Deep Sixer

When it was first disclosed that Sixers center Samuel Dalembert has a stress fracture in his left foot, the team expressed optimism that Dalembert would be ready for the beginning of training camp.
The team begins camp Oct. 2 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
Well, Dalembert will be at camp, but not ready to go full tilt, at least at the beginning.
This is not surprising. In fact it would have been a shock if he were ready. Dalembert said in a phone interview the other day that he is feeling good, but is taking a cautious approach to training camp. No longer in a cast, he is now walking around in a walking boot.
He suffered the injury while competing for the Canadian National Team during this summer’s FIBA’s Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Las Vegas.. Dalembert complained of the pain after Canada’s final game on Aug. 30.
“I am fine, but I have to ease into things,” Dalembert said.
That means don’t expect him to be going hard in early drills.
“I’m in good shape from playing this summer,” he said. “I have to use my head and not try to rush things.”
Dalembert feels he will be fine soon enough. For the Sixers sake, they better hope he’s right.
He enjoyed a solid performance for Canada, averaging 25.6 minutes, 10.6 points,9.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots.
Still, the fact that Canada had to play eight games in nine days obviously took its toll.
There are many who feel that this could be the season in which the 26-year-old Dalembert could blossom.
Sure, any injury is a setback, but the worst thing would be for it to linger. Even if it means sitting out substantial time, he shouldn’t return until he is 100 percent.
And if that means leaving him out of the layup line in Durham for an extended period, so be it.
The Sixers have a lot of interchangeable parts at most positions, but center isn’t one of them. Dalembert will be needed to have his best season if the Sixers have designs on simply being competitive.
And that is why caution is the best approach in training camp.