Dear Sixers fans...
by jsams on Jul 18, 2009 2:11 AM PDT
36 comments
During my first credentialed week at an NBA event I had the privilege of meeting an abundance of "dope" people. One of the many benefits of meeting these "dope" folk was the opportunity to pick their brain. Whether it was exchanging funny stories, "shooting the ish" as they say, or getting the scoop on inside information around the league, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
There were many times throughout the week where I heard rumors surface, and rumors die. Since the whole experience was new and exciting to me, I came home at night and thought to myself, "Dude, I know stuff the average NBA fan would kill to know. This is freakin' awesome!"
Inside information is like sex to journalists -- only way better. Everyone wants the scoop. Everyone wants to break the news. Everyone wants to feel special -- like they know something no one else knows. However; some inside information hit a little too close to home yesterday...
A source associated with the Blazers informed me the Sixers nearly traded Andre Iguodala to Portland on draft night. The rumored deal was for either Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake or Travis Outlaw and Jerryd Bayless. Normally when a rumor of this nature crosses my path, I dismiss it for the filthy nonsense it really is and go about my business, but since it was coming from a reliable source, I had to listen.
My first reaction was, "What? Why would they do that?" The answer: salary dump.
Luckily, the rumor was shot down a few hours later by someone I consider a more reliable source, basically saying it would never happen.
It made sense though. The country is in a recession, ticket sales are down, and Andre is the highest paid Sixer that any team would be interested in acquiring. The rumor evoked flashbacks on the entire off-season as a whole, and I began connecting the dots like the final scene in The Usual Suspects.
No contract for Andre Miller, no Summer League team, the inability to move into the second round of the draft, various rumors of Sam Dalembert and Elton Brand being actively shopped -- it all made sense.
This is nothing new, but the economy is killing the Sixers -- and killing 'em pretty bad. Usually a situation like this warrants criticism towards the owner or the general manager; however I'm placing the blame on us -- the fans. For the sake of keepin' it real... we suck.
During the couple hours where I truly believed the Sixers were desperate enough to trade Andre I thought to myself, "Why don't the Sixers sell tickets?" and "Why don't Sixers fans care as much as they did when Iverson was here?" I could not come up one definitive answer, so I took it upon myself to change it -- or at least try.
Our beloved Sixers need us more than ever. Below is an open letter to Sixers fans and anyone else willing to listen.
Enjoy.
Dear Sixers fans,
Despite reaching the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and providing 'the favorites' with a legitimate scare each time, the Sixers still ranked in the bottom third of NBA attendance numbers.
The Sixers provide us with at least one of these every game, yet our crowds are among the quietest in the league, and often claim "three-pointers are more exciting."
Fans seem to lack passion for the Sixers because no one considers Andre Iguodala "star player".
I'm sorry we don't have a "star player" who shoots 22 times a game. I'm sorry we don't have a "star player" who requests a trade when things aren't going his way. I'm sorry we don't have a "star player" who's talkin' bout practice. I'm sorry we don't have a "star player" who smokes weed in the off-season and admits to it on national radio. Our "star player" enjoys playing defense, and plays it well. Our "star player" makes his teammates better. Our "star player" is better than your "star player".
I could go on forever.
So, what is it? What do fans look for in their favorite team? Three-pointers? A "star player"? The Bash Brothers? Before I take a stab at the asnwer, I must first discover what I look for in a favorite team. Here's the list I came up with:
Entertainment
Oh, you mean like this? Or this? Or this? Needless to say, the Sixers are one of -- if not the -- most athletic team in the NBA. And what basketball fan doesn't like a good, old fashion posterization? Odds are, if you watch the Sixers on a given night, you are going to be entertained.
The Sixers were involved in 12, count 'em, 12 buzzer-beaters this year. That is entertaining right?
Andre Iguodala ranked third in the entire NBA in dunks with 150 -- nearly two per game. These are entertaining right?
Thought so.
Entertainment... check.
"Dope" announcers
How easy is it to be enthusiastic about your favorite team when the local play-by-play guy is making these types of calls?
Seriously, give me one announcer besides Gus Johnson who shows more passion on a consistent basis than Marc Zumoff.
"Dope" announcers... check.
Sexy uniforms
I would not have been able to argue with you a year ago on whether the Sixers uniforms were "sexy" or not. I'll tell you flat-out, I could not stand the old uniforms. The keyword is "old". Earlier this season the Sixers announced that they will be returning to the throwback logo and jerseys similar to the ones they wore during their last championship.
The new uniforms will be retro -- and retro is always "in". The new uniforms have better colors. The new uniforms are crisper, cleaner, fresher and any other -er adjective you want to describe them with.
Honestly, how good does Andre Iguodala look in this jersey?
Sexy uniforms... check.
Successful drafts
For a look at Tony DiLeo insane drafting skills, I take you back to my Blueprint for Success post.
According to the team's official site, DiLeo was promoted to Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager in 2003. Since then, the Sixers have feasted on the NBA Draft.
2003: The Sixers first and only pick was number 50 -- not a prime position to be in. They ended up selecting Paccelis Morlende. Who? They quickly turned around and traded him, along with cash, to the Sonics for Willie Green. Like it or not, Willie Green is a good value at pick 50. The Sixers also sent cash to the Nets in exchange forKyle Korver.
I'd say, going into the draft with the 50th overall pick, and coming out with Willie Green and Kyle Kover is pretty dang good. First year with DiLeo as assistant GM -- success.
2004: The Sixers went into the draft with the ninth pick. They came out with a franchise player in Andre Iguodala. Success. DiLeo is two for two.
2005: The Sixers had no first-rounders once again, just pick number 45 . Last time they stole Green and Korver. Who'd they pick this time? Louis Williams. Whether you love him or hate him, Lou was an absolute steal at number 45.
2006: The year of "Oh we really need a point guard, but Rodney Carney's available!" Man, good thing there were no legitimate point guards on the board when the Sixers traded down from pick 13 to pick 16 to select Rodney Carney. Oh wait, there were. Just to name a few: Rajon Rondo, Marcus Williams, Kyle Lowry, Jordan Famar, Sergio Rodriguez, and Daniel Gibson. Oops. This is DiLeo's one blemish in his six years as assistant GM.
2007: Thaddeus Young with pick 12. 'Nuff said.
2008: Marreese Speights with pick 16. See above.
2009: Jrue Holiday with pick 17. Jrue has the potential to be the steal of the draft, and DiLeo's track record leads me to believe just that.
Successful drafts... check.
Chances of winning
The Sixers have made the playoffs the previous two season with a relatively young team, and there's no reason to believe they won't make it three straight years in 2009-2010.
Here are the ages of the core guys who have helped lead the team to back-to-back playoff appearances.
Iguodala - 25
Young - 21
Speights - 22
Williams - 22
Holiday* - 19
Brand* - 30
* Not on playoff roster.
With the additions of Elton Brand (injury), Jason Smith (injury), Jason Kapono (trade) and Jrue Holiday (draft), and the growth of Andre Iguodala, Marreese Speights, Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams, the Sixers look set for years to come. Are they championship contenders as is? Probably not, but were the Orlando Magic championship contenders a year ago? We're the Lakers championship contenders when Kobe was demanding a trade? Were the Celtics championship contenders when they had the second most ping pong balls in the lottery? No, no and no.
Things change, teams change. Usually the teams widely regarded as championship contenders (2006 Suns, 2008 Cavs) never win anyway.
The Sixers chances of winning a championship rest solely on the development of the young guys, and after watching Andre Iguodala and Thad Young for the past two seasons, I'm confident they have the ability to develop into championship players.
So, what is preventing you from getting excited about this team?
I've provided you with five legitimate reasons to rejuvenate your passion for the 76ers, so go out there and do it. Whether you buy season tickets, buy merchandise, or simply cheer your ass when you attend the games, do it for the Sixers.
Because if you don't, the frightening Iguodala rumor might one day become reality.
Sincerely,
jsams
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too bad...
i’m from Los Angeles so i only get to see the Sixers when they play the Clippers. i refuse to go to any Lakers games haha. i’d go if i was in Philly.
but honestly I liked the black uniforms. i just hope they do a good job designing the new ones. the ones like the picture you have are just really boring looking to me.
by ghsu on Jul 18, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have hard time feeling bad for subsidiary of giant cable conglomerate. Their regional monopolies aside, reports of lousy Comcast customer service in all spects of its business proliferate on Philadelphia sports boards all over the web.
The sixers have been poorly run for a long time, I don’t think its the fans fault they don’t want to watch mediocrity or pay to watch mediocrity. The Billy King stench still lingers.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 9:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I read a lot remember :)
Plus I like to use words that are underused, I feel bad when words get neglected
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two Andres
You might want to check again with your source for the Blazers. The trade you mentioned was mentioned publicly a few weeks ago in several sources, but it involved Andre Miller, not Andre Iguodala. It makes a lot more sense from the Sixers’ perspective, given the players involved from Portland, that it is a sign and trade deal for Miller. Iguodala is too young and too valuable to a team to be traded for those players.
by phillyreader on Jul 18, 2009 9:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I know it sounds illogical.
But I heard what I heard man.
by jsams on Jul 18, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was the attendance like for the playoffs?
fightlockdown.com
by The Legend on Jul 18, 2009 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That deal wasn't
possible at the draft. Iguodala is a BYC player until the middle of August, I think. They could do the trade now because Portland has cap space, but not during the draft.
Send GT Green packing.
by depressedfan on Jul 18, 2009 10:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
There were a lot of things wrong with the deal, but I believed it for a couple hours, which made me wonder why the Sixers don’t sell tickets.
Hence the post.
by jsams on Jul 18, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We talkin about practice. Not a game, not a game….. We talkin about practice, man.
Honestly, its a product of our area. It is more of a football/baseball town. There aren’t really “casual” fans like there are in baseball in football. Likewise, there aren’t those that attend or watch games even if they don’t know 1 player on the team. I think if we keep progressing, the “fans” will come back. Until then, we remain the few and the proud.
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." - Wilt Chamberlain
by soman319 on Jul 18, 2009 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You also have to consider that
the Sixers are also competing with the Big Five college teams, one of which is Villanova, who are coming off a Final Four run and are primed for another run with a top 3 recruiting class.
The stigma of a departing Iverson, one of the city’s all-time most beloved athletes (whether I agree with that or not), is going to haunt the Sixers for a while.
by phillyhoosfan on Jul 18, 2009 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I still don't get it.
What do the Sixers need to hook the fans?
by jsams on Jul 18, 2009 10:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Win
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At leasnt contend for one yes – we’ve had this debate many times in many places, philadelphia is a college basketball town, but in terms of pro sports the sixers are a distant fourth, and maybe even less popular than the soul since they won a title…the thing that will get the casual basketball fan to nba games in philadelphia is WINNING…hell the phillies attendance was weak when they weren’t contenders…win a series and suddenly look at all the fans you have.
The ‘average’ sports fan will come if they believe the team has a real shot at winning, not just a one and done thing
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A few things
1) Wins – This is obvious. I think a 50 win Sixers team would do a lot better drawing numbers.
2) All-star talent – While it is inarguable this organization has been better off (on the court) since Iverson left, they’ve yet to churn out a single All-Star. Maybe that can happen this year with Iguodala, Brand, or even Young.
3) Blue Collar player – You know who my father’s favorite all-time Sixer was? It’s not Wilt, Erving, Moses, or even Barkley. It’s Luke Jackson. Sure people love Erving, Barkley, and Iverson, but people also love the grinder; guys like Reggie Evans and Bobby Jones. People I’ve talked too don’t like how the Sixers got trounced the last two years in Game 6, despite the fact they fought hard for the first 5 games. The 2000-01 Sixers is an all-time Philly favorite team, probably as popular as the 2 Sixer teams that actually won championships.
by phillyhoosfan on Jul 18, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A. Allen Iverson was an all star talent long after the 2001 season and attendance dorppped as the team won
B. I can’t say how tired I am of the ‘blue collar’ nonsense – Reggie Evans was blue collar and personally he was useless and am glad he’s gone…philadelphia is not a blue collar town – i wish people would stop trying to say they are.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh you're absolutely right
Philly is not a blue collar town. But people here cling to that mentality like grim death unfortunately.
by phillyhoosfan on Jul 18, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of my biggest pet peeves since quality players in a variety of sports are criticized for nott being ‘gritty’ enough whereas marginally talented folk are elevated beyond where they should be – yes philadelphia is a rough sports town – but a more educated ‘average’ sports fan (and less unconscious racism) would be awesome
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Having a direction would be a good start. Somewhere fairly early in this season, it became obvious that the team was in something of a limbo state — not good enough to make a meaningful playoff appearance, not bad enough for an exciting lottery pick or major shakeup. I think they have to prove that they’re not going to keep being a 40 win, 1st round exit team before people commit to plopping down a bunch of money on games. Even having a young, huge upside team that doesn’t actually win games would probably sell more ticket (think OKC Thunder).
by zfg on Jul 18, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you guys think of Felton?
5. Raymond Felton, Bobcats (RFA)
Teams interested: Bobcats, Sixers
Salary range: $5-6 million per year
by jsams on Jul 18, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s going to want a long term deal as a starter, the sixers really just need a ‘stop gap’ for a year, year and half at most…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 18, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we didn’t draft Holiday I would be interested
fightlockdown.com
by The Legend on Jul 18, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One problem is that college games in the area are often better if its a good matchup. The Sixers are also clearly behind the Flyers. There is so much energy when theres ice instead of hardcourt at the Wach. But personally, since Ive gone to college and started living in the city 3 years ago, Ive gone to more Sixers games than any other team, and Ive been to a lot of games with the same group of people, including two playoff games. Not really sure where Im going with this, but most of my friends are just fans of every team. They have favorites but they still watch every team every season.
Although the Sixers have a great young core and have entertaining moments, they are extremely frustrating almost always. The constantly string together one solid quarter followed by one pathetic quarter. They give us so much hope taking a playoff series lead before crushing our dreams once again. Theres only so many times we can take that. Once Billy Kings stench finally leaves the roster though, the now well run team should definitely start contending after the core develops more and we dont have any more black hole contracts, except possibly Brand and/or Lou Will.
by jmorcate on Jul 18, 2009 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
appearances
I’m a big sixers fan, and generally support all the teams in the area. I watch most of the sixers game on CSN, but I don’t typically get to games (young kids and a long drive to the city).
The most frustrating thing this year was watching the team really struggle to gel with Brand in the lineup.
After Brand went out, the most frustrating thing about this year was watching Willie Green and Samuel Dalembert start on their bad nights. Sure, there were nights when they entertained. But there were more when they didn’t (or it seemed that way, I don’t follow the stats closely). I would have rather watched Lou Williams and Speights start in those roles (even out of position). With Brand down I would have rather seen a losing season where all the young players got a chance to grow, not just Thaddeus and Iguodala.
Willie Green and Dalembert, in particular have frustrated me with their lack of consistency. I think Iguodala borders on being in this group as well, but he disappears in fewer games and has more spectacular high moments. And he suffers from the fact that his athleticism and smoothness make him look like he’s taking it easy when he’s not sometimes.
I think fans prefer high effort/energy, lower talent guys that are at least consistent. Reggie Evans was a fan favorite for a reason, even though he was never going to put up big scoring numbers.
by js_philly on Jul 18, 2009 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Two Andres
Yes, that’s why I suggested you check back with your Blazers’ source, not that you reswear your oath that you got it right.
It very much sounds like that process where a person one tells person two something, who tells it to a third person, who tells it to a fourth. I think it’s the story that started about Andre Miller, that may have become a story about “Andre” then it became a story about “Andre Iguodala,” told that way to your source, perhaps, but what you were told was “Andre Iguodala.” The only way to sort out misinformation of this type is to go back up the chain, not defend your ears, or memory. It’s just too coincidental that a trade that makes good sense with one player, and little sense with another, has both players named “Andre” and a prexisting story was about the other Andre, with the Blazers, with the very same players on the other side.
Give the same challenge to your source, to go back up the chain. I’m not trying to prove you wrong, but I think someone from the Blazers juggled the names. Your work is good, that’s why I read it and took the time to respond. I think someone gave you bad information, a mistelling of the original rumored deal for Miller. Of course, it could be someone in the Blazers’ organization blowing smoke, trying to make another organization look bad by circulating rumors through fan websites. The Blazers have done more complex things to protect their negotiating interests. Or maybe it was just an innocent mistake. Either way, it seems like one story morphed into the other with no reason other than they were both named “Andre.”
by phillyreader on Jul 18, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was a Season ticket holder for the first time last year. There are several reasons I think they struggle:
1. Lack of long term favorites – constant changing of coaches, players, etc..
2. Team makeup – Willie Green is a bench player, Lou is a favorite but does not start (not discussing whether he is worthy, but the fans love him).
3. Phillies have taken over the town because they won. They are selling out because they won. Win it all and all the attendance problems will be gone.
4. I think Philly fans appreciate good shooting and most of the sixers can’t shoot. I believe having Kapono this year will help w/ attendance.
But, all in all, win!
And downgraded my tickets and cut the number in 1/2. There is not alot of benifits of being a season ticket holder which is another reason they don’t sell alot when you can buy them cheaper during the year!
by DeanH on Jul 18, 2009 8:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I also had season tix
It was frustrating to see seats in my same row but centercourt sell for half what I paid as a ticket holder. Did not renew on the premise that I will buy single game tux instead, knowing that I can get better seats for less.
Also, I hate to bring race into this but I feel like there us less interest in basketball bc of the people who play pro basketball: black youth. U see it in that police message board and I think that combined with the flashy style/attitude doesn’t attrack the $ holding/spending sports fans that hockey, football and to a lesser extent baseball do.
Whether Philly is a blue coller town, thinks it is or just wants to be, we appreciate grit, effort and passion and there isn’t a whole lot of that in the NBA. And even though the sixers are one of those teams, I feel like there’s too much to overcome right now (economy, inconsistency, etc) for attendance to change much.
Unless they dont lose. It’s already been said but winning heals all.
http://poorsportsblog.blogspot.com/
by PoorSports on Jul 19, 2009 11:28 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
The racism argument doesn't hold water for me
Black youth play football too and that sure hasn’t hurt the Eagles’ attendance. There’s just as much bling, & tattoos, & flashy attitudes(if not more) in the NFL and that league is still tops in the country.
Plus, black youth play college basketball and people in Philly love that… In fact, it seemed to me that there was more excitement about Villanovas’ NCAA tourney run than there was about the Sixers’ playoff run.
by JasonB on Jul 20, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Championship
Realistically, only 3 or 4 teams had a shot to win it all this year. Thats why I stopped really caring by midseason. Whats the point of playing the games when your positive the Lakers, Cavs or Celtics are going to win it all? Next year will probably be more of the same, the year after, however, should be a great time to be an NBA fan.
by philiafan14364 on Jul 19, 2009 7:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I don`t know about other people
but even though half-way through the season last year (or perhaps before the seasons even started) I knew the sixers were not going to win it all, I kept watching for a few reasons:
1.) support
2.) to see the team develop
3.) you never truly know what could happen
Also, during the last half of the season we as fans got to see some interesting things happen:
Thad became a lot better…much, much better.
Iguodala became a more confident shooter, especially in high-pressure situations.
Miller`s defense slowed down, perhaps showing signs of age – to the point where it seemed like we can`t get to the next level with him as point guard.
The team as a whole got more playoff experience.
So basically, we got to see some things build, and the fans who continued to watch were able to envision what this team really needed to improve.
by jefu on Jul 20, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew they weren’t going to get out of the first round before the season started – and I’m pretty sure they won’t get out of the first round next year if they even make it…i’ll still support them
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Jul 20, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Many things
Firstly, I agree that the Sixers are by far the least popular of the Philly pro teams (Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers). This I feel is partly because the Sixers are the only one that doesn’t enter the season with a decent chance of winning it all. The Flyers are yearly contenders, save for that one terrible year (06-07). The Eagles are fairly regular contenders, and let’s be honest, the NFL is the biggest, most popular sport bar-none, be it Texans, Dolphins, Panthers, Pats, etc. The Phillies are becoming regular playoff favorites, and actually won a WS in the last five years. Yes, the Flyers have only made the Cup once (in 97) since 1995, and the Eagles have only been in two SBs (both since 1980), and lost both. But, the Sixers were just in the NBA finals in 2001, but even with winning game 1 of that series, I felt that any other team would have had more excitement and interest behind it (not only from their own fanbase, but from casual fans – see this year’s Magic). Are the Sixers overshadowed but the Flyers, espsecialy come playoff time. You bet. Thankfully, I am a fan of both, and juggle them perfectly.
Secondly, the NBA, unlike the NHL and NFL, have only a handful of true title contenders every year. The NFL is more balanced and plays only one game series in the playoffs. Anyone can beat anyone in one game – see the NCAA tourney or NCAA football for more proof. The NHL has teams like the Pens and Wings that are yearly contenders – see Flyers too – but even a Ducks or Canes wins a Cup now and then. I’ll skip baseball because the long season causes too many differences to get around. In the NBA, roughly five teams (See Cavs, Lakers) start the year championship-ready, with maybe three to six others (see New Orleans, Phoenix) a piece away (like a good acquistion, or a hot streak). The Sixers always start from behind the 8-ball, and never quite catch up. Even in our Orlando series or our reg-season 7 game win streak (was it 7?), when we were playing out of our brains, we still didn’t seem like a team that could take down multiple contenders on the way to a title.
To recap, the main problems are 1) too many other sports distractions – throw college sports in as one too, and 2) the NBA not being a sport where with two weeks to go, a team like the Sixers’ fans feel like every team that is contending for the playoff could win the title.
Also, as far as attendance, if I didnt live in Ohio, I’d go to 8-10 games a year (or more if $ allowed). I only get one game, when the Sixers are in Cleveland (or two) a year.
by chillicothe20 on Jul 19, 2009 5:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
terrific post Jordan
agree on everything, great collection of links and of course every old unis mention is music for my ears. Very well done.
keep up the great wok bud !!
http://sixers4guidos.wordpress.com/
by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on Jul 20, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
'wok'
LOL
http://sixers4guidos.wordpress.com/
by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on Jul 20, 2009 10:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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