General definition of Iverson cut
The Iverson cut features action that occurs when an offensive player who is initially on one side of the court, usually near a wing area, cuts through to the other side, which is typically the opposite wing area.
Basic example of Iverson cut
The basketball diagram above showcases a basic example of the Iverson cut with two offensive players, simply represented by the numbers 1 and 2, respectively.
Prior to offensive action, 1 is at the top in the middle of the floor behind the three-point line while 2 is near the right side wing adjacent to the sideline.
To start, 2 simply moves across the court from one wing to the other via the Iverson cut by way of the high post area, which includes the free throw line as well as the elbows (the edges of the free throw line).
Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 1 and is ready to execute any other offensive actions.
It should also be noted that the Iverson cut is commonly accompanied by one or two high post screens to help the cutter get open but this is not absolutely required in every instance.
Iverson cut basketball plays
These are examples of basketball plays with scoring options that feature the Iverson cut during the offensive action.
It should also be mentioned that each numbered offensive player on the diagrams are represented by the standard basketball positions.
In essence, 1 and 2 are the point guard and shooting guard respectively.
3 and 4 are the small forward and power forward respectively.
Lastly, 5 represents the center position.
Basketball play 1-1: Iverson cut and through cut
The initial setup for this play is a 1-4 high alignment with 1 at the top, 2 and 3 near the respective wings, as well as 4 and 5 near the respective high post elbows.
To begin the play, 2 moves across from the right side wing to the left side wing via the Iverson cut as well as by way of a pair of screens set by 4 and 5.
Furthermore, as that happens, 3 cuts through via the baseline to the right side corner.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 while 4 pops out to fill the vacant right side wing and 5 stays near the middle of the high post area.
Basketball play 1-2: Back screen
Next, 1 cuts to the basket by way of a back screen set by 5. From there, 1 could possibly receive the ball from 2 if that is open.
Otherwise, 1 cuts through to the left side corner.
Basketball play 1-3: Spread pick and roll
Following the Iverson cut and the back screen, the offensive team could segue into spread pick and roll action.
Essentially, 2 could dribble towards the middle and attack the rim by way of a pick, also referred to as an on-ball screen, that is set by 5 who also rolls to the basket.
Additionally, as 2 drives to the basket, shake action can happen in which 1 simply lifts up from the left side corner towards the adjacent left side wing.
From there, multiple scoring options are potentially available.
Basically, 2 can score at the rim, take the mid-range shot, or pass the ball to any of the other teammates depending on whoever is open to receive it.
Basketball play 2-1: Iverson cut and cross screen
The initial setup for this play consists of 1 at the top in the middle of the floor, 3 on the left side wing, 4 at the high post area, 2 near the right side low post area, and 5 near the left side low post area.
To begin the play, 3 moves across the wings via the Iverson cut as well as by way of a screen set by 4.
Afterwards, 3 receives the ball from 1 and once that occurs, 5 cuts across to the right side low post area via a cross screen set by 2 who also pops out to the empty left side corner.
Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and score by way of a low post move.
Basketball play 2-2: Stagger screen
If 5 is not open to receive the ball, then 1 and 4 can set a stagger screen with 2 as the recipient.
From there, 2 could cut from the left side corner to the top, receive the ball from 3 and take the three-point shot if that is open.
Additional info about the Iverson cut
Name origin
The Iverson cut is named after and essentially popularized by NBA Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson, who would use this particular basketball cut to get open, especially near the wing areas of the court.
Related: Iverson Cut (AI Cut) – YouTube
General benefits
The Iverson cut is generally beneficial because it could be implemented to create various scoring or other playmaking opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
For example, the Iverson cut could be utilized by an offensive team’s best mid-range or three-point shooter to get open for an immediate jump shot scoring opportunity.
Alternatively, the Iverson cut could be used by the offensive player with the best dribbling skills and/or slashing capability to attack the basket, which could also result in a scoring/playmaking option.
Furthermore, after an offensive player performs the Iverson cut, that may lead to isolation actions, which could also result in potential scoring or playmaking opportunities.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player receives the ball near the wing after executing the Iverson cut.
At the same time, let’s say that same player is now in a 1 on 1 isolation situation against their primary on-ball defender.
From there, the player in possession of the ball could be at a significant advantage if that same player has above average offensive skills and/or their primary defender has below average defensive skills.
Afterwards, the player with the ball could execute a series of dribbling moves such as a double crossover followed by a drive to the basket or a step back jump shot against the on-ball defender.
Nevertheless, in some instances, the on-ball defender could be at least average in terms of defensive skills.
If that is the case, then after carrying out the Iverson cut, the offensive player could initially receive the ball and set up in the triple threat position.
Following that, the offensive player could perform a simple action known as the jab step to open or change the defender’s stance and after that, that same player could then execute one or more dribble moves into a jump shot or drive for scoring/playmaking possibilities.
More resources
Iverson Cut Series- Best Plays – YouTube