At the request of Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown, former team great and NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson gave some words of encouragement to a squad in search of its first win of the season.
"What we have to understand is I hope the message registers," Iverson said. "That's all I can do is hope my voice means something to guys that are younger than me, and us guys that paved the way. ... If only one guy got it, then I'm happy."
Iverson said he thinks the 76ers will be a solid unit, even if they're the only team in the league without a win.
"Right now, everybody is pretty frustrated," center Jahlil Okafor said Wednesday after a 122-115 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. "We thought we just let that one go, but we know we are right there.
"Honestly, it's kind of deflating getting so close to a win. ... Now, we have to be mentally tough."
Wednesday's loss dropped the 76ers to 0-7. They'll face off with the Pacers again on Friday in Philadelphia.
The 76ers have seen a rash of injuries decimate their young core. Ben Simmons (broken right foot), Nerlens Noel (right knee) and Jerryd Bayless (left wrist ligament damage) have been sidelined since the preseason. Joel Embiid has been limited as the team seeks to carefully manage his workload and the stress on his right foot during games and practices.
And what message does Iverson have for the Sixers faithful?
"I want the fans here to be patient with those guys," Iverson said. "We've got the talent. It's here. Just be patient with them. And I just want those guys to believe in each other and trust in each other. That's it. The future is bright for us."
