Very rarely is a 40-point win not flattering to the team that comes out on top. However, watching last night's Sixers-Knicks contest at work, I felt like a 60-point win would have been more reflective of the Sixers dominance. That might be more of a reflection of just how poor the Knicks are, but in any case, watching the Sixers win comfortably, 124-84, for a change was pretty damn enjoyable, I must say.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Willie Green score 21, and an even more pleasant surprise to see Thaddeus Young continue to play so well. Another 20 points (on 8-of-11, no less) and eight boards for Thad, who actually came off the bench for the first time in a little while. But everybody chipped in. Iggy had 19 points, Andre Miller had 12 and 10 assists, Louis Williams had 13 ... good stuff all around. Of course, the Knicks are perhaps the most awfully-constructed, wretched looking franchise in recent memory, but hey, you take what you can get.
It also merits mention that the trade deadline came and past today and the Sixers made no deals, which shouldn't really surprise anybody. Hopefully this means the team (read: Andre Miller) can focus on just playing basketball for the rest of the season. I'm not sure there was a trade out there that could make this better right now (which, to be fair, a lot of fans don't care about). In any event, I think it was the right move to stand pat and, if Lou Will shows he's capable or if they draft a PG, Andre will be just as valuable come this offseason.
One last thing I haven't mentioned yet, and that's the mini-extension for Mo Cheeks. I find it hard to argue with. Mo hasn't had a lot to work with here, and this team has vastly improved throughout this season. Overall I would have to grade him a B so far this year, and that's enough to earn him another year to see what he can do with this team. And it'll also give Easy Ed Stefanski a better opportunity to evaluate whether this is the coach he wants to build his team around.
So basically, everything is nice and rosy right now. Or at least as nice as things can get for a 24-31 team. We'll see if that changes tomorrow night when the Sixers travel to Orlando. Until then, have a good one.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Minor setback
Well, that wasn't exactly the best way to start the second half of the season. Going to Minnesota to play a pretty bad Timberwolves team looked like a great opportunity. Instead, it's a missed opportunity in the form of a 104-88 loss.
Remember those three key areas I outlined two days ago? The Sixers were poor in all three. The defense was porous, allowing the T-Wolves to shoot nearly 50 percent from the field. Nobody really made a difference in the front court. Thaddeus was 5-for-5 for 12 points, but Reggie Evans and Jason Smith only combined to score nine points. Sammy Dalembert was very ineffective, scoring just six points. On the defensive end, he was manhandled by Al Jefferson (19 points, 14 rebounds). While were on the subject, how good is Al Jefferson? This guy just fills the stat sheet every night. Minnesota sucks (after all, they're 11-41), but Jefferson's a hell of a player to build around.
Finally, the third of my three keys, Andre Iguodala, had an off night. It wasn't so much his 17-point output, but the fact that he had to take 16 shots to get to that total. The Sixers need more from him. But he's certainly not the only one.
In any event, I don't want to dwell too much on this loss. It's just one game in the long run, so we should think twice before overreacting (even though it is the Timberwolves). It just makes the next few games more important.
There's a few stories about there with rumors about Andre Miller being traded. Nothing new than what we've heard already. Once again, I'd be surprised to see him leave. Meanwhile, the Inky reports Ron Artest isn't bound for Philly, which I personally think is a good thing. Finally, the Chicago Tribune reports the Sixers are offering Gordan Giricek for Bonzi Wells, which is interesting. No clue what Wells' contract situation is, though.
And that's all for now. It's the Knicks tomorrow, so time to get focused for that and get back on the right foot.
Remember those three key areas I outlined two days ago? The Sixers were poor in all three. The defense was porous, allowing the T-Wolves to shoot nearly 50 percent from the field. Nobody really made a difference in the front court. Thaddeus was 5-for-5 for 12 points, but Reggie Evans and Jason Smith only combined to score nine points. Sammy Dalembert was very ineffective, scoring just six points. On the defensive end, he was manhandled by Al Jefferson (19 points, 14 rebounds). While were on the subject, how good is Al Jefferson? This guy just fills the stat sheet every night. Minnesota sucks (after all, they're 11-41), but Jefferson's a hell of a player to build around.
Finally, the third of my three keys, Andre Iguodala, had an off night. It wasn't so much his 17-point output, but the fact that he had to take 16 shots to get to that total. The Sixers need more from him. But he's certainly not the only one.
In any event, I don't want to dwell too much on this loss. It's just one game in the long run, so we should think twice before overreacting (even though it is the Timberwolves). It just makes the next few games more important.
There's a few stories about there with rumors about Andre Miller being traded. Nothing new than what we've heard already. Once again, I'd be surprised to see him leave. Meanwhile, the Inky reports Ron Artest isn't bound for Philly, which I personally think is a good thing. Finally, the Chicago Tribune reports the Sixers are offering Gordan Giricek for Bonzi Wells, which is interesting. No clue what Wells' contract situation is, though.
And that's all for now. It's the Knicks tomorrow, so time to get focused for that and get back on the right foot.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
All-Star Break jitters
I hope everybody else out there has had a pleasant All-Star weekend. I personally ignored the weekend festivities in favor of a trip to Niagara Falls last night. Ahhh, Rickard's Red, you are so tasty. In any event, I managed to catch a few of Dwight Howard's dunks. I know a lot of people weren't fans of the "Superman" dunk because it wasn't actually a dunk, but I personally thought it was one of the cooler things I've even seen, and that's really the point of a dunk contest, isn't it?
With the second half of the season in mind, here's three things I feel the Sixers need to do to make the playoffs.
1. Keep Playing solid defense. This has been the reason for the team's resurrection. In this five game win streak, the Sixers have only allowed more than 90 points once (96 to the Wizards). When you're the fifth lowest scoring team in the league, you have to defend well every night to have a chance to win. I've said it in an earlier post, so I won't beat a dead horse, but the Sixers don't have the offensive weapons to allow a lot of points.
2. Get points from the power forward spot. If you had talked to me three weeks ago, this was the reason I'd tell you this team couldn't make a second half of the season run like the 76ers last year did. That team got some really good minutes and points from Joe Smith. That extra scoring made a huge difference in my opinion, especially when you consider how poor this team was with Reggie Evans at power forward. I like Reggie's energy, but the man's a horribly ineffective offensive player. It's not a coincidence that the Sixers turnaround has coincided with Thaddeus Young starting at power forward. Thad at act's like he might score a little bit. If the Sixers can get a combined 15-20 points a night from a combination of Thad, Jason Smith and Reggie, that will go long ways toward a winning second half of the season.
3. Get Andre Iguodala to play like he's in a contract year. 19.7 points , 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Those are pretty good numbers, but I think Iggy is capable of even more. More specifically, I want more in the fourth quarter. I've talked previously about how I want Andre to have that killer instinct. I know he's not Kobe Bryant, but I've always admired how Kobe is just tenacious in crunch time. He wants the ball and he knows he's going to make the shot to beat you. I would like to see Andre develop that. There isn't anybody on the court that is more dangerous with the ball than he is. I think part of me just wants to see him really demand the ball in those crunch scenarios. In any event, if he can have more nights like his 29 points output vs. Memphis on Wednesday, I'll be happy.
As far as the immediate future, it's the Timberwolves on Tuesday, and it's really a game the boys should win. The first five games after the break will tell a lot about where this team goes from here. There's games against New York and Miami, and two against Orlando. It's too early to look ahead too far, but they'll be off on a mini-West Coast swing after that, so it's important to win three or four of those five. And considering this team is 23-30, that won't be easy.
On the bright side, it looks like Jason Kidd is heading to Dallas. Fingers crossed on that one happening. Until next time.
With the second half of the season in mind, here's three things I feel the Sixers need to do to make the playoffs.
1. Keep Playing solid defense. This has been the reason for the team's resurrection. In this five game win streak, the Sixers have only allowed more than 90 points once (96 to the Wizards). When you're the fifth lowest scoring team in the league, you have to defend well every night to have a chance to win. I've said it in an earlier post, so I won't beat a dead horse, but the Sixers don't have the offensive weapons to allow a lot of points.
2. Get points from the power forward spot. If you had talked to me three weeks ago, this was the reason I'd tell you this team couldn't make a second half of the season run like the 76ers last year did. That team got some really good minutes and points from Joe Smith. That extra scoring made a huge difference in my opinion, especially when you consider how poor this team was with Reggie Evans at power forward. I like Reggie's energy, but the man's a horribly ineffective offensive player. It's not a coincidence that the Sixers turnaround has coincided with Thaddeus Young starting at power forward. Thad at act's like he might score a little bit. If the Sixers can get a combined 15-20 points a night from a combination of Thad, Jason Smith and Reggie, that will go long ways toward a winning second half of the season.
3. Get Andre Iguodala to play like he's in a contract year. 19.7 points , 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Those are pretty good numbers, but I think Iggy is capable of even more. More specifically, I want more in the fourth quarter. I've talked previously about how I want Andre to have that killer instinct. I know he's not Kobe Bryant, but I've always admired how Kobe is just tenacious in crunch time. He wants the ball and he knows he's going to make the shot to beat you. I would like to see Andre develop that. There isn't anybody on the court that is more dangerous with the ball than he is. I think part of me just wants to see him really demand the ball in those crunch scenarios. In any event, if he can have more nights like his 29 points output vs. Memphis on Wednesday, I'll be happy.
As far as the immediate future, it's the Timberwolves on Tuesday, and it's really a game the boys should win. The first five games after the break will tell a lot about where this team goes from here. There's games against New York and Miami, and two against Orlando. It's too early to look ahead too far, but they'll be off on a mini-West Coast swing after that, so it's important to win three or four of those five. And considering this team is 23-30, that won't be easy.
On the bright side, it looks like Jason Kidd is heading to Dallas. Fingers crossed on that one happening. Until next time.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The case against tanking
Well there's an important game to be won tonight against the now Gasol-less Grizzlies. It's important not to take this one for granted. No, Memphis' record is far from impressive (14-37), this has all the makings of a trap game, with the All-Star break immediately following the game. Still, if the Sixers can keep their focus and keep playing good defense, they should take care of business. That would give them five straight heading into the break, and plenty of momentum to build on for the rest of the year. In terms of standings, the Sixers in ninth place and a game back of the Nets and Hawks, who play Toronto and Charlotte tonight, respectively.
This brings me to the next issue: Is it a good thing for this team to keep winning? Or should they lose and hope for a good draft pick?
Admittedly, the though of Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose or Eric Gordon playing in Philly is enticing. However I can't fathom rooting for this team to tank if there's a shot at the playoffs.
I hear all of you out there. The eighth seed in the Eastern Conference is meaningless, you say. Why does making the playoffs matter if you're just going to lose in the first round. I think these people are missing the point. The whole point of a fan is to root for you team through thick and thin. Pulling for losses seems just not right to me.
Plus, I disagree with the fact there's nothing at stake her. I think in Philadelphia, there's so much emphasis on winning a championship that we forget that there's more to a successful season. For this team, with its youth, inexperience, and lack of a dynamic scorer, to make the playoffs is a heck of an accomplishment. All we need as fans is a reason to cheer, something to rally behind. And if that reason to get behind the Sixers is the fight for the eighth seed, than so be it. I'm on board.
From a team standpoint, making the playoffs shouldn't be seen as a roadblock to a great pick, but a reason to be encouraged about this young team. And don't forget, an improving young team might look enticing to a free agent or two (ala, Gilbert Arenas or RFA Josh Smith). In case you forgot, the Sixers will be under the cap this summer for the first time this century. So screw tanking for the draft, trading Andre Miller for nothing and giving up on the whole thing. Let's beat Memphis tonight and keep this thing going.
Speaking of the Grizzles, there's been a few stories I've read linking the Sixers to a trade for Kyle Lowery. There a story about it in the Inquirer today. On the surface it makes sense. He's a young point guard who grew up in Philly and went to Cardinal Dougherty High School. And I don't doubt the Sixers aren't interested, it's just hard to see something happening. The Sixers would likely have to give up some younger players for Lowery, something I can't see them willing to do.
As far as other trade winds, word is Jason Kidd is close to being dealt by the Nets. Keep your eye on this one. It would open things up even more for the Sixers to make a push at the 8th seed.
Phew, I think that's enough for today. Until tomorrow...
This brings me to the next issue: Is it a good thing for this team to keep winning? Or should they lose and hope for a good draft pick?
Admittedly, the though of Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose or Eric Gordon playing in Philly is enticing. However I can't fathom rooting for this team to tank if there's a shot at the playoffs.
I hear all of you out there. The eighth seed in the Eastern Conference is meaningless, you say. Why does making the playoffs matter if you're just going to lose in the first round. I think these people are missing the point. The whole point of a fan is to root for you team through thick and thin. Pulling for losses seems just not right to me.
Plus, I disagree with the fact there's nothing at stake her. I think in Philadelphia, there's so much emphasis on winning a championship that we forget that there's more to a successful season. For this team, with its youth, inexperience, and lack of a dynamic scorer, to make the playoffs is a heck of an accomplishment. All we need as fans is a reason to cheer, something to rally behind. And if that reason to get behind the Sixers is the fight for the eighth seed, than so be it. I'm on board.
From a team standpoint, making the playoffs shouldn't be seen as a roadblock to a great pick, but a reason to be encouraged about this young team. And don't forget, an improving young team might look enticing to a free agent or two (ala, Gilbert Arenas or RFA Josh Smith). In case you forgot, the Sixers will be under the cap this summer for the first time this century. So screw tanking for the draft, trading Andre Miller for nothing and giving up on the whole thing. Let's beat Memphis tonight and keep this thing going.
Speaking of the Grizzles, there's been a few stories I've read linking the Sixers to a trade for Kyle Lowery. There a story about it in the Inquirer today. On the surface it makes sense. He's a young point guard who grew up in Philly and went to Cardinal Dougherty High School. And I don't doubt the Sixers aren't interested, it's just hard to see something happening. The Sixers would likely have to give up some younger players for Lowery, something I can't see them willing to do.
As far as other trade winds, word is Jason Kidd is close to being dealt by the Nets. Keep your eye on this one. It would open things up even more for the Sixers to make a push at the 8th seed.
Phew, I think that's enough for today. Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The real deal ... well, in an Eastern Conference sorta way
Well, I said before last night's game that if the Sixers could beat the Mavericks, it'd be time to seriously consider this team a contender for a playoff spot. Not only did the Sixers win, but they put together a dominating performance in the second half that makes you wonder if maybe this team isn't further along than we all thought in the first place.
The Sixers allowed the high-powered Mavs a whopping 23 second-half points. Allow that total to sink in again. 23. Now, consider Dallas scored just 10 points in the 4th quarter. That's unheard of against any team, much less a team that can score the ball like the Mavericks. Big Dirk had just 15 points on 4-of-15 from the field. Jason Terry had seven points. No, Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse and Erick Dampier all didn't play, but this was still few thought the Sixers would win.
And in a way, this isn't about the playoffs or even this season. Most of the young players out there (Thaddeus Young, Lou William, Andre Iguodala and even Sammy Dalembert) are guys that are going to play a role in how quickly this franchise develops in the next few years. Yes, defense wins championships is a cliche, but you have to be encouraged by this group's ability to grasp the importance of defense.
Take a look at the points allowed over the last four wins: 96, 84, 80, 76. It's no coincidence those defensive outputs have coincided with this team's best stretch of basketball this season. This team doesn't have a big-time scorer (yet), instead, it has a bunch of young players capable of big nights but more prone to inconsistencies. This team can't win too many shootouts. It can win low-scoring games like last night.
What's more, this team has performed in the clutch, outscoring opponents 87-49 in the fourth quarter the last four games. Obviously, we can't look past Memphis tomorrow. This looks like a classic trap game before the the All-Star Break. But if we win that, we get to 23-3o, and .500 basketball should have us in the hunt the rest of the year. God, I love the Eastern Conference.
A lot of people (who call themselves fans) that I know aren't happy with the Sixers winning. They want a draft pick. This, to me, is a load of BS (More on this in my post tomorrow).
Finally, a note on Andre Miller. He's been absolutely fantastic, both when I've watched him and, when I haven't, in the stat sheet. He had 21 more key points last night, and to be quite honest, I couldn't fathom trading him right now. Unless Dwight Howard was involved. Then I might make an exception. Speaking of trade proposals, Inky beat writer Marc Narducci sifts through a few suggested offers here. To be honest, there's not much there that would interest me. And speaking of Miller, Daily News columnist Sam Donnellon talks about Miller's contributions here.
And that's enough for today. Big game tomorrow night. I'll have a another post hopefully by midday tomorrow, so stay tuned.
The Sixers allowed the high-powered Mavs a whopping 23 second-half points. Allow that total to sink in again. 23. Now, consider Dallas scored just 10 points in the 4th quarter. That's unheard of against any team, much less a team that can score the ball like the Mavericks. Big Dirk had just 15 points on 4-of-15 from the field. Jason Terry had seven points. No, Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse and Erick Dampier all didn't play, but this was still few thought the Sixers would win.
And in a way, this isn't about the playoffs or even this season. Most of the young players out there (Thaddeus Young, Lou William, Andre Iguodala and even Sammy Dalembert) are guys that are going to play a role in how quickly this franchise develops in the next few years. Yes, defense wins championships is a cliche, but you have to be encouraged by this group's ability to grasp the importance of defense.
Take a look at the points allowed over the last four wins: 96, 84, 80, 76. It's no coincidence those defensive outputs have coincided with this team's best stretch of basketball this season. This team doesn't have a big-time scorer (yet), instead, it has a bunch of young players capable of big nights but more prone to inconsistencies. This team can't win too many shootouts. It can win low-scoring games like last night.
What's more, this team has performed in the clutch, outscoring opponents 87-49 in the fourth quarter the last four games. Obviously, we can't look past Memphis tomorrow. This looks like a classic trap game before the the All-Star Break. But if we win that, we get to 23-3o, and .500 basketball should have us in the hunt the rest of the year. God, I love the Eastern Conference.
A lot of people (who call themselves fans) that I know aren't happy with the Sixers winning. They want a draft pick. This, to me, is a load of BS (More on this in my post tomorrow).
Finally, a note on Andre Miller. He's been absolutely fantastic, both when I've watched him and, when I haven't, in the stat sheet. He had 21 more key points last night, and to be quite honest, I couldn't fathom trading him right now. Unless Dwight Howard was involved. Then I might make an exception. Speaking of trade proposals, Inky beat writer Marc Narducci sifts through a few suggested offers here. To be honest, there's not much there that would interest me. And speaking of Miller, Daily News columnist Sam Donnellon talks about Miller's contributions here.
And that's enough for today. Big game tomorrow night. I'll have a another post hopefully by midday tomorrow, so stay tuned.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Streaking...
Well, three games and three wins, the latest a convincing, 101-80 victory over the Clippers (and they're ugly blue uniforms) last night. Just as I was almost willing to write them off with my last post, the Sixers are now just one-half game out of a playoff spot (behind the Nets). And if New Jersey deals Jason Kidd, as so many people think it will, then we might really be in business.
It's really been a team effort. Last night, there were five players in double-figures. Once again, I don't want to comment too much on the players performance, as I didn't get the game in snowy Syracuse, but the box score is indication enough that this team is really playing together more so than they have perhaps at any point this season.
Lou Williams, 18 points on 5-of-6 from the field? That's remarkably efficient. Andre Miller's 16 points and nine assists look impressive as well. Rodney Carney is welly and truly back it seems and his confidence is showing on the scoresheet every night. And as much as I tend to get on Sammy Dalembert, another 16 points for him too. He might just be good enough to be this team's center two or three years from now, when hopefully the Sixers are competing in the top five or six of the conference.
Anyway, it's probably too early to get too excited. We have to remember that we still are just 21-30. The real test might be Monday, when the Dallas Mavericks visit. If the Sixers win that, it may be time to start really playing attention.
They have Dallas and then Memphis at home before the break, and then a visit to Minnesota and another one at home against the Knicks after that. There's a good chance to win three of those games, and if the Sixers can do that they might find themselves well positioned to make a run at the playoffs down the stretch.
Also good to see the attendance jump a little bit to over 15,000. That's still not a ton by NBA standards, but its more they've been getting. Let's hope we can get a good, loud bunch out for Monday.
And that's it really. The Daily News shoots down some wayward Iggy rumors and Ed Stefanski in an interview with Phillyburbs.com says he isn't making calls about Andre Miller. And with the way Miller's playing, why should he?
Until next time...
It's really been a team effort. Last night, there were five players in double-figures. Once again, I don't want to comment too much on the players performance, as I didn't get the game in snowy Syracuse, but the box score is indication enough that this team is really playing together more so than they have perhaps at any point this season.
Lou Williams, 18 points on 5-of-6 from the field? That's remarkably efficient. Andre Miller's 16 points and nine assists look impressive as well. Rodney Carney is welly and truly back it seems and his confidence is showing on the scoresheet every night. And as much as I tend to get on Sammy Dalembert, another 16 points for him too. He might just be good enough to be this team's center two or three years from now, when hopefully the Sixers are competing in the top five or six of the conference.
Anyway, it's probably too early to get too excited. We have to remember that we still are just 21-30. The real test might be Monday, when the Dallas Mavericks visit. If the Sixers win that, it may be time to start really playing attention.
They have Dallas and then Memphis at home before the break, and then a visit to Minnesota and another one at home against the Knicks after that. There's a good chance to win three of those games, and if the Sixers can do that they might find themselves well positioned to make a run at the playoffs down the stretch.
Also good to see the attendance jump a little bit to over 15,000. That's still not a ton by NBA standards, but its more they've been getting. Let's hope we can get a good, loud bunch out for Monday.
And that's it really. The Daily News shoots down some wayward Iggy rumors and Ed Stefanski in an interview with Phillyburbs.com says he isn't making calls about Andre Miller. And with the way Miller's playing, why should he?
Until next time...
Monday, February 4, 2008
That One Hurts
When I first turned on my gametrack at work tonight to see what the Sixers were doing, I was treated to a pleasant surprise - the Sixers led the Hawks, 32-14, at the end of the first quarter.
A mere two hours later, and that comfortable lead somehow morphed into a 96-91 loss. How did this happen?
That question was rhetorical. I'm not posting to answer it, nor am I posting to pass any particular judgment or criticism of the teams play, as I did not watch the game. The numbers seem to tell me that Josh Childress (21 points on 9-of-11 shooting) had something to do with it.
I'm more concerned about what this game means. I don't want to be the blogger that overreacts to one loss and says the season is over. It isn't. This is the Eastern conference, where 18-30 gets you into the heart of the playoff race. However these sort of games, at home against bad teams, are the games the Sixers need to win. Most especially with you emerge from the first quarter with an 18-point lead.
My idealistic tendencies prevent me from ever encouraging a team to tank and get a good draft pick, but a loss like this makes you wonder if maybe that isn't the best thing.
Really, the best hope for this team in the here and now is a trade to get somebody (anybody) who can score the basketball. Getting somebody who can play power forward would be ideal, but beggars can't be choosers. That said, I'm not willing to make a trade that in any way hinders the development of this team into next year and beyond. Still, getting a player like a Channing Frye from Portland as part of an Andre Miller deal (along with one or two other players) would fit the bill. Such a deal was proposed by J.A Adande in the L.A Times late last week.
Anyway hopefully this game is another lesson for the young players (Thad played 30 minutes tonight). That's really the best way you can look at things at this point.
It will be interesting to see how the boys respond tonight against Washington. Until next time.
A mere two hours later, and that comfortable lead somehow morphed into a 96-91 loss. How did this happen?
That question was rhetorical. I'm not posting to answer it, nor am I posting to pass any particular judgment or criticism of the teams play, as I did not watch the game. The numbers seem to tell me that Josh Childress (21 points on 9-of-11 shooting) had something to do with it.
I'm more concerned about what this game means. I don't want to be the blogger that overreacts to one loss and says the season is over. It isn't. This is the Eastern conference, where 18-30 gets you into the heart of the playoff race. However these sort of games, at home against bad teams, are the games the Sixers need to win. Most especially with you emerge from the first quarter with an 18-point lead.
My idealistic tendencies prevent me from ever encouraging a team to tank and get a good draft pick, but a loss like this makes you wonder if maybe that isn't the best thing.
Really, the best hope for this team in the here and now is a trade to get somebody (anybody) who can score the basketball. Getting somebody who can play power forward would be ideal, but beggars can't be choosers. That said, I'm not willing to make a trade that in any way hinders the development of this team into next year and beyond. Still, getting a player like a Channing Frye from Portland as part of an Andre Miller deal (along with one or two other players) would fit the bill. Such a deal was proposed by J.A Adande in the L.A Times late last week.
Anyway hopefully this game is another lesson for the young players (Thad played 30 minutes tonight). That's really the best way you can look at things at this point.
It will be interesting to see how the boys respond tonight against Washington. Until next time.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Catching Up; My Ed Stefanski Saga
Hello all, I'm sorry for the delay in posting, however I was home in Philly for the weekend covering SU basketball and found myself a bit preoccupied.
Obviously there's some catching up to do, so here we go.
Being home allowed me to catch much of the Sixers near, 108-106 miss against Orlando on Friday. The positives? Obviously the play of Lou Williams, who pitched in 20 points (although only five were in the second half), as well as that of Thaddeus Young. It's really been amazing how much Thad has improved just within the scope of one season, and his 15 points last night are further proof that he's turning into one of the better rookies in the league. He's certainly deserving of a spot in the Rookies vs. Sophomores game (or whatever it's called) during All-Star weekend, and I hope he gets it.
But as much as this team is playing better and garnering respect, the time is running short on moral victories. First, Iggy clearly fouled Hedo Turkoglu with the game tied to give the Magic a pair of foul shots, and then that terribly designed inbounds play by Mo Cheeks. You have to wonder why Samuel Dalembert was even in the game to drop the inbounds pass, and for Cheeks, a man fighting for his job, this won't look good in retrospect.
However, this team is 18-29, still in it and, to their credit, they hung and played a thoroughly entertaining game against one of the better teams in the East. Certainly we can't get too down from that loss.
Not much noise on the trade front. Paul Gasol is a Laker now, but I doubt very much he had any chance of becoming a Sixer anyway.
And finally, for my grand finale, my Ed Stefanski close encounter. I covered the Syracuse-Villanova game at the Wachovia Center this Saturday. As I'm going through the press entrance, I see the Sixers president himself in front me, in line for credentials.
The following scene ensued something like this....
Ed Stefanski: "Ummmm, Stefanski."
Clueless window guy: (sifting through envelopes with passes to press row): "Ummmm... Ok... Hold on... I'm looking"
ED: "Ummm... it's Stefanski. Ed Stefanski"
CWG: (Still sifting) "Ummm... I'm sorry sir, I don't see anything for you."
ED: (Remarkably retaining some semblance of patience) "I'm Ed Stefanski. I'm the president of the Sixers."
CWG: (Realizing his mistake and hoping to not get fired) "Oh my, I'm very sorry sir. Go right ahead."
Hilarious. Ed Stefanski is the man.
Now, if only he can convince the Hornets to package Chris Paul and David West for Andre Miller and Sammy D.
Until next time.
(P.S. Oh, and apparently while I was away the Sixers beat the Bucks by 43 points? Good times...)
Obviously there's some catching up to do, so here we go.
Being home allowed me to catch much of the Sixers near, 108-106 miss against Orlando on Friday. The positives? Obviously the play of Lou Williams, who pitched in 20 points (although only five were in the second half), as well as that of Thaddeus Young. It's really been amazing how much Thad has improved just within the scope of one season, and his 15 points last night are further proof that he's turning into one of the better rookies in the league. He's certainly deserving of a spot in the Rookies vs. Sophomores game (or whatever it's called) during All-Star weekend, and I hope he gets it.
But as much as this team is playing better and garnering respect, the time is running short on moral victories. First, Iggy clearly fouled Hedo Turkoglu with the game tied to give the Magic a pair of foul shots, and then that terribly designed inbounds play by Mo Cheeks. You have to wonder why Samuel Dalembert was even in the game to drop the inbounds pass, and for Cheeks, a man fighting for his job, this won't look good in retrospect.
However, this team is 18-29, still in it and, to their credit, they hung and played a thoroughly entertaining game against one of the better teams in the East. Certainly we can't get too down from that loss.
Not much noise on the trade front. Paul Gasol is a Laker now, but I doubt very much he had any chance of becoming a Sixer anyway.
And finally, for my grand finale, my Ed Stefanski close encounter. I covered the Syracuse-Villanova game at the Wachovia Center this Saturday. As I'm going through the press entrance, I see the Sixers president himself in front me, in line for credentials.
The following scene ensued something like this....
Ed Stefanski: "Ummmm, Stefanski."
Clueless window guy: (sifting through envelopes with passes to press row): "Ummmm... Ok... Hold on... I'm looking"
ED: "Ummm... it's Stefanski. Ed Stefanski"
CWG: (Still sifting) "Ummm... I'm sorry sir, I don't see anything for you."
ED: (Remarkably retaining some semblance of patience) "I'm Ed Stefanski. I'm the president of the Sixers."
CWG: (Realizing his mistake and hoping to not get fired) "Oh my, I'm very sorry sir. Go right ahead."
Hilarious. Ed Stefanski is the man.
Now, if only he can convince the Hornets to package Chris Paul and David West for Andre Miller and Sammy D.
Until next time.
(P.S. Oh, and apparently while I was away the Sixers beat the Bucks by 43 points? Good times...)
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