HOT CORNER

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What: “SportsCentury: Allen Iverson.”

Where: ESPN Classic, Friday, 5 and 8 p.m.

When Allen Iverson was selected first in the 1996 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, he brought a heightened brand of playground basketball to the NBA, along with a disquieting brand of street swagger. In some circles, Iverson is admired. In others, he is regarded as the league’s bad boy.

ESPN Classic does a decent job of presenting both sides in this edition of “SportsCentury,” but it only skims the surface. Iverson’s troubles with the law are documented, but viewers hear little from Iverson himself, and nothing from relatives or childhood friends. Iverson’s story is mostly told by those who have only observed him.

However, even though it’s unlikely this half-hour profile will change anyone’s mind about Iverson, it does provide a little better understanding of him.

Here’s Iverson explanation: “At some point in my life, I got tired of always defending myself, having to say who Allen Iverson is because either you’re going to accept it or not accept it. And I care, but I really don’t care, because all I need to do is concentrate on the people who love me and care about me for who I am.”

-- Larry Stewart