Allen Iverson Calls Shaquille O’Neal the ‘Most Honest’ and ‘Funniest’ Person to Be Around (Exclusive)

The NBA legend spoke to PEOPLE in Indianapolis during NBA All-Star Weekend

Allen Iverson has high praise for his fellow retired NBA star, Shaquille O'Neal.

Speaking with PEOPLE at the Brotherhood Deli pop-up experience, presented by Chase Freedom, during NBA All-Star Weekend, Iverson, 48, says the Lakers legend is "the most honest person and the most loyal person."

"I mean, he's also the funniest person, and smartest person that you would want to be around," adds Iverson, who made a handful of appearances alongside O'Neal over the three-day weekend in Indianapolis.

When Iverson arrived at the Brotherhood Deli on Friday for his meet-and-greet, he noticed fans of all ages wearing his jerseys and asking for autographs, including ones who wouldn't have been alive when he or O'Neal played in the NBA.

"I think that's the coolest part," says Iverson. "When kids that didn't grow up off of me, like small kids, know who I am. And not taking away from my fan base and the people that grew up off of me, but I just think it's cool to see little kids that never got to see you play in person support you."

Related: Dwyane Wade Says Being First Hall-of-Famer Presented by Allen Iverson 'Means Everything' (Exclusive)

"I guess probably their parents send them to YouTube and all that. I hear guys a lot of times say, 'This person, that person, this person,' and then the parents will be like, 'Well, let me show you Allen Iverson.' "

An 11x NBA All-Star before his retirement, Iverson says he remembers his first selection to the coveted game well. "I was a rookie, and I had gotten Rookie of the Year in Cleveland, and it made me feel like I arrived."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In recent years, the All-Star Game has seen a steep decline in defense from its players, leading to this year's 200 points in Sunday's game, and Iverson agrees.

"No defense. They don't play defense."

Iverson says, "See, back in the day, before I got into the league, I used to watch the East and the West, and they would bull-jive around for three quarters and then the last quarter they'd get serious. I think it's kind of like that now."

Related: NBA Legend Allen Iverson Pens Heartfelt Tribute to Kobe Bryant: 'You Were a Hero to Me'

But Iverson advises current NBA stars to appreciate their All-Star selections while they can. "It's a moment that you might not ever have again, so you cherish it and play the way you always play because I actually think you get hurt when you don't play hard."

Iverson says "it's an honor and a blessing" to return to All-Star Weekend as a retired player and be embraced by the fans.

"Especially with the support and love that people still have for you after being removed from the game so long, it's just a blessing."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.