Spring Break
New logo will not change mediocre Sixers
Anthony Antinore
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: Sports
The biggest problem the Sixers have faced over the last couple years involves Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young. Yes, they are the team's youngest, most exciting players, but they both are built for the small forward position. The Sixers want these two on the court at the same time, so Iguodala will most likely play a lot of two-guard along with Willie Green.
Acquiring Jason Kapono from the Toronto Raptors will add a new 3-point dimension to a team that was dead-last in 3-point percentage last year. Kapono is a nice addition, but will come off the bench for the team due to deficiencies in the rest of his game.
The backcourt is still very weak if Miller doesn't resign, and the frontcourt presents even more questions marks this year. With Elton Brand healthy again the power forward position is occupied. It will be interesting to see how Brand is able to bounce back after a rough shoulder injury. Even before the injury, Brand did not seem to fit in with the team's run-and-gun style, and the team will bring back all but one starter this year.
Unfortunately, the team will also be bringing back Samuel Dalembert again this year at the center position. That is a little harsh, but the man is extremely high-maintenance for very little output on the court.
His offensive game is virtually nonexistent, especially in the low-post.
On the defensive end he is above average, but in the NBA you better have an excellent defensive game if you average 5.8 points per game.
Regardless, Dalembert will be starting at the center position, with an occasional spell from Brand when the team wants to go with a smaller line-up.
Other than the lack of camaraderie, the team also lacks a sense of urgency to win.
No one on the team has the killer instinct that can take control of a game.
Iguodala demonstrated some clutch play last year, but will have to continue to improve his shot for when opponents double-team Brand.
Well, there it is. The rest of the offseason should be quiet with most of the team's money taken care of by Brand and Iguodala's monster contracts. My prediction for this season in early July: your Sixers will make the playoffs, lose in the first round and ruin their chances at a lottery pick in 2010. But maybe I'm just being negative.
Acquiring Jason Kapono from the Toronto Raptors will add a new 3-point dimension to a team that was dead-last in 3-point percentage last year. Kapono is a nice addition, but will come off the bench for the team due to deficiencies in the rest of his game.
The backcourt is still very weak if Miller doesn't resign, and the frontcourt presents even more questions marks this year. With Elton Brand healthy again the power forward position is occupied. It will be interesting to see how Brand is able to bounce back after a rough shoulder injury. Even before the injury, Brand did not seem to fit in with the team's run-and-gun style, and the team will bring back all but one starter this year.
Unfortunately, the team will also be bringing back Samuel Dalembert again this year at the center position. That is a little harsh, but the man is extremely high-maintenance for very little output on the court.
His offensive game is virtually nonexistent, especially in the low-post.
On the defensive end he is above average, but in the NBA you better have an excellent defensive game if you average 5.8 points per game.
Regardless, Dalembert will be starting at the center position, with an occasional spell from Brand when the team wants to go with a smaller line-up.
Other than the lack of camaraderie, the team also lacks a sense of urgency to win.
No one on the team has the killer instinct that can take control of a game.
Iguodala demonstrated some clutch play last year, but will have to continue to improve his shot for when opponents double-team Brand.
Well, there it is. The rest of the offseason should be quiet with most of the team's money taken care of by Brand and Iguodala's monster contracts. My prediction for this season in early July: your Sixers will make the playoffs, lose in the first round and ruin their chances at a lottery pick in 2010. But maybe I'm just being negative.
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Jeff
posted 7/04/09 @ 10:25 AM EST
Holiday was a great pick up. if you look at what the 76ers are doing they are not looking to fix everything in one season, but building for the future. (Continued…)
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