12 Philadelphia 76ers

The 11-year relationship between Allen Iverson and the 76ers has been like a rocky marriage: They fight a lot--even threaten divorce--but always make up. So it wasn't surprising this summer that Iverson, 31, was again the subject of trade rumors, although ultimately Philadelphia did not swing a deal. (A potential predraft trade with the Celtics fell apart.) "Whatever decisions they make," Iverson says of team management, "I will always roll with them. I don't have a choice."

While Iverson has upped his scoring average in each of the last three seasons, to a career-high 33.0 in 2005--06, the Sixers have continued their slow decline since losing in the Finals in '01, missing the playoffs in two of the last three years. "We haven't achieved the ultimate goal," says Iverson. "Obviously there have to be a lot of changes and, if need be, adjustments on my part."

The club has changed coaches (five in four years) like gym socks, to no avail. And with Chris Webber, Samuel Dalembert and Kyle Korver also tied to lucrative long-term contracts, what personnel moves can be made under the salary cap are superficial. ( Philadelphia's lone veteran acquisition in the off-season was journeyman forward Alan Henderson.) The only option that would create room to shake up the team is to deal its star guard. Just don't expect him to go willingly.

"I don't think there would ever be a day that I'd ask to leave," says Iverson. "When you've been some place for so long and you've been trying to accomplish the same goal for years, you just want to keep going until the wheels fall off."

Projected Starting Lineup with 2005--06 statistics
Record: 38--44 (9th in East)
Points scored: 99.4 (8th in NBA)
Points allowed: 101.3 (25th)
Coach: Maurice Cheeks
(second season with the 76ers)

Samuel Dalembert

POS. C
PPG 7.3
RPG 8.2
APG 0.4
BPG 2.42
SPG 0.52
FG% 53.1
FT% 70.5

Kyle Korver

POS. SF
PPG 11.5
RPG 3.3
APG 2.0
SPG 0.79
FG% 43.0
3FG% 42.0
FT% 84.9

Allen Iverson