Allen Iverson and Chris Webber apologized Wednesday for their actions a night earlier, when they didn't arrive to the arena until just before tip-off and then didn't sit on the bench during Philadelphia's victory over New Jersey.
The players were on the bench in the first quarter for the 76ers' game at Charlotte, although Iverson returned to the locker room in the second quarter. Coach Maurice Cheeks blamed Tuesday's episode on a lack of communication.
"I definitely wasn't trying to disrespect Mo in any way, or the fans, as everybody is talking about," Iverson said. "I've been here for 10 years and to deliberately try to disrespect the fans, I would never try to do that in any way. I'm upset it came across that way."
Team officials also said they should have informed the media and fans the two stars would not play on Fan Appreciation Night in Philadelphia.
Iverson, who has been battling an ankle injury, said he told the team trainer on Monday that he wouldn't play against the Nets. Webber, who has a sore back, said he knew moments after the 76ers were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday that he would sit out.
"It was hurting to play," Webber said. "So when our goal was terminated in making the playoffs, I knew then I wasn't going to play.
"I think this is just a big misunderstanding. We didn't try to shun the fans or whatever is being reported. When you're not necessarily loved by the media, the fans are all you have."
BICKERSTAFF MAY STEP DOWN: Charlotte coach Bernie Bickerstaff acknowledged before the Bobcats' season finale against Philadelphia on Wednesday night that he's seriously considering stepping down as coach to become the team's full-time general manager. Bickerstaff has held both roles since he was hired by the expansion team three years ago. The Bobcats went 18-64 in their inaugural season, and were 25-56 before the game against the 76ers.
Asked if that would be his final game as coach, Bickerstaff appeared torn.
"I would be wrong if I said I hadn't thought about it," Bickerstaff said. "There's been some thought that this could be the last game. But it's not that big an issue to me because it's not that important."
NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONER: NBA Entertainment president Adam Silver was appointed Wednesday to the role of deputy commissioner, replacing Russ Granik as the league's No. 2 man behind David Stern. Silver was elected unanimously during the league's two-day Board of Governors meetings and will take office July 1.
POWE GOING PRO: Leon Powe received positive news about his surgically repaired left knee, and that was exactly what California's star forward needed to finally make a decision about his future. Powe declared for the NBA draft on Wednesday but does not plan to sign with an agent immediately, giving him the option to return to the Golden Bears for his junior season.