High/Low Expectations: SAM BAM Dalembert

by Jordan Sams on Oct 22, 2009 9:15 AM PDT

Samuel Dalembert #1 C

Best case: Sam embraces his role as paint protector, sucks down rebounds like the Hoover U5468-900 WindTunnel Supreme Bagged Upright Vacuum, blocks 2+ shots a game, limits his goal-tends, fouls, and fadeaway jumpers. I know how difficult it can be to watch Sam's bonehead plays night in and night out, but if he can hold it together I think he benefits the team's rebounding and defense more than he hurts the offense. Sam quietly has a nice jump-shot; he just gets carried away with them sometimes.

Best case stats: 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2+ blocks.

Worst case: Sam shoots the ball too much, complains about his role in the offense, fouls too much, goal-tends too much, turns the ball over too much, and rides the bench during crunch time on a regular basis. Now, some might argue that benching Sam would benefit the team, but it would still be the worst case for

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Which is more realistic?

Best case.

76 votes

Worst case.

108 votes

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I'm going with the Best Case.

Sam is a solid backup Center, and if he can stay out of foul-trouble be a strong contributor to the team’s defense. Jordan’s new offense forces Sam to be involved and that is good for his attitude and to keep him involved. He has already gotten a double-double in preseason, in around 25 min.

That I think would be ideal for the Sixers. Sam playing about 25 min a game and giving us 10-10. Speights and Smith can both give minutes at center, so we don’t need more from Sam than he can give. If he’s doing well in a particular match-up, obviously you take advantage of it, but you don’t expect that to happen. If you can sub for him without him being in foul trouble, that would be a real plus!

It’s already clear that Speights is a better player, and he is the Center at the end of games. This is a major departure from last season, and changes the way that other teams and the fans should look at the Sixers.

by RickoT on Oct 22, 2009 11:10 AM PDT reply actions

Sammy D

I think Sammy D is going to have a nice year. A fresh start. I’m expecting big things.

FYI, stumbled upon a pretty good Sixers’ preview. Pretty funny.

http://www.whereisbenrivera.com/massive-sixers-2009-2010-season-preview

Just thought I would pass it along.

by Manute4Mayor on Oct 22, 2009 3:03 PM PDT reply actions

His review was funny, but it’s also wrong. He thinks Speights will get Evan’s minutes, but it’s actually Brand who will take Evan’s spot.

I’m still waiting for someone to recognize that having Brand, Iguodala, Young and Williams is a very good core group of players, and that Speights and Smith can give them rebounding and inside scoring.

The best prediction for the Sixers I’ve seen so far is 5th in the East. Half of the writers in one spot had the Sixers out of the playoffs altogether. I think they take 4th spot and may even push the Celtics in the East. Adding Speights to the four starters gives them a very formidable lineup.

by RickoT on Oct 22, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions

Fourth and Fifth are interchangeable.

I predicted one of ‘em. Either way I think they’ll advance 1 round.

Liberty Ballers.com.

by Jordan Sams on Oct 22, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions

SAMMY D

I personally think that we should start sammy D (along with Lou,Thad,Andre,Brand) and we should bring Speights off the bench for him. I don’t like Brand playing center. Sammy is going to give us nice numbers (11,8,1.5). And don’t forget about Smith.

by The Roots on Oct 24, 2009 9:15 AM PDT reply actions