“Fight My A** Off”: Coach Nurse Vows to Achieve Allen Iverson Success With Joel Embiid’s 76ers on Special Day

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. Several iconic NBA players like Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, and numerous others have donned the Sixers’ colors. However, none were as impactful and era-defining as Allen Iverson. From crossing over Michael Jordan in his freshman season to his iconic cornrows, AI inspired a whole generation of Philly fans. Thus, to honor his legacy, the Philadelphia 76ers will host a sculpture unveiling ceremony on Friday afternoon.

The sculpture will be unveiled on Legends Walk, located right in front of the Sixers training facility. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, “It’s like Allen Iverson has all of Philly and the Tidewater at his sculpture unveiling.” Keith also managed to catch a conversation between Iverson and current 76ers HC Nick Nurse. According to him, Nurse assured AI that he would guide the Sixers back to the NBA Finals just like Iverson did. Nurse said, “I’m going to fight my ass off to get my team back to where you took them.”

Although the Philadelphia 76ers have shown promising signs in Nick Nurse’s first season in charge, they still remain outside the guaranteed playoff spots in the Western Conference. However, they face the fifth-seeded Orlando Magic later tonight in what could be their most important game of the season. Currently, the Sixers trail the Magic by just one win, sitting closely behind them in the 7th spot. But would the Sixers have what it takes to challenge the top teams in the East even if they secure a guaranteed playoff spot?

Are the Philadelphia 76ers dark horses for the 2024 NBA title?

The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t had the best of seasons. They currently languish in the 7th spot of the Eastern Conference standings, with 45 wins from 80 games. However, there’s a caveat: The Sixers have missed the services of reigning MVP Joel Embiid for the majority of the season due to recurring knee injuries. Without Embiid, the 76ers have managed to only win 15 out of 42 games that Embiid has missed.

However, the Philadelphia 76ers’ record with Embiid in the lineup is eye-catching, securing 30 wins and suffering only 8 losses. In fact, the Sixers have not lost a game since Embiid made his long-awaited return from injury against the OKC Thunder on 2nd April, winning five games on the bounce. In 38 games, Embiid has averaged 34.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 34 minutes of playing time.

If not for his knee injury, Joel Embiid would have been in the conversation for the 2024 MVP award. However, now his focus lies on Philly’s playoff ambitions. And with Embiid fit and healthy, the 76ers would be a formidable foe for even title contenders like the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. What are your thoughts? Can the Philadelphia 76ers challenge the likes of the Celtics or the Bucks? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More: 76ers Slapped With 6-Figure Fine for Repeat Offense in Joel Embiid Injury Saga