While legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and Moses Malone have undeniably contributed to establishing the Philadelphia 76ers as one of the league's most competitive franchises, few have left an indelible mark as Allen Iverson . Despite representing three other teams during his 14-year-long NBA career, The Answer's connection with the Sixers remains paramount.
However, given his elite basketball acumen, he once admitted to being perplexed by the organization's apparent oversight in not approaching him for a coaching position.
Iverson on forgetting more basketball than most people know
Throughout NBA history, numerous iconic franchise cornerstones have successfully transitioned from their on-court roles to coaching positions within the same organizations they represented for years. Notable examples include Bill Russell and Jerry West, who leveraged their playing experiences to further elevate the status of their respective teams.
In his interview with Taylor Rooks, the 2001 MVP expressed his aspiration to pursue a similar career trajectory. Iverson emphasized that his potential continuation extends beyond mere game knowledge; he possessed first-hand experience on how modern-day players must alter their attitude to earn the respect of fans, teammates, and the organization.
"I've forgotten more basketball than some people know, and I know I can help an organization get better," Iverson said. "I know so much about the ins and outs in basketball, and not just talent-wise as far as who's good, who's not. Relationships, how teammates react to each other, what they have a problem with, what makes them play a certain way… I know I can help."
Iverson expressed his disappointment in the 76ers' lack of action
Considering that he led the franchise to its last appearance in the NBA Finals and has a deep connection with them, the 11-time All-Star finds it perplexing that they have never approached him to join the organization in any capacity.
"I got Sixer blood pumping through me," Iverson added. "Everybody knows that I want to help that organization. I've been retired, what, 11 years? I don't know how I'm not a part of that staff in some kind of way."
Concluding the segment, the two-time All-Star Game MVP expressed that salary is no concern to him. Instead, he only wanted to give back to the franchise that handed him fame and wealth, even after retirement. For a legend like AI to be so vocal about wanting to help the 76ers improve was, or rather is, a rare opportunity that the Sixers should take advantage of, especially considering how their recent coaching choices haven't allowed the players to maximize their true potential.
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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