Liberty Ballers: All Posts by Tanner Steidel

Is More Dorell Wright the Wright Move? And Other Such Puns.

2013-04-24T15:00:11Z

It was with great sadness that Liberty Ballers' Michael Baumann had his Air Bud moment yesterday, baiting Nick Young with a pudding cup and sending him off to bigger and swaggier things. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we craved a nice chicken caesar salad and got our minds focused on the other so-called members of the 2012-2013 Sixers, today being Dorell Wright.

We found Dorell on the doorstep of our fancy blog row home back in July (while also saying goodbye to Edin Bavcic) when he was acquired in a three-team blockbuster trade from Golden State. Dorell was two seasons removed from being the NBA leader in 3-point field goals made so it goes without saying that Tanner (me) was a happy little boy when he learned of the acquisition while practicing his backhands at the Liberty High School tennis courts. Give up nothing and get back a player I've always had a minor schoolgirl crush on? Is blue pen okay?

Although the team didn't collectively perform well, Dorell posted what most would call his second-best year in of his career. Yes he fell in to the Doug house at one point early in the season, but let's be honest with each other (relationships are built on trust, guys - I know this because I'm not in one), there aren't many players who haven't.

In a contract season, Dorell gave Sixer fans his highest PER (16.0) of his NBA life. That stat being the highest of his career falls right in line with many other advanced numbers that were in his personal top three, including True Shooting Percentage (55.1%), Effective Field Goal Percentage (50.8%), Win Shares (4.9), and Offensive Rating (112). With his 112 ORtg number, Dorell was a full ten points higher than the entire Sixer team collectively. I think it's safe to say that they were much more effective offensively when he was on the floor.

But you can use all the stats you want to defend why Dorell should come back and remain a member of the roster, I'll just be over here looking at the things you can't quantify on your calculator. What might that be? I'm not talking those cliches that analysts love to use when they're struggling to find anything concrete (see: high motor, toughness, killer instinct). No, no, I'm talking the fact that he flies in his own personal barber from Los Angeles on a regular basis to guarantee that he'll come out looking as fresh as possible when he steps on the floor. In a season filled with, I'll label it as "interesting" hair (Bynum, Andrew), the Sixers need all they can to reverse that trend. The perfect answer is to keep Dorell.

It is with that reason, and that fact alone that I'm in full support of the Sixers bringing back Dorell to be a legitimate threat to hit from the outside. Last season he made around $4 million and I think if given multiple years, he'd take a similar figure. I'd be on board with a nice little 3 years and anywhere up to $15 million to have Dorell stay in Philadelphia.

Go get 'em, Dorell. Stay fresh and keep your cut clean (followed by sports guy butt-tap).

Poll

What should the Sixers do with Dorell?

Toot It

178 votes

Boot It

36 votes

214 votes | Poll has closed

Sixers Unable to Battle Rap Past Pistons, Lose 109-101

2013-04-16T03:16:28Z

It was a meaningless game for both teams as the Philadelphia 76ers traveled to Detroit to take on B-Rabbit, Papa Doc, Future, and the rest of the Detroit Pistons in front of a crowd of 41 of the most passionate fans Detroit has to offer. The Pistons, despite having quite possibly the most enviable starting front court in all of basketball, have been realistically out of playoff contention for the majority of the season. The Sixers weren't too far behind them and both teams are just playing out the schedule at this point.

As of last night we learned that this game would be Doug Collins' second to last as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and a new era would shortly be upon us. But before we can get to speculation on what direction this team will soon be headed, a Sixers/Pistons game worthy of a $40 Pay-Per-View charge had to happen.

It started just how the last Sixer game I covered (last week against the Hawks) went; not too much defense and easy looks for the opposition. At one point, Kyle Singler was so wide open that I'm assuming he purposely missed a three-point attempt thinking a timeout had been called and the Sixers were already in a huddle. Can't waste makes on shots that don't matter, kids.

Despite six first quarter turnovers, Greg Monroe and the Pistons jumped out on top after the first frame up seven on the Sixers thanks to countless easy buckets in the lane and free points from the charity stripe (writing that made me crave Fruit Stripe Gum).

Career Sixer-killer Will Bynum joined in on Monroe's fun, weaving his way into the lane, and trolling every Sixer fan with his last name. Detroit's Bynum finished the first half with ten more points and five more assist than Philadelphia's Bynum has collected through the entire season. Sixers.

Despite Bynum and Monroe's impressive first half lines, especially Monroe who had twelve points on just four shots, the Sixers took a three-point halftime lead into the locker room thanks to some inspired play from free agent to be Dorell Wright.

Mr. Wright (Now) knocked down a couple threes, got to the basket and the free throw line (nine attempts, I'll take it), and even involved his teammates (see Thaddeus Young's monster dunk) to lead a second quarter run for the Sixers that saw them outscore the Pistons in the second frame by ten points.

That second quarter proved to be tonight's anomaly as the Pistons rolled the rest of the way behind the Monroe/Bynum duo. Monroe put all Sixers front court players to shame on his way to another double-double (of which Free the Jrues IV took full advantage of this season in Fantasy Basketball, thanks so much) finishing with 27 points (on 14 shots my goodness) and 16 rebounds.

While the Sixers had six players reach double figures in scoring tonight (including our Vegas Summer League best friend, Justin Holiday), it proved to be all for naught as they couldn't get a stop on the defensive for the entire half. It was just more of the same on that front as they weren't closing out on shooters and were completely man-handled in the paint by the Pistons' frontline. Not being able to stop the opposition will normally lead to loses and tonight was no different.

One positive note on the Sixers end was that they seemed interested in getting the ball to the basket, whether by dribble drives of ball-movement and finding open cutters. While we'd expect to see less long-two's shortly enough with the arrival of a new head coach, it was refreshing to see them go for the bucket and attempt 21 free-throws in the process. Ultimately, the lack of defense and too much Greg "Moose" Monroe gave the Sixers another notch in the loss column.

Another road game, another loss.

Evan Turner had another game shooting under 40%, meaning he beat out fan-favorite Vernon Maxwell for most in franchise history for one season (45). Congrats? (Stat via Reuben Frank)
Jrue and Justin Holiday on the floor at the same time is something I'll never forget. Was hoping for a hug at some point but we can't win 'em all.
The Sixers won more games last year than they will this year. They played 16 less games last year. (Stat via Michael Levin, maybe you've heard of him)
One more game. One more game. One more game. One more game.

Pistons 109, Sixers 101: C'mmon 11th Pick Reaction Thread

2013-04-16T01:59:13Z

Well, nothing about that game was surprising to say the least. The Sixers front court got dominated from the get-go by Greg Monroe, Will Bynum continued his legacy of scoring half his team's points whenever playing against the Sixers, and Kyle Singler was as pale as you remembered him with Duke.

For the second straight game, Dorell Wright lead the Sixers in scoring with 22 points (4-10 from three-point range) while five other Sixers reached the double-digit mark, including everybody's favorite brother tandem in Jrue and Justin Holiday (14 points and 10 points, respectively).

Unfortunately for those who wanted the Sixers to win, the defense was completely nonexistent, especially on the interior as Greg Monroe put together one of the most efficient games you'll ever see (27 points on 14 shots along with 16 rebounds).

Fun fact courtesy of little Michael Levin: "Sixers lose, meaning they'll finish this season with less wins than last year, when they played 16 fewer games." Yum.

Only one game left. If you were looking for a place to post your immediate reactions, you are the luckiest person on Earth... because you've found it!

Do it, kids.

Sixers @ Pistons GameThread, Collins Cleanse

2013-04-15T23:00:08Z

First off, our thoughts go out to everyone in Boston. It's impossible to vocalize how upsetting this is. But don't feel bad about having a good time in the aftermath of this cripplingly sad event. The moral is that life is fleeting. So enjoy it with the people you love. I love you guys and hope you and your families are safe and okay. - Mike

Game 81
	vs
April 15, 2013
The Palace of Auburn Hills
7:30 PM EST
Comcast SportsNet
Probable Starters
Brandon Knight	PG	Jrue Holiday
Rodney Stuckey	SG	Damien Wilkins
Kyle Singler	SF	Evan Turner
Andre Drummond	PF	Thaddeus Young
Greg Monroe	C	Spencer Hawes
2012/13 Advanced Stats
90.7 (23)	Pace	90.9 (21)
103.7 (21)	ORtg	101.8 (26)
108.2 (24)	DRtg	105.6 (13)
Game Officials
Jeff Winger
Abed Nadir
Troy Barnes

The season is so close to being over, guys! This will be the first game sort of post-Doug Collins (he'll still be on the sidelines for the remainder of the season) but don't expect anything to be different than what you've seen before.

It's the Sixers! It's the Pistons! It's Philly and Motown coming together for an epic showdown!

Game 81
	vs
April 15, 2013
The Palace of Auburn Hills
7:30 PM EST
Comcast SportsNet
Probable Starters
Brandon Knight	PG	Jrue Holiday
Rodney Stuckey	SG	Damien Wilkins
Kyle Singler	SF	Evan Turner
Andre Drummond	PF	Thaddeus Young
Greg Monroe	C	Spencer Hawes
2012/13 Advanced Stats
90.7 (23)	Pace	90.9 (21)
103.7 (21)	ORtg	101.8 (26)
108.2 (24)	DRtg	105.6 (13)
Game Officials
Jeff Winger
Abed Nadir
Troy Barnes

It's the Sixers! It's the Pistons! It's Philly and Motown coming together for an epic showdown!

Hawks Obliterate Dying Sixers, 124-101

2013-04-11T01:20:28Z

"Hey Jonny, are you aware that Tanner is watching a Sixers/Hawks game that is of the utmost pointlessness for his favorite team?"

"Shhhhhhhhhh! I told him that we were having cake night. I convinced him that if he watched whatever I put on TV, I'd give him all the sweets he'd like. There was even talk of creme brulee."

There's aren't a ton of reasons to sit down on the couch and tune in to the Sixers for roughly 2.5 hours. Shit, I can't even come up with four. I know sadism is one of them, though. If you did somehow come up with an excuse to watch the Sixers take on the Hawks on this crazy, reminding me of "Twister" stormy evening, you more than likely need some help. Dave specializes in curing this sort of condition with stories about Niagara intramural basketball. It's no place for hand-checking.

If the first quarter didn't spell out "2012-2013 Philadelphia 76ers", then I will never know something that will. One of the Comcast Keys to the Game was future Sixers draft pick, Pride. Shortly following Malik explaining why "Pride" is key to beating the Hawks, Molly Sullivan had an aside story about Damien Wilkens and his crafty ability to be a veteran. All I could do was smile and remember the fun we've had all season with this bunch of rag-tag folk. I'm feeling an uplifting Disney movie in about 15 years. Lil Bow Wow gets back into the basketball movie biz (<3 Like Mike) to play Jrue Holiday. A man can dream.

Both the Hawks and Sixers looked relatively uninterested in playing any sort of defense in the first half. Yes both teams were shooting under 30% halfway through the first quarter but it was because a lot of outside shots were taken. Shortly after, Thaddeus Young went off, single-handedly keeping the Sixers in contention with 22 first-half awkwardly smooth points on 16 shots. As efficient and great as Thad was in the half, little Jrue was equally as bad shooting the ball, ending with 1-9 line. Josh "Max Him Out Now" Smith lead the way for the Hawks in the first half 17 points on 12 shots, abusing the Sixers frontcourt in the process.

Side note: that commercial with the hipster dude picking out which teams he wants to see live, let's address it. He chooses the Hawks. Why? Just why? With so many interesting teams in the NBA, who thought it'd be a good idea to make the Hawks his choice? That's almost as bad as selecting the Sixers.

(Just remembered I, along with some of you lads, attended a Sixers/Hawks game in December. Ugh we're so dumb and sad)

Anyway, despite what some of our memories wish to accept, the second half happened. Carrying over from the first half, Thad hit the first two buckets of the half including a horrifically beautiful banked jumper from the top of the key, followed by a wonderfully corny bank/Wells Fargo Center pun from Malik. Those two buckets from Thad were the lone 2 until the 6 minute-mark of the quarter when Jrue spun his way to the rim for two. That field goal was the first from a Sixer not named Thaddeus Young in approximately 10 minutes of game time. Sixers.

While the Sixers were sitting around picking dandelions, the Hawks cruised to an 18-6 run that put them up 20 with just 18 minutes to go. They were out and running off Sixer misses and were getting to the rim with ease (nothing different from the first half). With the defensive effort put forth by the Sixers, the Hawks were able to end the third quarter with 93 points (a 20 point lead). Over city for you gamblers.

The fourth quarter was just getting the inevitable done with. Jrue and Evan Turner weren't great, good, or decent. They were flat out bad. Thad had some excellent offensive numbers but struggled mightily defensively and didn't even go on a flirtacious date with the free throw line. He actually ducked in a doorway when he saw her coming down the hallway.

The icing on the cake was an Ivan Johnson offensive rebound over Lavoy Allen and Arnett Moultrie off a missed Kyle Korver three-pointer. Johnson ripped the ball away from both Sixers and got an easy put-back dunk, showing off how soft the Sixer frontcourt truly is.

Hey, at least Dana Barros got a mention from Marc Zumoff.

Nick Young, to my delight, was sporting a pair of green Jordan IIs. Keep on with the kick-game Swaggy. It's the only thing I enjoy about these games.
There was some tool sitting courtside wearing sunglasses. Probably said "bro" at least 78 times during the course of the game.
Damien Wilkens 4 years, 20 million watch: The most veteran of veterans was 0-7 from the field but did get to the line for 6 free throws. I think that earns him another year and a half of a million more per.
Arnett Moultrie played more than 20 minutes. He wasn't particularly good, but he was in. So that's something.
2 straight losses by 20+ points. Lucy is giving it everything she's got. She's playing with Pride.
4 games left. 4 games left. 4 games left. 4 games left.

Hawks @ Sixers GameThread, Blegh

2013-04-10T22:30:02Z

Game 78
	vs.
April 10, 2013
Wells Fargo Center
7:00 EST
Comcast SportsNet
Probable Starters
Jeff Teague	PG	Jrue Holiday
DeShawn Stevenson	SG	Evan Turner
Kyle Korver	SF	Damien Wilkins
Josh Smith	PF	Thaddeus Young
Al Horford	C	Spencer Hawes
2012/13 Advanced Stats
92.4 (12th)	Pace	90.8 (21st)
104.6 (18th)	ORtg	101.8 (26th)
104.2 (10th)	DRtg	105.8 (15th)
Game Officials
Tim Riggins
Jason Street
Vince Howard

Anybody overly excited for this game? The least interesting playoff team against the ever shoot-me-in-the-face-I-can't-watch-this-anymore Sixers. If you don't give a damn..... (It's A-toooowwwwnnnnn - they cawlin me!)

Game 78
	vs.
April 10, 2013
Wells Fargo Center
7:00 EST
Comcast SportsNet
Probable Starters
Jeff Teague	PG	Jrue Holiday
DeShawn Stevenson	SG	Evan Turner
Kyle Korver	SF	Damien Wilkins
Josh Smith	PF	Thaddeus Young
Al Horford	C	Spencer Hawes
2012/13 Advanced Stats
92.4 (12th)	Pace	90.8 (21st)
104.6 (18th)	ORtg	101.8 (26th)
104.2 (10th)	DRtg	105.8 (15th)
Game Officials
Tim Riggins
Jason Street
Vince Howard

Sixers 97, Cavs 87: The Perks of Being a Basketballflower

2013-03-30T01:52:18Z

A warning: If you are not familiar with the writing in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", you will probably find this to be the dumbest "recap" of all-time. Even if you did read the book, you'll still probably think that.

Dear friend,

I'm writing this to you because Dave's wife said you'd listen and didn't abandon tanknation even though you could have. Please don't try to figure out who this is because I'd like for this all to remain anonymous. You could probably figure out who I am but I'd rather you didn't as I don't want to be known as that person who willingly watched a pointless Sixers and Cavaliers game on a Friday night when other exciting things were going on. Two sweet sixteen games happening at the same time, an opportunity to let go at the bar, or even a chance to sleep or watch that thing the kids call Game of Thrones all night would most likely be considered better options by somebody my age.

But alas, I sat on a cushy chair and fixed my eyes on a game that didn't light the world on fire by any means. Sometimes, for whatever twisted reason, I like to subject myself to loathsome situations and inflict visual pain upon myself. I'm not sure why I do it, but a psychiatrist might say it's because it'll make me appreciate the beauty in the more enjoyable life events. I'm not one to trust his/her opinion but she's entitled to it nonetheless.

In a culture defined by a term Justin Bieber drove to overkill, SWAG, I was slightly disturbed to be greeted with a mustached creature on my television. I always associated the NBA with style and flash, not by mirroring a look of 1960s Miami coke-dealer. I guess it's Spencer Hawes' way of getting noticed, but to me it comes off as desperate and what Holden Caulfield would label as "phony" behavior. I know Sam (not Dalembert) would be put-off by that type of thing, so to me it's not worth the attention it would garner.

One guy who always put his "fresh" image before all else, and one of my favorites for that sole reason while he was in Philadelphia, was Marreese Speights. I got an opportunity to watch him during this game for the first time in a while and it was just as amazing as I'd hope. He looks a little bigger (not in a good way) than he did while on the Sixers but I'd be lying if I said it was surprising. I never saw him as a guy who placed his physical condition at the top of his priorities. There's no chance it comes before naps or caks (whatever those are).

I really do like the Sixers' blue uniforms but wearing them too much takes away from their lure in all honesty. Do you think Marc Zumoff gets thrown off now that he has to know when to say "blue shirts' or "red shirts" when they play on the road?

The first quarter of this game almost put me to sleep. I don't how anybody can muster up enough energy to be even remotely excited about watching one of these games. Predictably enough, the Sixers didn't shoot well and trailed by five points after the first period. It won't be the first time tonight, but I'm starting to regret putting myself through this.

I got up to put on, what else, my Smiths' record so I could listen to "Asleep" for the 40th time today when I noticed a player on Cleveland named Shaun Livingston. I looked him up on my computer (I finally had to stop using my typewriter - sorry Sam and Patrick) and found a pretty disgusting video of what happened to his knee. I'm glad he was able to recover and remain a professional basketball player, though. I can't really compare what a physical injury to a basketball player would be like to an aspiring writer like myself but I'll guess it'd be like suffering a brain injury or disease and be unable to string together thoughts. He looked pretty spry on the court and even had a left-hand dunk over the previously mentioned Hawes in the second quarter that made me inherently smile for him. The smile was immediately wiped from my face because, as always, my mind traveled to "what could have been" for Shaun.

The Sixers picked it up and provided some excitement towards the end of the first half when Spencer (I don't know why I have to keep mentioning him) got a lucky roll on a three-point attempt. The Sixers scored nine straight points and I felt some sort of jubilance when Evan Turner threw an alley-oop to Thaddeus Young on their final possession of the half. That play allowed them to be tied at the end of the half.

For what I counted to be the fourth time during the broadcast, the Sixers showed a commercial saying they were "Passionate. Intense. Proud". Maybe I'm taking this too literally, but this team rarely looks passionate, intense, or proud in any sense of the words. I'm sure they want the season just as much as their fans do.

Sometimes I like to read the site Liberty Ballers on SB Nation just to see what they complain about on a daily basis when it comes to this team. One theme I noticed from the website is that they like to say what they ate for dinner or what they're eating during halftime. I'll steal a page out of their blog (is that possible) and tell you that I'm eating tacos.

Disappointing those to want them to lose, the Sixers came out hitting a bunch shots in the 2nd half and Evan even hit a three from the top of the key. I'm not an expert nor do I pretend to be one (unless we're talking Rocky Horror Picture Show or making mixtapes) but he usually doesn't strike hot from there. I'm used to seeing him take those from the corner but this one was wide open. I really wish he were better and more consistent than he actually is. Tonight is one of those nights that keep me paying attention to him. He's like that girl that will ignore you for weeks on end, but then comes that one special day when she starts texting you, regenerating the hope you lost during the previous week.

At this point they were up by nine and I wasn't the least bit enthused so I guess you could put me in that camp of people who want the team to lose at this point. Normally I'd be excited about Thaddeus Young hitting eight of his first ten shots but in this instance I was "meh" about it all. One thing I do enjoy is his name. Every time I say it I feel like I'm addressing royalty or a philosopher from the BC era. "Thaddeus really has an inspiring take on metaphysics". It sounds too right not to be true.

The start of the 4th quarter had it's show of runs by Cleveland but the Sixers somehow answer back seemingly every time. All-star superhero mask wearer Luke Walton would hit a three and Turner, from that same spot in the third, gave one right back to him. It was almost like a game of Horse, only this time nobody would get a letter and the game would go on forever. I always wondered who game up with that name. Like, who came up with using a horse as the theme. Why not another five-letter animal name? If I made it up, it'd by "GUPPY" without a doubt.

Like my favorite athlete of all-time in Rod Laver, the Sixers held serve for the remainder of the game and came away with what is technically a win. Although it'd be more beneficial for the future for them to lose, I'm sure the players are happy to have won considering they win as many games on the road as I have dates in a year (as seen by me watching this game on Friday night). Luckily it was Evan, Philosophizing Thaddeus, and all-star Jrue Holiday leading the way. The best performance came from Evan but like I said before, I can't allow myself to get too excited because he'll ignore me in the hallways between classes next week anyway. The win definitely hurts a little less than if it were the turtle lookalike Damien Wilkins.

The game was relatively uneventful but it'll go down in the books as a ten point Sixer win. I'm sure you have much better things to do than read my scatterred thoughts on a pointless, late-March NBA game so I'll leave you here. Maybe I'll write to you again tomorrow when they play the Bobcats on Allen Iverson bobblehead night.

But remember, if this does end up being my last basketball themed letter, please believe that things are good with me and the Sixers, and even when they're not (which is most of the time), they will be soon enough.

And I will believe the same about you and the Ottawa Rough Riders.

Love always,

Charlie

Sixers @ Cavs GameThread, Speezy Vision

2013-03-29T23:00:06Z

Game 72
	vs.
March 29, 2013
Quicken Loans Arena
7:30 EST
Comcast SportsNet
Probable Starters
Shaun Livingston	PG	Jrue Holiday
Wayne Ellington	SG	Evan Turner
Alonzo Gee	SF	Veteran Damien Wilkins
Tristan Thompson	PF	Thaddeus Young
Tyler Zeller	C	Spencer Hawes
2012/13 Advanced Stats
92.4 (13th)	Pace	91.0 (21st)
104.8 (18th)	ORtg	101.7 (27th)
109.4 (26th)	DRtg	105.7 (15th)
Game Officials
Fred Durst
Jonathan Davis
Whitey Ford

11 games left on the schedule, guys. We're almost there. I think this trip has bonded us better than any winning season could ever do.
If you watch this game, I seriously question your sanity. There are some excellent college games that will be happening during this atrocity that the NBA will try to pass off as professional basketball. How's your bracket doing? I don't care.
Apparently Allen Iverson will be in attendance tomorrow night against the Charlotte Bobcats. It's AI bobblehead night but we all know the McDonald's versions are still the best.
For those of you who like to try to win against the spread for entertainment purposes only, Florida -12.5 is one I'd strongly consider.

This team sucks. Tonight is a huuuuuuge game for the tanking movement. Just lose it, Sixers.

Game 72
	vs.
March 29, 2013
Quicken Loans Arena
7:30 EST
Comcast SportsNet
Probable Starters
Shaun Livingston	PG	Jrue Holiday
Wayne Ellington	SG	Evan Turner
Alonzo Gee	SF	Veteran Damien Wilkins
Tristan Thompson	PF	Thaddeus Young
Tyler Zeller	C	Spencer Hawes
2012/13 Advanced Stats
92.4 (13th)	Pace	91.0 (21st)
104.8 (18th)	ORtg	101.7 (27th)
109.4 (26th)	DRtg	105.7 (15th)
Game Officials
Fred Durst
Jonathan Davis
Whitey Ford

11 games left on the schedule, guys. We're almost there. I think this trip has bonded us better than any winning season could ever do.
If you watch this game, I seriously question your sanity. There are some excellent college games that will be happening during this atrocity that the NBA will try to pass off as professional basketball. How's your bracket doing? I don't care.
Apparently Allen Iverson will be in attendance tomorrow night against the Charlotte Bobcats. It's AI bobblehead night but we all know the McDonald's versions are still the best.
For those of you who like to try to win against the spread for entertainment purposes only, Florida -12.5 is one I'd strongly consider.

This team sucks. Tonight is a huuuuuuge game for the tanking movement. Just lose it, Sixers.