Speights could begin season as fourth big man

by Tom Moore on Dec 19, 2011 5:16 PM PST

Story with Collins video interview:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/sports/sixers/speights-could-begin-season-in-collins-rotation/article_801f682f-2f57-58b5-9ba9-307e99593e2d.html

Here is a portion of the story:

Collins thinks rumblings that Speights could be traded affected the former University of Florida standout. It also partially explains why the 24-year-old isn't in game shape and must work extra hard this week to get there.

"In fairness to him, there's been so much trade speculation that he didn't think he's going to be here," Collins said. "And as I told him, ‘You're here. I need you. I like you. Let's pick it up.' And he was great."

The 6-foot-10 Speights denied that the possibility of a trade bothered him "once I got it out of my head."

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its time to part ways

I have little to no faith that speights will live up to his potential in philly. It just looks like he doesn’t care, how can you slip that far down the depth chart given the talent you’re competing with? We should trade him for something before we let him walk. Maybe he just needs a change of scenery to get better, but I’m pretty sure he won’t make a significant change here.

by Tj Singh on Dec 20, 2011 12:30 AM PST via mobile reply actions

Memphis interested in Speights.......

who might we get? One Memphis blogger said it was Xavier Henry and maybe also Greivis Vazquez (to match up salaries). Id be good with just Xavier Henry. Even if we have to throw in a second rounder.

by shova on Dec 20, 2011 7:20 AM PST reply actions

We could easily corner the market on Xaviers.

by yosoysean on Dec 20, 2011 8:43 AM PST up reply actions

X-Men.

Fitting, as no other teams with “X” right smack in the middle of their names come to mind.

'Things are more like today than they have ever been before." Gerald R. Ford

by nyunole on Dec 20, 2011 10:17 AM PST up reply actions

It’s not like the Sixers are loaded at Center and the team has a real problem with a lack of height and inside toughness. If he gets the chance, he might prove to be the best Center the Sixers have.

Collins has to work with what he has and figure out who can really play. Whatever Doug decides is fine with me. It’s up to Speights to outplay the other Centers/Forwards. I have to believe that Doug will find a way to make him play defense.

by RickoT on Dec 20, 2011 9:51 AM PST reply actions

I missed…this.

I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, there will be no trade for Monta!

by dweebowitz on Dec 20, 2011 3:09 PM PST up reply actions

Says alot about Mareese Speights...

If a guy knows other teams are interested, why slack off?? Either he’s very soft psychologically, or that’s not the true reason Speights is going downhill.

by Kjuggs on Dec 25, 2011 12:14 PM PST reply actions