Tag: Billy King

Ex-Sixers GM would hide Allen Iverson’s jersey so he wouldn’t play injured

The Philadelphia 76ers would have to hide Allen Iverson’s jersey so he would not play.

Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson is known for playing with so much heart and showing up to the arena no matter what ailment was bothering him. All he knew was going out there and playing while putting the city of Philadelphia on his bony shoulders and lead them to a win.

There were plenty of times when Iverson would be too injured, however, and the Sixers would have to hide his jersey and his shoes to make sure he does not play and make the injury worse. That is how much the 6-foot guard from Georgetown loved playing for the Sixers and for the fan base.

Former general manager Billy King joined The Audacy NBA Show with Ryan McDonough and he explained what the Sixers would have to do to try and protect Iverson:

When he was injured and we knew he couldn’t play we used to hide his jersey. Because he would come to the locker room looking for his jersey, we’d lock it somewhere so he couldn’t get it…. One time, in New York, he found his jersey but didn’t have any shoes. He was trying to send the ball boy to the Foot Locker around the corner. He said ‘just give me a pair of their Reeboks. I can play in those.’ Then he pointed to an attendant, ‘what size are you, just give me those shoes,’ because he wanted to play so bad.

It is really admirable that Iverson would continue to play through any injury thrown his way. He was definitely a warrior out on the floor and he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure his team came out on top.

This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Former Sixers GM Billy King says team has to look into trading Al Horford

Former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Billy King says the team needs to look into trading Al Horford.

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The Philadelphia 76ers are still working on picking up the pieces following a disappointing 2019-20 season where they were swept in Round 1 of the playoffs. A lot of people will point the blame towards the star duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, but there are other people to blame for the on-court failures.

One of them is Al Horford who the Sixers brought in on a 4-year $109 million deal in order to try and upgrade the roster. Horford and the Sixers were a great fit on the defensive end, but offensively, it was tough for them to find a groove at all.

Former Sixers general manager Billy King sat down with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto to give his take on a variety of topics including the Sixers roster.

King said:

I wouldn’t trade Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid to start because they’re two young talents. Now, if Doc says this guy I won’t be able to coach, then you have to explore it. You’ve got to look at Al Horford and if there’s a possibility of a trade there. They need more guys that can create off the dribble. You saw it in the playoffs when Ben wasn’t there. They don’t have a lot of guys that can create shots for other guys. I think they need more guys that can create shots or at least put the ball on the floor to take pressure off guys and get them easier shots.

King does have a point with his statement. Horford is a good player, but he does not fit very well next to Simmons and Embiid and that is what the team needs to address to move forward. Philadelphia needs to find other pieces that can fit next to the star duo in order to take the next step forward. [lawrence-related id=38354,38351,38347]

Zanin has been a scout with the Thunder …

Zanin has been a scout with the Thunder for the past four years. Like Utah, the Thunder are respected throughout the league for their scouting on the college and pro level under Sam Presti. “If Presti hires you, it says something (about your ability),” one opposing scout said when asked about Zanin. Prior to his stint with Oklahoma City, Zanin worked closely with Billy King in Brooklyn. Zanin was an assistant GM with the Nets and elevated to acting GM after King’s dismissal. He stepped down after the Nets hired Sean Marks as general manager. Zanin, who began his career with King in Philadelphia, was described by one opposing scout as a hard worker who doesn’t seek the spotlight. During his tenure as acting GM, Zanin was in the spotlight for a brief time — but not from his own actions.

76ers tried to hire Coach K

In an appearance on WIP sports radio in Philadelphia, Krzyzewski talked about his chances to coach in the pros and why he stayed with the Blue Devils. He also revealed that former player Billy King reached out to him in 2003, when King was G.M. of the 76ers and coach Larry Brown resigned. “I’ve been fortunate,” he said. “If you’re a successful coach or businessperson, you’re going to have opportunities. When professional opportunities occurred … I love Duke, in addition to college basketball. I love working at a university environment. You’re surrounded by great people, not just in sports. It has been proven to be pretty pure. It’s getting crazy now, but that was kind of (King) to even ask.”

Platt: I remember I was standing there …

Platt: I remember I was standing there on the side of the stage. Right across Allen on the other side of the stage was Billy King and Karen Frascona. And at first, we were all laughing because it was funny. And then as it went on and on, this is almost the only thing I remember (from the presser), you saw Billy’s smile shrink and shrink and dissipate. And you just see him almost in real time realizing, “Oh s—, this is going to be a problem.”