Led by the relentless Allen Iverson , the Philadelphia 76ers achieved remarkable success without a second superstar on their roster in the 2000-01 season. While the Sixers' run that year was phenomenal, they ultimately lost to the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.
Looking back, many believe Philly would've stood a chance against LA had Iverson had another elite player as a co-star. However, that was never how "The Answer" saw it. For AI, the '01 Sixers were a tightly knit group that fostered a strong sense of belief in one another, and therefore, they didn't need another star at the time.
"That's a lie. I had dawgs with me," Allen rebutted when Jared Bleznick of Blez Sports Cards insisted he would've won multiple championships with the Sixers if they had another star. "I had real dawgs. They ain't have to be Kobe Bryant, they ain't have to be Shaquille O'Neal… They was dawgs! Real dawgs!"
Iverson was Philly's lone star
Known for his remarkable scoring ability, charisma, and fierce competitiveness, Iverson was the clear-cut and rightful star of the Sixers during his time with the team. Though AI was often dominating the spotlight, his teammates, on the other hand, wholeheartedly embraced their respective roles rather than feeling overshadowed or resentful.
In fact, former Sixers point guard Eric Snow even once attested that he and the rest of the team never had an issue with Iverson being the main guy season after season, especially during their breakout season in '01.
"That does not bother us at all," Snow told ESPN in '01. "We all understand this league, the marketing in this league, the star status in this league. And you have to earn it. (Iverson's) earned it. He's earned the right to be called a star in the NBA because he has the talent that he has. It doesn't bother me."
The '01 Sixers were rooted in trust
The 76ers finished the 00-'01 regular season with a 56-26 record, clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. As the team's heart and soul, Iverson captured the well-deserved NBA MVP award. However, his determination inspired his teammates and created a culture where every player on the roster felt valued and capable of contributing.
Allen's confidence in his teammates was infectious. It encouraged them to elevate their game and embrace their roles within the system. All told, the '01 Sixers' success was not merely about "The Answer" but a testament to their collective effort and trust in each other.
Related: "That's not a goal I want to achieve. That's not something I think I'll be good at" - Allen Iverson on why he would never want to be a coach
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