The Sixer Sense
Fansided

6 Worst Philadelphia 76ers starters of the Allen Iverson era

By Jonathan Geib

PHILADELPHIA - APRIL 16: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers gestures to hear cheers from the crowd during the NBA game against the Washington Wizards at First Union Center on March 30, 2003 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sixers won 107-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - APRIL 16: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers gestures to hear cheers from the crowd during the NBA game against the Washington Wizards at First Union Center on March 30, 2003 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Sixers won 107-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Jan 8, 2010; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Willie Green (33) is defended by Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon (8) during the second quarter at the Wachovia Center. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 108-106. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2010; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Willie Green (33) is defended by Toronto Raptors guard Jose Calderon (8) during the second quarter at the Wachovia Center. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 108-106. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Willie Green (2004-05)

Before Willie Green embarked on his coaching career, culminating with currently being the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, he was a shooting guard in the NBA. There were not many expectations for Green coming into the league in 2003, following a four-year college career at Detroit Mercy. The Sixers again, similar to Salmons, traded for Green’s rights on draft night and brought him to Philly to begin his career.

The draft-day trade is not the only similarity that Green and Salmons share. Both players were likely forced into a starting lineup in the league before they were ready which led to an underperformance and included them as worst starters alongside Iverson.

Green started 21 games in his second season with the Sixers during the 2004-2005 season. In his time on the court, he averaged 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. For a young player yet to reach his prime, this could be considered a promising start when thrust into the starting lineup. In this case, though, the Sixers were still chasing the elusive success from four years prior and they limped into the playoffs for an early-round exit.

It is important to mention, Green was one of the most reliable starters for the Sixers in the 2006 and 2007 seasons having quality year-over-year growth. Yet that was after Iverson left the team and based on our starter criteria, his 2004 season was among the worst for players considered starters during this period.