Because someone has to drag this up and it might as well be me....
Red Auerbach was an Allen Iverson fan.
Per Let Me Tell You a Story:
The subject of Allen Iverson came up. Could Red have coached him? "Are you kidding? I'd have loved to have coached that kid. First of all, he's as quick as anyone who ever played. But beyond that, he's a warrior. I'd have gotten along great with him. The practice thing would never have been a problem. I would just very quietly tell him 'Look, you need to do this because it means something to me and to the other players.' What you have to do is let a guy know what's important to you and let him know that if he does right by you, you're going to do right by him. That's the thing: my guys always knew I'd take care of them if they played hard for me-- while they were playing and after they were done playing."
He puffed on the cigar. "Iverson reminds me of a story. Few years ago, the NBA asked me to come in and coach in the rookie game on all-star weekend. I remember this because it was Iverson's rookie year.... We won the game. And when it was over, Iverson came over to me and said, 'Coach, it was an honor to play for you.'
"And you know what? He played good defense the whole game."