career All-Star appearance for Maxey, who leads the NBA in minutes played this season.

Maxey leads the Sixers in scoring (28.1 PPG) and assists (6.8), thriving as the team’s new first option.

Following the game, Maxey offered a hilarious explanation for why Team Stars prevailed in the new All-Star game format.

“We won because we’re young and turnt,” Maxey said.

As Iverson did during his stint in Philly, Maxey has entered the upper echelon of NBA guards.

Maxey leads the Eastern Conference in scoring among point guards. His first career signature shoe with New Balance is expected to release in 2027.

 

 

Jalyn Smoot Jalyn Smoot is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has nearly 10 years of experience in local and national media, including print and digital. He previously covered the Texas Rangers for MLB.com and the Philadelphia 76ers for Metro Philadelphia. Smoot is a St. Louis born writer that now resides in Dallas. More about Jalyn Smoot