Iverson Might Be Traded

Coach Larry Brown plans to return to the Philadelphia 76ers. Allen Iverson’s future isn’t so clear.

A day after the 76ers were eliminated by Boston, Brown indicated that Iverson, last season’s most valuable player, could be traded if he doesn’t change his ways.

“My problems with Allen have been the same for six years,” Brown said Saturday. “I love him, his competitiveness. I’m proud of the way he tries in every game. The issues are things he has control over and he’ll have a problem with me if he doesn’t take care of it. He has to be at practice. He has to set an example.”

Iverson, who refused to speak to reporters, often missed practices this season, sometimes using what were considered lame excuses.

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Charlotte forward Jamal Mashburn is not expected to play today when the Hornets open their Eastern Conference semifinal series against New Jersey at East Rutherford, N.J.

Mashburn is sidelined with the lingering effects of a virus and a vitamin deficiency. The Hornets also will be without Jamaal Magloire, who was suspended for a game for a flagrant foul.

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Boston and Detroit failed to win a road game in the first round of the playoffs. That will have to change if the Celtics expect to defeat the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Pistons have the home-court advantage in the series, which begins today in Auburn Hills, Mich. The teams split the season series, 2-2, with each team winning twice on its home court.