Before Tyronn Lue became LeBron James’ coach, he was best known for being reduced to a prop in one of Allen Iverson’s biggest highlights.
But the current coach of the Cavaliers isn’t bitter his basketball legacy is being tied to that moment.
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"Iverson making it to the Finals really saved my career," Lue told Bleacher Report. "Without Iverson, there probably wouldn't be me."
A first-round pick of the Nuggets in 1998, Lue had a hard time breaking into a Lakers backcourt rotation that included not only Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, but also veterans like Ron Harper and Brian Shaw. Lue said he thinks the only reason he made the team’s postseason roster was the possibility of facing Philadelphia and its superstar guard.
"If Milwaukee would have beat Philly, I wouldn't have played," Lue said, "so that could have possibly been my last year in the NBA. People don't understand that."
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Lue said his fall 15 years ago wasn’t from Iverson’s famously quick crossover, but because he stepped on Iverson’s toe and fell down.
When the dust settled, Lue had a ring on his finger and a name that people remembered. So while he may be clowned for all eternity by some people, he chooses to look at that moment fondly.
"'The Stepover' definitely made me famous," Lue said. "The thing with Allen Iverson is, he made me."