Deep Sixer

1) Thad is the future. Jason Smith is alright, but off the bench, not as a starter.

2) Maybe we keep Dre Miller and use his expiring contract to full effect next year.

3) How 'bout the contract we use for this trade deadline is Iggy's, while his value is high. Portland could use a starting 3. Would Channing Fye fit in here?

I mentioned this a long time ago, and Dean reiterated: The Hawks can't keep Josh Smith since Al Horford wants to play the 4, and they already have Marvin Williams at the 3. Josh Smith could be had this off season, possibly is a three team trade using Iggy. However, Atlanta really, really like Sammy and his athleticism. It would be a huge gamble, but the Hawks would do a Sammy for Josh Smith trade. They are that desperate for a 5, and Sammy could play next to Horfors.

Could we get by for the rest of the season with Pachilia, Shav, Herb Hill, Jason Smith and Booth at the 5? Probaly not, but Josh Smith here at the 4 would be nice.

Unless the Sixers will get either Andrew Bynum,or Dwight Howard in a trade for Iggy and Dalembert,in no way.shape,or form would I trade those two.And is it me,or does Thaddeus Young look a little taller.He's advanced for his age,and will only get better.Thaddeus Young reminds me of a young Tracy McGrady.He looks so smooth,and makes it look effortlessly when he goes to the hoop.That move he made in transition for the layup was a big time veteran move made by a 19yr old kid.And I'm very impressed with Dalembert's effort over these last few games.Too bad he does'nt have any go to moves.Although we moved back to 8th in the lottery,the Sixers needed this win in the worst way.

Two comments from the last post sum up best how I feel about this win:

"I guess we're into moral victories and just playing hard again this year. Let them win their 28 games (even though they're on pace for about 31) and end this season already." - jt

"I'll give them an "A" for effort. They tried real hard. I tried real hard when I played too but you don't see me playing in the NBA! Some of these guys shouldn't be on NBA rosters." - Joe Doc

Marc, I won't settle for a team whose best characteristic is that they play hard. I want a team that not only works hard, but is more talented and is better than every other team in the league. I hope Ed can make it happen.

Speaking of Ed, it's great, great news for Sixers fans that he took it upon himself to talk to this blogger Brian from depressedfan.com (someone tried to link to it in the last blog):

http://www.depressedfan.com/basketball/sixers/exclusive-interview-with-ed-st.php

He likes the Yankees, and thus must have some issues, but he makes for a pretty decent Sixers fan. There's really nothing mind-blowing revealed in Brian's interview with Ed, but I think what Ed did was borderline historic for several reasons:

1. Ed's a "today" guy, so he knows all about blogs and the internet and how much more informed people are about sports than they were just a couple of years ago. I don't want a GM stuck in the old ways of doing things, unless he (or she) happens to be really good at it, like Pat Gillick.

2. Ed's willing to listen to fans who blog and fans who post. It was very Pat Croce-like, and look at how well that turned out. I don't think Billy King gave a crap about the bloggers and posters and was in his own little world about how to fix the Sixers. We didn't want Billy to sign Willie Green to a long-term contract, but he did it anyway, so he shouldn't have been surprised when the Wachovia Center is empty most nights.

Anyway, thanks Ed, for acknowledging that us fans KNOW OUR S**T!!!

Great win for the Sixers tonight, probably their 2nd-best of the year (behind the Portland game). Thad played great defense (including two steals and a drawn charge late in the game), and he always seems to have a nose for the ball on the offensive glass (did you know he averages more offensive rebounds than Iguodala in one-third the minutes?). It's clear the Sixers made the right choice of Thad over Thornton. Hopefully, if Cheeks continues to go small in the 4th, Thad sees the majority of those minutes at PF.

Nice to see Lou Williams contribute with his first good game in a while. He stopped taking threes and started hitting some intermediate jumpers. He still doesn't play good defense, but at least he got a couple steals in the 4th.

After a horrible 3rd quarter, Dalembert was huge down the stretch. He played great defense on Yao, fronting him and holding him without a FG made in the 4th (0-3). He converted the alley-oop dunk to put them up 3 with 35 seconds left, then blocked Scola to clinch the game with 19 seconds left. Don't look now, but he's averaging 15-14-2.5 in his last 5. Why is everyone in such a rush to trade him?

A few more points. I've been as hard as anybody on Willie Green, but he's played better lately (well, 2 games), seemingly more intent on driving to the hoop (where he has a decent in-between game). It's amazing how much better his game looks when he's not settling for jumpers (though his tying 3 was big).

Finally, I thought the two Andres played well too. Miller has been a better scorer than expected this year even while his passing has not been up to par (what's with all the long passes to Reggie Evans on the break?). Trade him if you find the right deal, but don't just give him away. Iguodala had an off-shooting game, but he played his usual solid floor game. His alley-oop to Dalembert was probably the key play of the game. I put my vote in to keep him and offer more than what was offered (though not necessarily the max.). He may be a #2 or #1B guy, but it seems to me that Pippen was making the max. in the second part of his career. You don't find many 19-6-4-2 guys around.

Is there a rule stating that the Sixers can only wear the old school jerseys rarely,if not then I wish they went back to those jerseys.When Dalembert finally gets a legitimate PF to play with,watch out.

Thats just great ! Were gonna enter the Penn Relays.. We just lost (7) games, and your talking character win. Were athletic..Thats like saying , the girl has a good personality. She's UGLY ! Let's here scouts say we have good basketball players..

Thaddeus Young will be better than Iguodala.You heard it here first,and I believe already at 19,he is a more natural scorer than Iggy is,and once he stops growing,he'll be between 6'9"-6'10".You don't make a move like that layup he made in the open court unless you have some real skills.

Miller's offense and Thad's defense in the fourth turned that game around for the 76ers. Thad is getting better each game and he's going to be something in about 3 to 4 years.

We're still about five weeks away from teams putting their best offers on the table for Miller. I'm with the other poster that says they're not satisfied with a young team just playing hard. Sooner or later, you have to talent and organization in place to win games. If trading Miller helps you to get put that in place, then move him for something good.

Iggy and Thad could be a good combination at the 3 and 2 going forward because they each have skill sets that complement one another.

Houston lost this game tonight because their midget guards kept shooting instead of getting the ball to Yao where no one on the 76ers could guard him.
I still think this team will lose its next 4 to 5 games.

I don't get a chance to watch many Sixers b/c I live in Boston but judging from the stats and what I'm reading, our best team on the floor last night was Miller, Iggy, Thad, Sam, and Lou. And I'm not surprised. Just thinking about how exciting that lineup must be to watch has got me thinking about satelitte TV. If we can keep that core together, land or find a good young 4 and use Lou and JSmith off the bench, we'll win 45+ games. That's a start at least to getting back to contention level.

Yo. The Rockets without McGrady? THEY STINK!

Let's not get excited about a win over a mediocre team just because they got down by 16 points.

Thad looks very promising, though. They have some decent pieces, but are still a long way from being a legit contender for the title.

The negativity of the Philly fans amazes me even after 58 years! We all know this team needs more talent as well as time to let the youngs develop.

But lets focus on the character of this team, of their coach Mo Cheeks. It is a tremendous testament to the respect that these players have for Mo Cheeks that they continue to play hard against all odds!

While no one is satisfied with a losing record, lets enjoy the moment...the last two games were really great games for the Sixers if you like grit, hustle, never quitting, seeing young guys develop before your eyes, and character!

Mo, I was proud of you as a player, I as proud of you as our coach! Hopefully good guys can finish first...I know they can!

this team has heart- this philly blog says the young guys on this team (young, williams) desire bodes well for the future

http://reclinergm.wordpress.com/2008/01/15/sixers-show-heart-and-promise/

Amen to the guy who said Young has the potential to be better than Dre. Im not going to say it will definitely happen, but he's taller and has the potential to fill out a lot more, he plays great D for a rookie (and even pretty good D for a vet...), but more than anything else he's got the fire in the belly. The kid just flat out plays like he wants it. And you can tell that when Mo talks, he listens.

That link with ed's interview with that blogger was real interesting - and im thrilled he sees the potential in playing dre at two with thad at 3. I've always thought dre was better suited to playing gaurd anyway.

But I do have to give a nod to the guy who said lets not get too excited about beating the rockets without McGrady. If i didnt know any better i'd say there was a conspiracy out there to deep six our draft pick...and no, this is not a "lets tank" post...im just observing that we've played an inordinated number of games against teams that were missing their stars so far. But it was an exciting game nonetheless, and im sure it couldnt hurt for guys like young and lou to play crunch time minutes on "easy mode" just to get the feel for making it happen in the NBA.

"Yo. The Rockets without McGrady? THEY STINK!"

Going into last night's game, Rockets were 7-4 without McGrady, with their only losses coming to Detroit, Boston, New Orleans and Golden State (four teams that are a collective 61 games over .500). So give the Sixers some props.

I was looking at poster Pete's site, "The Recliner GM", and he has this cool clip of Tyler Hansbrough dunking on this huge, huge beast of a guy named Kenny George. B-ball fans, you gotta see that if you haven't already! That Kenny George (or Kenny G... hee hee hee) cannot be properly described with words... he looks like another species of human altogether:

reclinergm.wordpress.com/2008/01/10/
tyler-hansbrough-goes-psycho-t-on-77-center-kenny-george/

I know the sixers came out with a win (I didn't see much of the game) but looking at the numbers, I'm pretty concerned. All the C's and PF's on the team combined for 14 rebounds, I know they're up about Yao but still that's lousy. Dre had 7 himself. And when two of your top 3 scorers are PG's there's a legit problem. It's not like we have AI playing PG anymore. I don't see how Miller's doing such a good job has a floor general developing the young guys when he's leading the team in scoring.

Honestly, maybe I'm being to hard on them, but I wouldn't mind if we gutted this team and pretty much started over. Keep the young guys (Smith and Young) no matter what. Anyone else can be had...at the right price. We give Iggy way too much credit than he deserves. He's not stepping up and acting like "the guy." He'd be a great #2 option but he wants to be paid like a #1. I'd trade him while we can still get something.

You all are right about Thad! Whoever said he looks like a young T-Mac, how about this - a young and more aggressive KG if his body catches up to his game! He might grown another inch or two. I love this kid.

How bout we give Mo some credit for the win last night too. His decision to leave Thad in the game in the fourth quarter (unlike the game against Chicago when he put Evans in for the last 4 minutes) was outstanding. He also changed the defensive up in the 4th quarter by haveing the bigs front Ming in the post making it hard for entry passes. The players got it done but it was Mo's decision making that won them that game last night. I hope Ed signs him to a 2-3 year deal. The players really play for him.

Also, there is no reason to trade Sam or Iggy. They are important to the team for the forseable future. All we need is PF (which Thad is looking like he will be the future there) and a shooting guard:

Miller
---
Iggy
---
Dalembert

You mean to tell me Ed can't fill in those blanks over the summer? C'mon, the future is bright.

I think we all agree that Young looks like the right pick at #12. I think the kid could end up a star and possibly even a headliner for the franchise going forward.

He's been that impressive as a 19 year old rookie.

We should thnk Billy King for leaving both Young and Smith as going away presents.

I have no problem with Young and Iguodala getting 35 minutes a night at the swing spots. As Thad continues to grow we might just get a freakishly athletic 4 man out of him, and wouldn't that solve a lot of problems?

Ultimately, this squad is on the right track.

I still would like for them to deal Miller and Green and Carney, but I don't think any of them have to go. If Miller stays then that's fine. He's a true pro and has the offensive mindset to be a big help to this team for even 4-5 more years. Green can give you some offense even if he's a little streaky. And Carney...we'll he's still a 2nd year player and has time.

anyone hear about the sixers signing shaggy williams. i heard he's been working on his jump shot at beech street nightly and riding his mountain bike on the rails to trails. he's making it rain on 'em.

anyone hear about the sixers signing shaggy williams. i heard he's been working on his jump shot at beech street nightly and riding his mountain bike on the rails to trails. his secret to a successful jump shot is in the fingertips. crusty cheese doritos on his fingers and chew spit. he's making it rain on 'em.

marc your an idiot..this team sucks...they play 0 defense..at all period thats why no one cares,not because they lose why should the fans care about a team that cant complete a simple defensive rotation or get out on a shooter ..they are all around terrible on both ends of the floor and usually give a sub par effort so i have no idea what games your watching to say they have a "never say die attitude" just because you have a big comeback win only proves that you sucked enough earlier in the game to dig yourself a huge hole, and this from someone who attended the blazers game plus not to mention it costs 30$ for a horrible seat the 15$ seats that offer a better view have been cut in 1/2...great buissness move comcast not to mention the filthy smelly wachovia center and its rude employees who are as terrible at their jobs as you and the 76ers are at you..stop writing this garbadge and stop telling fans a team that doesnt play D never quits ...what a waste of internet space your column is

Someone's not having a very good day....

Whatthehell -

No one is saying that this is a finished product or even a good team.

We've detailed the problems (no post presence, spotty perimeter defense, inconsistent half court offense).

The point is there are pieces (Young, Williams, Smith) that are very fresh and starting to fall nicely into place. Project those 3 out 4 years and add an Iguodala and Dalembert to that with another couple high #1's in the lineup and whatever all this cap space brings and this team may well have something.

It's a bad team, but it looks like the light at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train.

Dr. him

to clairify i never said we didnt have nice pieces for the future,sweet lou and andre iguodala are good players..anyone who thinks sammy D isnt a top 5 center in the nba doesnt know basketball or the state of the center position in the nba and i have no problems with either of our new picks...smith is young tall and athletic and thad has shown much promise..my main point was that this team currently sucks because they play 0 defense..i get a 1/2 season pack every year 21 games and if i had the time or money id be a full season ticket holder but im sick of watching our pathetic defense both interior and on the wing show 0 heart or effort as a former HS player who only got on the court because of my d and tenacity it sickens my stomach to see how bad this team plays on the defensive end....also my comments on the 15$ seat reduction and how bad the atmosphere and comcast employees are stand as written....its good to see other people see the light at the end of the tunnel i just think its a long tunnel and a dim light

"...the light at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train."

Nope...it's the Celtics coming up on Friday.

anyone hear about the sixers signing mike kutchmarick and getting rid of sam d? i think
mike k. and shaggy williams would be a good fit down low with thier stong low post skills. maybe to fill out the roster you could put donuts at da point and mick jagger and keith richards at the 2 and 3 spots!!!stones...whoooooooo!!!!!!

Chris at 11:05, you are nuts! Haven't you seen the tremendous rebounding numbers Sam has been putting up, yet you criticize him for one night only getting 7...give me a break and follow the game a bit more closely!

Stop the negativity people...this is a team playing hard more than 95% of the NBA. They are missing two more pieces...give THIS TEAM a break, and Mo to!

Thanks John Penrose for adding some healthy (and sane) perspective.

And to Trackboy1 who suggests trading Dalembert for Smith ... please, get back on your medication.
Fixing one hole in the lineup by creating another is absurd.

Agreed on the theory CarpGuy re: making one hole to fix another; however, as I've said before, you can't have a 4-5 frontcourt of Smith - Dalembert. There's no low post presence there.

This is a difficult decision that Stefanski will have to make. On the positive side, Dalembert has clearly improved every year he's been with the team. There's no disputing that. He's developed a nice jumper, is starting to mentally understand when and when not to be aggressive, and has become a monster on the boards. That said, Sam will never have a back to the basket game; he's just not that kind of C. Also, Sam will never have more trade value than he currently possesses - do you trade a Sam Dalembert for a Pau Gasol?

Whether Sam is here or not here next year will determine which free agent the Sixers go after (Elton Brand or Josh Smith). Would you rather see a 4-5 tandem of Smith / Gasol or Brand / Dalembert. The first choice gets you younger, but the 2nd choice makes you a legitimate contender RIGHT NOW, assuming you can get a big time SG in the draft. Again, all of these things (FA signing and high draft choice) are predicated on the trading of Andre Miller.

To be clear (forgot to end with this), I prefer the keeping of Dalembert and the signing of Brand out of a bad situation in LA.

how about how dominating sam was tonight? he took over the game, and i loved every second of it. he had an intense swagger and actually looked like he knew what he was doing on the floor.

anyone else notice how solid his mid-range game is looking? looks like if the sixers gave him the ball more, he could easily get 15 points a night.

The Sixers are at their best when Lou has a good game. He brought them back against the Trailblazers. It's been about 7 games since he's done anything. Coincidence? I hope Thaddeus continues to get 25-30 minutes. Carney still looks shook(scared)when he gets on the court. The missed layup when he was right under the basket was pathetic.

The problem with signing Brand is that he is coming major injury (a ruptured achillies is probably the worst injury for a basketball player). I would guess he signs for a one year mid-level exception to prove he can still play, then try for the money. Unless Billy King is hired, no GM is going to give this guy a max contract next year. But Brand isn't dumb, he wants money in what could be his last payday. He will either push for more money and less years (Ben Wallace) or a max contract, which given his injury, could cripple a team at the end (see Chris Webber). If Brand could push the Sixers over the top - NBA Finals, not just the 6th seed in the East, I could take the short-term risk (even with him I still think they won't be dominate). If the Sixers sign him long-term, you risk putting yourself in salary cap hell, which we are seemingly now just getting out of.

Here's the deal with Brand though. He has one year left, at his option, for $15-16M with the Clips. If you're him, do you take the $$ and prove that you're worth a max contract the following season, or do you take a shorter term deal for say 4 yrs, $60M?

If it's me, I lock up the $60M. If I'm the Sixers and he's cleared by the docs 100%, I take that risk...Dominique Wilkins came back from a blown achilles. Obviously, every situation is different, but it clearly can be overcome in certain situations.

We would be fools to offer Brand a max contract as Anonymous said. And is the situation that bad in L.A. that he will forgo his last year and give up 16 mil? I don't care how bad it is, that's a lot of money to turn down. He won't get that anywhere. I really don't see any back to the basket PF's out there that we can scoop up. A trade is the only way that will happen. I'm hoping that they can draft for that spot and go out and get an accomplished SG in free agency, maybe a Ben Gordon or Gilbert Arenas (I know you guys don't like him, but he can shoot). Gordan is short but can shoot and plays D. Maybe we can get Okafor for cheep. Ed's going to need to be creative to get those two spots filled. It would be great if he can pull off a Danny Ainge this summer.

WHERE's the CREDIT?

Billy King found Thad even though I still think he is a bench player on a decent team.

BILLY deserves CREDIT in this blog...

king crappy as he was drafted thad,williams,iggy,sammy,allen,j smith,larry hughes,tim thomas,salmons not exactly hall of fame guys but solid players also stole willie green,eric snow,kyle korver not to mention the chris webber trade (@ the time looked pretty good anyway ...hindsight is always 20/20)so his firing was a joke just like the defense this terrible team plays night in and out