Everyone knew Larry Brown was telling the truth.
This Philadelphia 76ers team was made up of blue-collar workhorses on defense, while offensively, they relied entirely on Iverson's astonishing talent and unyielding fighting spirit. That style might win plenty of games in the regular season, but in the playoffs, against Li Fei's absolute dominance and the deep Knicks roster, such a one-dimensional system collapsed in an instant.
"We can't keep going like this." General Manager Billy King broke the silence, his tone incredibly grave.
"Allen took 38 shots today. His knees are bleeding, and he's burning through his career! If we keep making him carry this entire team by himself, sooner or later, he'll be ruined on the court."
The assistant general manager nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. In last year's playoffs, we were swept 4–0 by the Phoenix Suns led by Li Fei. Back then, we could still console ourselves by saying we had run into the reigning champions at the height of their power. But what about this year? Li Fei went to the Knicks and changed teammates, yet the script hasn't changed at all. If we get swept again this year, the fans will tear our offices apart."
"What's even more frightening is Allen's attitude," the head of player development said anxiously.
"Allen is an extremely proud competitor. If he's humiliated by the same person with a first-round sweep two years in a row, I'm afraid he'll lose patience with the team. The moment he requests a trade, every one of us here will have to pack up and leave."
That struck at everyone's weak spot.
Iverson was Philadelphia's cash cow, the city's box-office guarantee. Without him, the Philadelphia 76ers would instantly plunge into an irrecoverable abyss.
"So, the conclusion is obvious." Billy King took a deep drag from