PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The energy in Philadelphia sports right now is reminiscent of the hype in 2001, when generational star Allen Iverson led the Sixers all the way to the NBA Finals.
Former Sixers President Pat Croce has a feeling today’s team has a golden opportunity ahead of them.
“The energy level, the vibrational frequency is rising to a crescendo, and I just wish the team could realize what they’re doing for the city right now and take that and just surf that wave all the way home,” Croce said Wednesday, prior to the Sixers’ 120-95 Game 2 rout of the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs.
Croce was invited to ring the ceremonial pregame bell — it was also his first playoff game in 20 years.
Croce notices similarities between his 2001 team and the 2021 squad. Both are No. 1 seed in the East, and power emanates from their top players: “The sun where all the stars circulate around — A.I., Joel Embiid,” he said, though “this time has more firepower.”
And he’s right. Iverson was a scoring machine, but his teammates were a collection of perfect role players that fit the grit of Philadelphia.
Embiid and Ben Simmons are stars. Tobias Harris should have been an All-Star. And, Seth Curry and Danny Green have been excellent additions with their ability to shoot three-pointers.
Croce believes this team has what it takes to go further than the 2001 squad, as long as they play together — especially on defense — give their best every possession, and stay healthy.