The enigma that is the Philadelphia 76ers continued today. Andre Miller jumped in the first seat, followed by Sam Dalembert and Andre Iguodala. And then Willie Green got in behind them. And then Lou Williams jumped on just before they closed the gates. And the 76ers rode another roller coaster. They must be getting sick to their stomach riding so often.
The Sixers proved me right, jumping out to a high energy, quick-paced first quarter that is brought on by their youth and ignorance when playing superior teams. They did this tonight against Houston and last night against San Antonio. Then the malaise sets it as a fan when between the 2-minute mark of the first quarter and the 9-minute mark of the second, they become lazy and disinterested and start firing up ill-advised shots and refraining from playing what is now known as defense. Sometimes this happens in the middle of the third quarter, or maybe even late in that period. But it seems to happen far too often.
But tonight against Houston they dug deep and played a hell of a ball game and proved me wrong as well. Riding the coaster from 16 down in the 3rd, and taking the lead on a huge run had to give a spark of confidence to a team trying to find an identity. Houston is a bubble playoff team in the West, which means they are a damn good team. But the 76ers showed poise, led of course by the elder statesman Andre Miller, and with some help from the young guns, got a victory. The scored a ton of fastbreak points in the 4th quarter, and made the game look fun. It's doubtful that they can sustain any type of even kiel for the season. But Sixer fans can only hope this is a positive sign of things to come.
Showing posts with label andre miller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label andre miller. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The State of the Sixers
Young teams will continually lose and their confidence will waiver throughout a tumultuous season. As new General Manager Ed Stefanski comes in to oversee the rebuilding process that Billy King left a total mess, it seems like the confidence of the team is back and forth. It shows on the court. The Sixers this season have notoriously started strong, usually bolting out to quick leads with their athleticism and energy. However, the second half seems to be the time when they start overthinking and losing leads.
The 76ers have a future. Whether or not it is bright is another story. Having traded Philadelphia staple (and ladies man) Kyle Korver, conceeds that they are looking for more cap space to perhaps make a run at a big free agent in the next year or two. They have a bulge in young talent with Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith coming via the Draft this season, plus youngster Louis Williams and Sam Dalembert coming into their own this year. There are so many pressing needs however, for this team to even sniff a great year.
First and foremost is an inside scorer that can pound the ball and grab 10 boards. Reggie Evans is half that man, but half that man is half of what they need. Whether it be in the draft, or by free agency, they need a big low post guy. They also are in need of a point guard that can take over if/when Andre Miller leaves. Louis Williams, in my opinion, is more of a 2-guard, and is shades of a young Allen Iverson. Whether or not that is a good thing remains to be seen. But Williams does bring a great attitude and slew of energy. Willie Green looks like the round peg trying to fit into the square hole. He doesnt play great defense and doesn't shoot particularly well. That doesn't sound good for his future here in the Stefanski regime.
So there is your overview of the Sixers. Hopefully they address the needs soon. Andre Iguodala does not seem to want to be here for the long haul, but I believe he will change his mind when he realizes the cap space they will have available down the road, and when the young talent begins to fuse together. This does not look like a championship roster, but it could be a 5 or 6 seed roster for next year in the depleted East. Look for a few playoff runs in the next few years, but nothing more.
KORVER GONE-
Kyle Korver misses Philly. After being dealt to the Utah Jazz, Korver feels "uprooted" from the city he has grown to love. Korver was undoubtedly a great human being. But his contract and cap number did not fit the business side of the sport. He made too much money for a one-dimensional player. Here is a good article from David Aldridge in the Philadelphia Daily News on Korver.
The 76ers have a future. Whether or not it is bright is another story. Having traded Philadelphia staple (and ladies man) Kyle Korver, conceeds that they are looking for more cap space to perhaps make a run at a big free agent in the next year or two. They have a bulge in young talent with Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith coming via the Draft this season, plus youngster Louis Williams and Sam Dalembert coming into their own this year. There are so many pressing needs however, for this team to even sniff a great year.
First and foremost is an inside scorer that can pound the ball and grab 10 boards. Reggie Evans is half that man, but half that man is half of what they need. Whether it be in the draft, or by free agency, they need a big low post guy. They also are in need of a point guard that can take over if/when Andre Miller leaves. Louis Williams, in my opinion, is more of a 2-guard, and is shades of a young Allen Iverson. Whether or not that is a good thing remains to be seen. But Williams does bring a great attitude and slew of energy. Willie Green looks like the round peg trying to fit into the square hole. He doesnt play great defense and doesn't shoot particularly well. That doesn't sound good for his future here in the Stefanski regime.
So there is your overview of the Sixers. Hopefully they address the needs soon. Andre Iguodala does not seem to want to be here for the long haul, but I believe he will change his mind when he realizes the cap space they will have available down the road, and when the young talent begins to fuse together. This does not look like a championship roster, but it could be a 5 or 6 seed roster for next year in the depleted East. Look for a few playoff runs in the next few years, but nothing more.
KORVER GONE-
Kyle Korver misses Philly. After being dealt to the Utah Jazz, Korver feels "uprooted" from the city he has grown to love. Korver was undoubtedly a great human being. But his contract and cap number did not fit the business side of the sport. He made too much money for a one-dimensional player. Here is a good article from David Aldridge in the Philadelphia Daily News on Korver.
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