Sixers to Honor 2001 Eastern Conference Champions

Team will celebrate 25th anniversary of iconic playoff run this weekend

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Philadelphia 76ers will honor the 2001 Eastern Conference championship team before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans this Saturday. The 2001 Sixers, led by MVP Allen Iverson, made a memorable playoff run that captivated the city, even though they ultimately fell short of an NBA title.

Why it matters

The 2001 Sixers team holds a special place in Philadelphia sports history, with their exciting playoff run and the electric atmosphere they created at the First Union Center. Honoring that team's legacy is a way for the franchise to connect with its passionate fan base and celebrate one of the more memorable seasons in recent memory.

The details

The Sixers will host a pregame ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Eastern Conference championship team. Many of the key players from that squad, including Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Aaron McKie, are expected to be in attendance. Former Sixers president Pat Croce, who helped build that team, will also be recognized for his contributions.

  • The 2001 Sixers made a run to the NBA Finals, ultimately falling short of a championship.
  • This Saturday, January 28, 2026, the Sixers will honor the 2001 team before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The players

Allen Iverson

The MVP of the 2001 Sixers team, Iverson was a transcendent star who helped introduce the confluence of sports and entertainment.

Pat Croce

The former Sixers president who helped build the 2001 team, Croce says the players all knew their roles and supported Iverson as the team's centerpiece.

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What they’re saying

“I don't believe — and I'm a lifelong Philadelphian — but I don't believe that I've ever seen fan engagement like that for a Philadelphia team, pro or college, in my lifetime.”

— Marc Zumoff, Former Sixers announcer (cbsnews.com)

“You know that Allen Iverson, our Bubba Chuck, was the sun where all the other stars circulated around. And everyone knew their role. From Tyrone Hill to Eric Snow to George Lynch to Dikembe Mutombo, they all knew their role, and their role was support Bubba Chuck and let him go.”

— Pat Croce, Former Sixers president (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Many of the key players from the 2001 Sixers team are expected to be in attendance for the 25th anniversary celebration this Saturday.

The takeaway

The 2001 Sixers team, led by the iconic Allen Iverson, captured the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans with their thrilling playoff run, even though they ultimately fell short of an NBA championship. Honoring that team's legacy is a way for the franchise to reconnect with its passionate fan base and celebrate one of the more memorable seasons in recent memory.