Good-bye regular season, hello off-season
by jsams on May 3, 2009 6:39 PM PDT
74 comments
As the final buzzer sounded in the Sixers 25-point loss, I slammed shut my laptop and tried my best to erase it from my memory as quickly as possible. So many thoughts were running through my head at the time. I could not believe the season was over -- just like that. Andre Miller summed it up best when he said something to the effect of, "it happened so fast" and "it felt like we just got punched in the mouth." That's how I felt, but in the past 48 hours I've done absolutely nothing but relax and play a ton of video games. Great decision on my part. The sights and sounds from Thursday's game are long gone, and I'm amped for what looks to be a busy off-season. Team turmoil is a fun way to start. Let's take a look at game six's aftermath.
All from Philly.com
Iguodala:
Iguodala said, in a formal news conference, that the team had "inner turmoil" and "mental lapses."
"It's going to be a busy summer," said Iguodala on Thursday. "I'm going to sit down with Ed and discuss what I think will get us over the [hump]."
"We'll see about that," [Iguodala] said, when asked whether DiLeo should return. "We'll talk. We'll try to get the best-case scenario."
"I don't think I can say it, but I think we're going down," said swingman Iguodala.
I don't like to hear the phrases "turmoil" or "mental lapses" when describing my favorite team, nor do I like hearing my star player admit that his team is "going down", but I appreciate Andre's honesty. And can anyone argue with him? I hope Stefanski handles this situation correctly.
Miller:
Miller did not attend Friday's season-ending team meeting. After Thursday's loss, he said he would wait to see whom the Sixers select in June's NBA draft before making a decision.
Gun to my head, I bet we've seen the last of Andre Miller. Sign-and-trade please, sign-and-trade please, sign-and-trade please. If Miller walks for nothing, I'll consider it strike one on Stefanski. He had to know there was a good possibility of Miller walking at the deadline, and keeping Miller for the sake of playoff experience is completely illogical.
Ratliff:
Theo Ratliff did not attend the 76ers final team meeting, scheduled for noon at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
"The coaches are responsible for guys [being] prepared and playing," Ratliff said after the game. "They have to hold guys accountable. It's been that way all year, so you couldn't expect anything different."
"You have to step up and get into guys. If [as the coach] you don't have that type of personality, to be able to go at guys. . . ."
Well, I'm 100 percent sure Theophilus is gone. I won't miss him too much. However; I'm glad Theo called out the coaches. Theo, Miller and Iguodala all called out the coaching staff -- directly or indirectly -- and the message is pretty clear. I love Tony DiLeo, but he needs to return to the front office.
Dalembert:
As the players pulled off their flip-flops and tied their sneakers, all sat together, joking and talking, except Dalembert, who sat about 20 yards away, his headphones on, engrossed not in his team, but in his BlackBerry.
All signs point toward Dalembert playing for another team next season and considering the strained relationship right now between Dalembert, the organization, the fans, that seems to be the best decision for the franchise.
If Dalembert is traded don't expect much. Best case scenario, we get a towel boy and a 2017 second round pick in return.
In the past week or two it seems like we've gone from a hard-working, likable team with a bright future, to a team with a lot of question marks, a lot of finger-pointing and a lot of work to do in the off-season.
After reading everyone's reaction to the blowout I get the feeling that everyone believes this was a wasted season just because the Sixers only improved their record by one game and still lost in the sixth game of the first round. Not so fast my friend. The team as a whole might have stayed the same, but look no further than the new big two (assuming Miler's gone) for reasons why the season was not a waste.
Thaddeus Young took huge strides. I don't think anyone could have predicted how much "Baby Legs" would have improved this season. He nearly doubled his scoring average. He dominated the month of March. And if not for a severe ankle sprain, the Sixers might still be alive.
Sure, Thaddeus's disappearance in the playoffs was disappointing, but in a series filled with deja vu, I wouldn't be surprised if his struggles are similar of Andre Iguodala's of last year. Iggy was extremely disappointing last year. Everyone -- including me -- was freaking out that the face of the franchise averaged 13 points on 33 percent shooting. This season Iggy bounced back with 22 points per game, and there's no reason to believe Thad won't do the same next year. Plus, who knows how much his ankle was bothering him.
It's hard not to be excited about Thaddeus's future. He has all the tools to become an offensive force for the Sixers. Yes, he has a lot to work on (ball handling, defense, fast break decisions), but from what I hear, he has an amazing work ethic, and I expect him to put it all together next season. I'd even go as far as saying he has the potential to become an all-star next year. You heard it here first.
Speaking of Andre Iguodala, he quietly had a great season. His jumpshot improved a ton. His defense was incredible. His court vision and rebounding were still amazing. Words and numbers cannot convince you how good Andre really is. You either appreciate his game or you don't. And if you don't, it's a shame. There's only a handful of players I'd rather have leading my team, and no Brandon Roy isn't one of 'em. Shocker.
Iguodala is on the verge of 3-5 elite years, but he can't do it himself. Him and Thaddeus will be a deadly one-two combination, and it's up to Stefanski to build around them.
The last positive from the 2008-2009 season has to be M16, Marresse Speights. He showed flashes of brilliance early in the season, but hit the "rookie wall" head on. With a year under his belt and a full off-season to improve his game, the sky's the limit for the former Flordia Gator. I wouldn't put him in the same category as Iggy and Thad just yet, but it's not out of the question. Work ethic and learning how to play defense is key.
Since this is a fairly positive post I hate to end it with a negative, but Lou Williams really let me down this season. After signing a 5-year, 25 million dollar contract in the off-season he was just one big ball of suck. Stupid shots? He did 'em. Bad defense? Yeah. Jump-pass turnovers? Them too. I've come to the harsh realization that Lou is not the point guard of the future, nor will he ever be a sixth man on a championship team. Ouch.
Say good-bye to the regular season, and hello to the off-season. My ideal summer consists of trading Sammy D and Bill green, acquiring a lights out shooter and drafting the point guard of the future. Oh yeah, and a new coach. Wishful thinking? Probably, but one can dream.
What's your ideal off-season?
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Thank you for a great summary as normal.
Your review is on the mark and I agree 100%. We tend to look always at the glass half empty. Alot of good points.
As I state on DP, I think Lou needs a new coach and 1 more year.
Miller is not as important as I would have thought earlier this year. Would prefer him but not a must to me.
A must is to get a shooting guard. I know most disagre, but my 2 choices are Gordon or Smith (Denver). Both can be game changers.
I would love Sammy gone but Bill Green MUST BE GONE. Or replace rush on the bench.
Would like to get a 2nd round draft pick and have 2 new guards to “try out”.
If Dileo is back as coach, I consider Theo a must as a player coach! :-)
And, I am grateful I am not a Piston fan!
by DeanH on May 3, 2009 7:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I don't want to get rid of Lou yet.
There’s still some potential there, but he’s not the player I thought he was going to be.
Gordon would be nice, but there’s no way we can afford him.
Is J.R. Smith a free agent? He’s a high-risk, high-reward guy. He’d fit perfectly with the whole run n’ gun thing, AND he can shoot the lights out. The only risk is, he’s a head case.
by jsams on May 3, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
jr smith
comin off the books this offseason(6 mil off of denver salary)…. he definitely would provide a shooter but i do think his attitude is something to look at… he’ll also get much more this offseason than he makes now just not sure what type of money he would demand… i do like the idea though, get’s the ideas churnin
by tsteidel on May 3, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Him and Birdman are amazing 2k players.
I really like the idea of J.R. Smith actually. He’s young. He’s athletic. He can shoot. I think it’s okay to have one head-case, as long as you only have one. Which means we’d have to get rid of Sam, and I’m all for that.
by jsams on May 3, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
jr smith
like the creativeness, but i don’t want a thug. jr smith belongs on the thuggets.
by guitarmouse35 on May 4, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many nuggets games have you paid attention to this year – how much jr smith have you paid attention to – or are you going by his old repuation – he’s been fine this year.
But no one will believe it – just like when people say ‘denver doesn’t play defense’ – even last season – that wasn’t true either – but enough uninformed people said it so it was believed
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think everyone is basing it on the past.
But what exactly has made him a “head-case”? I can’t remember.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He had some behavior issues, on and off the court, fights with coach, etc…he seems to have really taken a step forward this year in denver, on and off the court
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Josh Smith had a rep yet there are still those who would have preferred him over brand last year
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think 99% of those people preferred him because of his youth and athleticism.
Same reason J.R. Smith is intriguing, but J.R. can actually shoot. Won’t happen unless Ed makes a ballsy trade though.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It won’t happen
In case you missed it the Nuggets are a very good team right now and part of the reason is the play of JR Smith…Someone mentioned him because they thought he was a free agent (which he isn’t)…none of the crap assets are prying JR Smith from Denver and none of the ‘good’ assets are worth JR Smith in my opinion.
He’s a strong sixth man
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting...
That’s the mind-set this franchise has to have in moving forward. Everything it does has to be directed toward bringing a championship to Philadelphia within 3 to 5 years.
That’s what Stefanski was brought here to do. That’s why he committed nearly $200 million in salary to Brand, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams. That’s why he’s going to pour a ton of cash at the fabulous potential of forward Thaddeus Young, why he’ll make a run to keep point guard Andre Miller, and negotiate the waters of the salary cap to acquire more talent through creative trades and free-agent signings.
This is Stefanski’s organization. He has a vision for what he thinks it is capable of and how he can get it there.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who wrote that? It ignores signals and comments that indicate that ownership is unwilling to pay any luxury tax more than it already has to.
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
John Smallwood.
I know, that’s why it caught my eye.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
jr smith is a thug because....
Ok, first jr smith signed to go to UNC, but skipped to go to the NBA. He is not lebron or kobe so he should not have done that.
Second, he was in the knicks-thuggets brawl in Dec 06 and got suspended 10 GAMES.
Third, he was involved in an “incident” at a Denver nightclub. The Nuggets suspended him for the first three regular season games of the 07-08.
But putting those aside, I don’t think he is a great team player. Yes he can shoot the lights out when he gets on a hot-streak, but he hardly ever passes the ball. I don’t think it’s worth it for other games when he is cold, and his shot selection is pretty poor at times.
Even though it’s highly doubtful and too expensive, I do love the idea of getting Ben Gordon. I’m excited to see what we do for the draft.
by guitarmouse35 on May 4, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
Firstly, the UNC thing is nonsense, that doesn’t make him a thug – though it sounds like you might be a bitter UNC fan? Louis Williams wasn’t Kobe or Lebron – should he have gone to college – is he a thug cause he didn’t? THat’s not thuggery, and it sounds like you might be a bit bitter.
As for the rest of it – since you ignored what I said – what i said was THIS SEASON – people grow up – people change – i’m sure when you get older you won’t be the same guy you were at 19…
But at least we probably know now why you really hate him.
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 5, 2009 7:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
people dont change, im not a unc fan, and he plays for the thuggets.
its more so the team as a whole, hence the name thuggets. it was at an all time high when the answer was on the team, but now that billups is on the team, i have a tad more respect for them. and i actually think they have a legit shot at the lakers, if they even beat the rockets.
by guitarmouse35 on May 5, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the use of thuggets is also somewhat sarcasm.
I enjoy saying it. maybe if everyone else does, it will catch on and they will officially change their name. the mascot can be K-MART when he retires.
by guitarmouse35 on May 5, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s just so many things wrong in there I"m not sure where to start.
I hope people change – cause if they don’t – i feel bad for you
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 5, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
JR Smith
is signed through 2011.
http://www.storytellerscontracts.info/resources/08-09salaries.htm
Send GT Green packing.
by depressedfan on May 3, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's weird because hoops hype says otherwise
by tsteidel on May 3, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but i guess that means they are wrong
considering every site says he’s through 2011… damn hoops hype spreading lies
by tsteidel on May 3, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
storytellers is more accurate, hooopshype is good for their rumor section only mostly :)
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
just watch.
“Iverson’s return to Philly” rumors are going to be sprouting up.
by soman319 on May 4, 2009 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha! I think either iverson will sign with the kings (or some other joke team dying for an attraction), or retire because he can’t be a team player. like, he physically can’t do that. he would spontaneously combust the second he learned how to do that.
by guitarmouse35 on May 4, 2009 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe.
Sam is on the books for the same price is Iggy, and Green is making as much as Thad and Speights combined.
by jsams on May 3, 2009 9:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You can thank Billy King for that
I was just looking at our contracts and if we don’t trade any of them it looks like almost every 76er fan will be in heaven since Sammy, Reggie, and Bill all come off the books and gives us over $20 million in cap space. Which is just in time for Thadeuss’s contract extension.
by The Legend on May 3, 2009 9:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Iggy's comments
I think was due to him still being upset about the loss. I might of read that actually somewhere.
Did you see his comments on Sammy?
by The Legend on May 3, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sammy "enjoys his summers"
as opposed to working on his game.
http://www.phillyarena.com - Philly sports forum/blog
by tk76 on May 4, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apologies for being a bit late.
But I wanted to wish you guys the best of luck after these playoffs.
Wish you guys had won that series, really do. Would have liked to see our Celtics go against you. See how Iggy would torch us ;)
Well, I’ll be checking in every now and then.
Until next time.
- Dirk 'DaarisDirk' van Boxtel
by Kiorrik on May 4, 2009 3:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We need it. First game is a loss already.
Crappedoodledoo.
- Dirk 'DaarisDirk' van Boxtel
by Kiorrik on May 5, 2009 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
its unfortunate but...
As a true fan, I don’t like seeing a blowup like this at the end of the season … but now looking back I am kind of glad to see things get negatively shaken up. I was at the last game and it was miserable, but I think its a good thing that these things popped up (iggy’s comments, theo’s, and Sam continuing to be, well Sam..).
It makes it evident to Stefanski and this organization that this crap needs to stop. things need to change. What I feared was staying competitive in game 6 and this series, then have the organization think “things are ok, we’ll improve next year” once again without making the necessary, and obvious, changes that need to be made.
sam, tony, theo … don’t let the door hit ya on the way out
phew, monday morning rant over.
by rs2100 on May 4, 2009 6:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Short term I think the team will not show much if any improvement next year… and I am fine with that.
Assuming Miller walks, they will loose a rudder, so I doubt they can get more than 45 wins. But that’s fine if we see Brand return to form and see another year of improvement in Thad and Speights. Maybe also some headier play from Lou.
Next year should be about player development (this year should have been as well.) Then, hopefully they can start thinking top 3 in E.C. in 2-3 years with their young core more seasoned. They went in hoping to be at that level this past season, but the expectations need to be lower for next season.
http://www.phillyarena.com - Philly sports forum/blog
by tk76 on May 4, 2009 7:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone checkin out the lists of ETO/PO/Restricted FA?
Granted, a lot of the position players we need are probably going to get extensions by the off season or not opt out (etc.), there is a couple of names that catch my eye. Since it is still a while until FA, I won’t mention any names.
As for the draft, there is a lot of talent at the PG position. It will be very interesting to see what comes out of it.
by soman319 on May 4, 2009 7:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not mentioning any names?
There’s no tampering charges on this blog lol.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
didn’t mean to make it sound that way. No point to get excited over an overhaul (or atleast a few roster changes) on the roster only a week removed from the playoffs, right? I’m excited to watch the rest of the playoffs even though it still pains me to think we let a lot of opportunities slip through our fingers. Like a lot of people I am huge Lebron fan, ever since he was getting coverage in high school. I guess I still have something to watch for though not with as much fervor.
by soman319 on May 4, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramon Sessions
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
good talent.
Since we got it started. I’ve always been a huge fan of Raymond Felton since his days at UNC. With the Bobcats drafting augustin last year and with his value taking a hit this year, maybe something can happen.
by soman319 on May 4, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure they’re ready to give up on Felton. It’s a real weak FA market and very few teams have cap space (and people are slobbering of 2010) – I don’t think you’ll see a lot of movement and yo’ll see guys signing shorter deals.
Sessions is ‘gettable’ cause the bucks have money issues and he isn’t their only worry this off season – he could be had – not sure that the bobcats are ready to give up on felton (not sure felton is a starter either)
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, 2010 is…interesting. I only know the surface of Sessions (that 28 assist game) so I’ll take your word for it. You’re right about it being harder to pull off Felton but Felton has been in the league for 4 years, played 3 of them. The Bobcats shocked everyone getting the guard last year which puts Felton on the ropes. You’re probably right that they aren’t going to cut him loose before seeing what he does next year though. Still, its nice to dream? haha
by soman319 on May 4, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't Sessions sucks offensively though?
by jsams on May 4, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
he’s got a quick first step and a decent mid-range jumper, but can’t shoot the 3
by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on May 4, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some thoughts
— As the season progressed, it became quite evident that Libertyballers was the most committed and comprehensive Sixers blog out there. Kudos!
— We need a starting shooting guard who can shoot threes consistently (i.e. around 40%). Even if Iggy starts at shooting guard, you can bet he won’t play more than 12-16 minutes at that spot. That leaves 32-36 minutes for somebody else… and it ain’t Lou Williams and it ain’t Willie Green.
— We need a big, tough-minded, post-up center. Even if we can’t move Sammy, his role has to change. He has to accept 20 minutes per game, perhaps off the bench. After six years, he’s proven that it’s all he’s worth. He’s an overpaid, athletic shot-blocker. No more, no less. I’d start Marcin Gortat over him. At least he’s tough and he knows how to play basketball.
— We need another point guard… a point guard of the future. Maybe Andre MIller stays, maybe he goes. If he stays, he can’t play 36-40 minutes a game. It’s too much wear and tear on his body, which shows in the latter half of the season and in the postseason. He should play about 30 minutes and his back-up should play the remaining 18.
— We have to trade Lou Williams. He almost definitely still has trade value… somehow. When you can get to the hoop almost at will, some GM is going to believe you’ll fit in on his team. We have to get good value in this trade!
— We have to make good use of the draft. Make trades here as necessary to dump some of our useless baggage… and pick up Lawson, Maynor, or Flynn, if possible.
— Trading Lou Will is not going to get us both a competent shooting guard and a solid center. It will probably get us either one or the other. How do we acquire the other? Can we move Sammy, Willie Green, or Reggie Evans? If not, do we consider moving either Jason Smith or Marreese Speights? They have fairly similar games (though Speights is obviously more athletic)… so do we really need both?
Feel free to comment.
by BSM PSU 93 on May 4, 2009 8:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One step at a time
I make no decisions or prognostications until DiLeo is replaced – if DiLeo is not replaced – i give up hope for the stefanski era
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 8:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's fair
DiLeo isn’t a disaster as a coach, but does anybody see him being the guy who can lead the Sixers to the E.C. finals and beyond? That’s what I though.
by zfg on May 4, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually until the playoffs are over it’s pretty much ‘dead season’
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
hence, no reason to completely caught up in the post-playoff-loss-banter so early. It’d get pretty old quick. However, since there is nothing to really talk about…I guess we are kind of stuck with talking about it lol. Pointless post, I know.
by soman319 on May 4, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well – the sixers can and should make a coaching decision sooner than later. At least on whether or not DiLeo comes back.
And Stefanski probably needs to do some more PR to spin the post game and day after disasters that happened
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 4, 2009 11:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed re: DiLeo. I don’t think the Sixers necessarily need to name the coach now, but by the end of this week at the latest a decision should be made as to whether DiLeo is coming back or not.
by wildcatlh on May 4, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinking since Jameer Nelson is coming back next year should we try and get Rafer Alston if Miller leaves?
Also since I heard his name linked to us last year when people thought Stefanski was going to get rid of Cheeks at the end of the season what do you guys think about Mark Jackson as HC? The only reason why I am mentioning him is because I heard his name came up again today on the radio if we decide to hire a new coach.
by The Legend on May 4, 2009 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Mark Jackson
The Mark Jackson with NO NBA coaching career?
No thanks
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 5, 2009 7:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brand
I see were mostly avoiding that subject. How much longer do we have him? 4 years? What are we gonna do with him next year? He cant start because he destroys the flow, but we cant leave him on the bench either (can we?). Iggy needs to play the 3, and if hes playing the 3, that means Thads got to play the 4, leaving only center open for the 6-8 Brand. Hes not going to start over Thad, so we have ourselves a big time problem.
As far as the point goes, I happen to like Sessions. He seems like he could be Andre Miller 2.0 and hes young. Only problem is he cant shoot.
Assuming we get a new PG (or keep Miller), can Lou Williams play the 2? Hes undersized, but he can shoot better than anyone else on the team and is still developing, so I think hes worth a look.
by philiafan14364 on May 4, 2009 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
People need to give Brand a chance.
He’ll start at the four. Iggy and Thad will start at the three and four. They just need a coach to make it work.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brand only disrupts the flow of the offense if they don’t have a good game plan. Obviously you can’t run an inside/outside offense (like Orlando’s) through Brand because the Sixers don’t have the shooters for it. It wasn’t so much that the Sixers couldn’t run with Brand, but rather that they actively tried to run half court sets. I don’t see why some variant of “seven seconds or Shaq” couldn’t work, or some other totally different offensive style. Either way, if he’s healthy and the coach is somewhat competent in half court offense, the Sixers will get better at scoring.
I don’t think Iggy needs to play the 3. His jumper really did improve this season, and he certainly has a lot more confidence in it (too much, in my opinion….). I honestly don’t think his shots from the 2 spot were much different than his shots from the 3; he just didn’t make them early in the year. Lou could play the 2, but he would have to either match up to a poor scorer, or with a big PG, or he’d get destroyed on the defensive end. Maybe if the coaching staff could make Lou wear a shock collar for every time he took a contested jumper, or threw a jump pass…? I like Sessions too. Not sure how available he’s gonna be, though.
by zfg on May 4, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess being solo isn't all bad
I’m not blaming anyone for the way the Sixer’s ended the season, but you have to be crazy if you expected anything different. I beleive the fact that there were 4000 seats still available hours before game time is an indication that no one had any expectations at all.
1) I think Lou Williams play was impacted by Maurice cheeks more than anyone is willing to admit. Weather you look at his improved play last year or his downward spiral this year.
2) I think AI played very soft in the series. He should have been the reason why we put Superman in foul trouble. You can’t shoot 6 foot floaters in the middle of the lane if you expect to beat a team with a dominant center. Make the ref blow the whistle or force the opposing player to make a GREAT play.
3) At the 2 spot we need a ‘slasher’ with the an assassins mentality, someone who can drive past their defender at the 3-point line and attempt to dunk on the apposing center. He doesn’t have to be successful but have the courage to try.
4) If Sammy isn’t going to change his attitude regarding off season conditioning, then he doesn’t deserve to play. I don’t mind guys taking 4-6 weeks off at the end of the season (I prefer it), but after that it’s back to work 100% of the time. (20-25 hours a week)
5) T. Young needs to work on his lateral movement and improve the strength in his knees and ankles to help prevent or reduce the impact of another injury. He is still young (no pun intended) and can be a part of the future.
6) Miller can be a great point guard for this team but he isn’t the future. That’s his only downfall. You could tell he lost confidence in some of his teammates and that may be a problem.
7) The veterans coming off the bench is a requirement. They all need to stay. You can’t win at this level without having guys on the bench who have done great things in this league and Theo has been on teams that have won MANY games. (Your best 3-poit shooter is a guy who barely played 10 minutes a game.)
8) as for the blow up. This is the type of thing that happens when people are not honest. Players were having problems and issues and everyone kept thier mouth shut in the name of being a “good guy”, or being PC, or not wanting to air dirty laundry. But it looks like the ability to truly be honest was never available. So when the stuff hits the fan, you get blow ups. Hopefully this will be a learning experience for everyone…. including us fans. Just because everyone smiles on camera is no reason to think that everyone gets along.
Ok I’m done for now, but I’ll be back as I’m still irritated at the effort in that final game.
Either improve or Start over!
by startingover0303 on May 4, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting point on the Lou/Cheeks correlation. I never thought of it that way.
But I disagree that Iggy played soft in the series. He drove. He made plays. He did everything he could. Dwight is a force in the middle and rarely gets called for fouls.
by jsams on May 4, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you 100%
Your assessment about Dwight is right on point. As a player or coach, you know that going in. That’s why it’s important to force him to be perfect. The best way to reduce his impact is by going right at him. This not only true when nullifying an all pro defensive end in football, but also true when you are trying to reduce the impact of a shot blocker like Dwight. Sammy wasn’t commanding any attention, so Iggy, Young, Speight’s and anyone on the team over 6’7" who can dunk, needs to force the action. Either force Dwight to make a fantastic play or make the ref blow the whistle. We did neither. We didn’t even challenge him. That’s the part that’s so hard to deal with for me as a fan. I felt like we let the Magic dictate every aspect of the game. When Iggy drove, he would slow up halfway to the rim, and float the ball over Dwight.
I challenge everyone to count how many times Iggy was in the lane shooting floaters instead of going strong to the rack. Once again, I don’t dislike Iggy. I like his game, but against Dwight, he wasn’t the same player.
Either improve or Start over!
by startingover0303 on May 5, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what makes you solo?
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 5, 2009 7:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cheeks,
I think the firing of Cheeks was a bad idea. If anyone can show me how this team was any different from last year, I’d love to see it. Almost everything was exactly the same except for a few faces on the bench. Everyone I talk to emphatically disagrees with me. Where they under achieving? Yes, but it was a different team with Elton and he deserved the season to make adjustments.
Are there any other fans who agree with me? If so, I haven’t seen or heard from them yet. The exact style of play Maurice won with, is how this team turned the corner with Delio. Same bad shooting, same fast break offense and same defensive transition into fast break. His only problem was trying to fit the team around Elton instead of fitting Elton into the team.
Let me also say, I’m well aware of the need for a shooter. I just didn’t want to insult anyone’s intelligence by pointing out the obvious. I mean they finished dead last in 3-point shooting as a team. That says it all right there.
As for Iggy, I do like his game. (Not love) he plays with emotion but at no time in the series did Iggy try to dunk on Howard. Not once. To me that’s a mental thing, not a physical. Perfect example was in the first game between ORL and BOS. Rondo drove down the middle and saw Superman in the middle and went chest to chest with him. Howard was called for the foul and Rondo went tumbling to the floor. That’s attitude, not ability. We lack the former and I look for Iggy to provide the attitude as the leader.
Either improve or Start over!
by startingover0303 on May 5, 2009 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, I see
Still don’t buy your argument – all that means is that DiLeo is no better than Cheeks
Mo never should have been hired, and I still say if he wasn’t on the 83 roster he never would have been hired.
Mo Cheeks is not an NBA head coach
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 5, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what?
I don’t disagree with that. Maybe he shouldn’t have been hired. I think his limited succsess in Portland has as much to do with his hiring as his participation in 1983.
But once he got the job, he deserved to keep it. Among former players, point guards make the best coaches… unfortunately, Zeek came to my mind and made me sick to my stomach (LOL) but point guards are the leaders and should know enough about the rest of the game to provide leadership from the bench as well as from the floor.
Either improve or Start over!
by startingover0303 on May 5, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry – I don’t buy your logic – if you make a mistake hire – you rectify it as soon as you can – if you don’t think he deserved the job – once you have that realization you don’t let him keep it.
Should he have had to take the hit for a bad start – yes – cause you know what – that’s what happens with coaches – they get too much credit when teams win and too much blame when teams lose – that’s how it works
"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."
Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.
by jemagee on May 5, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying I’m a huge Cheeks fan but I didn’t see enough proof that a mistake was made. The second half of his first year as coach, this team was far better than anyone expected. A complete 180 degree turn from where they started. The last 25 games of the season the Sixers had one of the best records in the league. Who deserved the credit for that more than the coach?
If you conclude the coach was the reason for the turn around, then you have to assume he is qualified for the job. If qualified, then he deserved to finish the season. You have to know going into the season that the addition of Brand, starts the process all over again. People who think the game is just about being bigger, faster, stronger don’t understand the need for continuity. They think you can just add subtract talent and stuff works. (Last years Celtics was the exception because you have 3 hall-of-famers on the same squad) If you look at the 76er team that went to the championship, look at the regulars on that team the previous 3 years: pretty much the same core group of guys who finally started to know each other and the philosophy of the coach.
The firing of Cheeks was a decision to make change just for the sake of making a change. I don’t care how much I hate the current coach and I don’t care what business you are in, that is a poor way to make a decision and I can never support that.
Either improve or Start over!
by startingover0303 on May 7, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AI playing soft
Not sure soft is the right word but I do not believe he became the leader on the floor as he claims. Why? Don’t know. Did Miller keep him from doing it? Did the coach? A thought was given by someone that we tend to forget that the players around a player affect them? I wonder how much better AI would have been if Elton was on the floor? Also, alot of good thoughts about Miller and his future. We have Elton for 4 more years, I consider that a window for us and Miller may fit into it. Just thoughts, no strong opinions right now.
by DeanH on May 4, 2009 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t get why people want to trade Thad? I don’t remember seeing it on here but I have seen other message boards suggesting it one of the main reasons that I have seen for wanting to trade Thad is to get rid of Sammy’s contract. That is retarded, I know a lot of people don’t like Sammy but is he really that bad where we have to trade one of top 3 players? Who in a couple years will probably be the best we have?
by The Legend on May 5, 2009 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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