The Larry Brown–Allen Iverson era in Philadelphia was one of the most controversial in 76ers history.

A proven coach whose teachings were respected throughout the league, and a young, brazen first overall pick ready to take the NBA by storm.

Their relationship, as explosive as it was, produced some of the best moments in NBA history.

So when time came to reminisce about their time together at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame press conference, the 6-foot guard looked shaken and vulnerable.

“That's the only thing that got me here is my teammates,” an emotional Iverson told reporters. “My teammates and my coach. That's the only reason I'm here. Larry Brown molded me into an MVP and a Hall of Fame player. Without those guys I wouldn't be here.”

Their time together was cross-dimensional. Brown was already a heralded head coach in the league and Iverson was used to being the superstar that he was in Bethel High School and Georgetown University.

If an older Iverson was to meet a younger Brown, then they both would have been in the right stage of their life for one to take criticism and for the other to give his star more leeway to let his talents shine.

“I wish I would have bought in to what (Brown) was trying to give me all along (instead of) just being defiant,” Iverson said back in April in an interview with Reuben Frank of CSN Philly. “Being a certified ass — for nothing. When all he wanted was the best for me.”

“And I didn't take constructive criticism the way I should have. You know what I mean? To me, in my eyes, he's the best coach ever. To me. You know what I mean? And I didn't take what God was giving me the right way. God sent him to me, and I was defiant at that time.”

The 2001 NBA MVP was as candid, as he's been throughout his whole career, expressing his gratitude and admitting his faults and regrets. Raw and unfiltered, the way he was with everyone he interacted with during his illustrious career.

His best seasons came with Brown as head coach. In their six years together, Allen Iverson averaged 27.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.4 steals which led to him making four All-Star Games, winning an MVP award, and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2001.