Deep Sixer

"It appears as if the Sixers will have to be knocked over by an offer to trade Miller by the trade deadline. He actually may be more valuable to trade after the season, with one year and an expiring contract left. Plus, it still may be too early to hand the point guard keys over to Lou Williams. We think Miller could very well survive the trade deadline, but whether he’s here by this time next year remains highly questionable."

Dean, the above is why Marc is a professional writer, and I just comment here.

I have no problem if Miller is moved after the season, as long as it allows the Sixers to still be players in the Brand / Josh Smith sweepstakes. I have a major problem if he's here past the free agent signing period.

Also, it's my opinion that Lou Williams is not the PG of the future; he's definitely a combo guard. As I've said many times before, I think the Sixers should go the route of a distributor / defender for the PG position. A player like that can also develop a jump shot over time - it's been done countless times previously.

Trading Korver allowed us to be a player for Josh Smith or Brand, while still having the Miller card in our back pocket for use as needed.

Although its apparent that he would never end up here due to his salary and lack of defense the difference between Michael Redd and Willie Green in shotting percentage would be absolutely mind blowing.

Just another thing, we all know that Thaddeus Young needs to learn to control his dribbling a little better, and that is what is probably eating away at his chances of being a starter I would still like to see him Start at the 3 and move Iguodala to the 2. It would not only make our starting lineup much more athletic but having Carney and Green coming off the bench would give us more versatility I think. Now the only problem is doing anything with the Power Forward position. I am also still going to remain adament about the Sixers keeping with the uptempo run and gun style of offense because things get real scrappy with them when they get stuck in the half court.

Hey Marc, they have a defensive genius in the organization in L.Brown. Does he get involved on the court at all,or would Mo use him as a resource to fix the perimeter defense issue.

Wow, my Michael Redd idea is getting skewered...

The reality of the NBA today is, top-flight (and available) shooting guards just don't play defense. This is one reason Iggy is so valuable, because of his defense, high basketball IQ and decent offense. Can anyone else here name attainable, high-scoring shooting guards who can D it up? They key word there is "attainable." If Iggy ever became an "instant offense" type of scorer, I wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly got lazier on defense. And isn't a player's defense mainly a function of how well the coach teaches defense?

Also, with the NBA's cap, you gotta pick and choose which positions and players you want to build around. I understand the need for a great low-post guy, but none of the previously mentioned people are that great, save Stoudemire. So, assuming you want to max out only 3 players, and Iggy is one of them, with the other one potentially being Thad Young or this year's draft pick, who fills that last max player slot, Brand or Redd? I'd take Redd. This is today's NBA. That future line up of Iggy, LouWill, Thad, Jason, and this year's pick isn't a possible scenario because of how expensive everyone's gonna be, assuming all those players reaching their potential. A more realistic lineup would be something like:

PG - serviceable guy/this year's pick
SG - Iggy
SF - Thad
PF - serviceable guy/this year's pick
C - grizzled veteran (and hockey fan) Sammy D

As an example of how not to give out money, look at the Cavs - they gave their money to all the wrong players except King James. I don't want that to happen to the Sixers.

If Cheeks made his team's defense his top priority and aimed to improve it to a consistent, winning level, he'd try something novel - like start his very best defensive UNIT from his 15-man roster options and have the rest earn their minutes through effort and attention to detail on the WORK, non-headline end of the court. And he'd hire a Dick Harter sort to help him instruct and reinforce the idea of stopping people from scoring, first and foremost. It might turn into a train wreck on the offensive end (until a foundation is in place) but it would an interesting experiment, and, who knows, competitive hearts might even beat. It's galling to watch a half-hearted defensive team like the Sixers slough through their schedule.

Andre Miller should be traded asap for the best deal that we can get. I really do not see what he adds to the mix. I do not believe that he makes other players better. In fact, I cannot think of a single player on the sixers that is made better by his presence. He is crafty enough to get create some decent shots for himself, but other than the occasional lob and back door cut he is not creating anything for anyone else. Far too often it seems like he is looking for his shot rather than trying to create something for someone else. he shoots a good percentage but has not helped the team to develop the offense. What will benefit the sixers is taking a long look at lou will and to see if he can be the point of the future. he is either going to start here or seek an opportunity to start somewhere else.

Marc may be right about Miller: He may be worth even more at next year's trade deadline, since his contact expires summer '09. Maybe one more year with him at the point, still grooming Sweet Lou.
If the Sixers are going to sign a free agent 4, I pray it's for a short contract. I would rather overpay a vet to take a two year deal with a third year team option, than to sign someone for five or six years, which Billy King loved to do. Chris Wilcox, who isn't a star but is much better than what the 6ers have, took a three year $24 mil deal.
If Stefanski plays this right, he can have some cap flexibility this summer AND next summer. Too many teams get desperate and will eventually make a mistake, overpaying for someone like Miller...just not sure if it will be this year or next.
Any word on Herb Hill's recovery? Just give the guy a chance instead of allowing Calvin Booth to be on the game roster.

If you look at the standings, you will see a bunch of teams with compatible records. In the East there's Boston and Detroit, then a bunch of teams all within a handful of games of each other. In the West, all 3 divisions had 3 teams that were within a couple games of their division lead. The moves made this year could have a real impact in setting a team apart from the pack. With that in mind and the fact the Sixers are going no where, I dreamt up this plan:

Trade Dalembert and Lou Will to Toronto for Jose Calderon and Rasho Nesterovic and their first round pick. I know this sounds crazy but here me out. Rasho's contract is up at the end of the year, clearing almost $8 million more from the cap. Calderon averages 12 pts and over 8 rebounds a game. He's only 26 and could be the starting PG for the forseeable future. Toronto needs a C because Bargnani is not what they thought. Bosh would be that much better with a true defensive C behind him. TJ Ford is coming back, so Calderon might be expendible. Besides, they'll have Lou Will to back him up.

Then trade Miller for a starting young PF or C. Rumors have Miller a popular PG among many teams. Some rumors have Atlanta looking for a PG and willing to part with Josh Smith (I wouldn't) since they have Horford. So trade Miller, Carney, and Booth(cap/roster reasons) to Atlanta for Josh Smith, Tyronn Lue, and Lorenzen Wright. Lue and Wright have expiring contracts, clearing approx. another $7 million from the cap.

These 2 moves would give the Sixers this line-up:

PG- Calderon
SG- Iggy
SF- Young
PF- Josh Smith
C - ?

With almost $30 million in cap space this off season. They could go and get the best C available. They could get the top 2 players available with $30 million in cap room. Plus the draft picks that they make. They would have Evans, Green, and Ja. Smith coming off the bench. Sounds like a formidable team to me.

I know trading Dalembert and Lou Will is not that popular but they have to give something to get something. And as I said, it was just something I dreamt up.

Sweet Dreams!

Stefanski should give a phone call to Indy about Diogu as well as to Seattle for Nick Collison or Chris Wilcox. All 3 are upgrades over Reggie Evans.

I do think that if Stefanski is offered a good deal for Andre Miller, he should move him. If not, then try to move in a package at the draft. Regardless, I don't think $10M to $12M is enough to get an all-star caliber 4. Antwan Jamison isn't looking too bad if all else fails, but I don't know if he'd want to come to some place who is rebuilding.

In this second half, I'd like to see more minutes for the young guys, a different starting lineup with Jason Smith and Thad at the 4 and 3 spots, respectively, and for Herbert Hill to finally get on the floor and get some burn. I've given up on Shav doing anything this year.

Big Ed, it's your move.

Joe Doc -

Interesting trade (the first one). I can see the talent and contract tradeoffs working out in the Dalembert for Nesterovic swap. I think Sammy's been our MVP this year, but to get out from under his contract would be fantastic. If I'm Toronto, getting Sammy is very appealing. Who would they be able to get with Rasho's expiring contract anyway, AND WOULD PLAY IN CANADA?

LouWill for Jose? Lou would be perfect for that team, he'd take the Raptors to another level. Jose wouldn't do that for us, he's not that quick, and he doesn't have anyone to pass to here (Philly). Then you'd have to pay him - what do you think he'd ask for? $8M a year, if we're lucky? Even if you add in that 1st round pick, that trade still skews too much to the Raptors unless you get a Sean Williams-type steal with their pick.

I'd alter the trade like this: keep the Dalembert/Nesterovic swap, and, since Bargnani is struggling for them, let's get him for Carney and Willie Green instead. In Bargnani, we get a multidimensional forward who can free up things for LouWill with his jumpshooting, just like Korver did. Carney and Willie would be great for Toronto, especially Willie, who'd thrive doing the drive and kick thing with their shooters.

But if Colangelo doesn't want to do that and pushes for LouWill... That'd be a fun trade, eh? Who'd come out on top in that deal?

Trackboy1 -

BTW, I think you were the first person here to say that Thad would be a good player - thank goodness you were right about that. And this is probably just an excited fan's rantings, but I think he's gonna be even better than Danny Granger, Grant Hill, Antawn Jamison, or anyone else he's been compared to. I love the way his body is built. You see that picture in the John Smallwood piece? That guy is built to play basketball. Similarly, I think Jason Smith's short arms are one of the reasons he's such a good ballhandler, and I'm glad to hear that he's taking advantage of that more and more.

Anyway, a question for you, or anyone - why do the Hawks let Josh Smith go, instead of Marvin Williams? Williams is clearly the worse player, so why not keep Smith and trade Williams?

Two questions: Would trading Miller for expiring contracts give the Sixers needed cap room for this coming Summer or do they have enough after trading Korver, based on the available free agents?
How does the cap affect capped out teams versus teams under the cap? Ed Stefanski made reference to this but did not explain it.

I would like to see Jason Smith at the 4 spot... but if I had my way... the starting 5 would be... Miller at point, Iggy at shooting guard... T. Young at the 3, J. Smith at the 4 and Sammy D at the 5 spot... I think that gives us better defense and a little more on the offensive end... plus I’m not sold on Willie Green… sometimes he looks great, but then the other times he still looks likes he’s indecisive. I would prefer to see him come off the bench. And on a side note... is anyone else out there as bored as I am with John Salmon and the color analyst... I want Steve Mix back!!!

once again, NO ONE will do any kind of trade with us that involves both Carney and green. Please stop dreaming.

Elton Brand who is injured right now will be a free agent at the end of the season. Would the sixers be interested in him or will they look for a younger player to put at the 4 spot to continue the growth of this team. Will Andre Miller be traded and are there any other tradeable players on the team that will help them get the type of player that they need?

Sam is worth alot more than an expiring contract. He is never going to be as consistent as we all wish, but he is at the top of the second tier centers...most teams would love to have him...keep him...centers are the hardest to find!

If you can get an upgrade on A. Miller at PG, great, but PG is the second hardest position to fill. Andre is like Sammy, a second tier PG.

If we are going to build around second tier players, we clearly need to find at least 1 top tier player, and it can come at any position.

Then we hope that Iduodala or Young develops into a top tier player.

Lou Will...I siad it here before, yes he is young and quick, but he will never be more than a second or third tier pro. Not a PG, too small to be consistent as a starting SG. If somebody wants to overpay for him, I'd sell high!

Like Jason Smith getting more minutes before we overspend for a 4 in free agency. If he develops, we may be able to build a top tier team with him and Sam and use our dry powder for two top tier players to go along with Iguodala.

Question to all: Why wouldn't the Hawks match an offer for Josh Smith? Are they in salary cap hell?

If Stefanski believes - as many of us do - that Thad is our SF of the future, then the question that must be asked before the summer is: can Andre Iguodala be the SG of the future for the Sixers?

I'm not so sure.

On a team that has a center whose value is primarily rebounding and blocking shots (our own little Marcus Camby, Samuel Dalembert), and a SF whose primary value may lie in athleticism and defense (Thad), I would think that the SG on that team should be a traditional ASSASSIN in the Michael Redd/Ray Allen/Rip Hamilton/Kobe Bryant mode...much like a power-hitting 1B/3B/LF in baseball, that SG must be able to provide reliable HALF-COURT offense...hitting jumpers off screens...using a plus-handle to take the ball to the rim...having a perimeter offense that an opposing team MUST respect. This is ESPECIALLY the case when your SF (Thad) is somewhat lacking in the above skill set (perimeter jumper. plus-handle, etc...).

I have SERIOUS reservations about whether Iggy can develop these skills, and I am VERY wary about giving a guy who could wind up being a glorified Bruce Bowen/Raja Bell-type SG something like $50-55 million this summer (I may be stretching the point with this comparison, but hopefully you get the point). Unless you can secure a "beast" scoring PF in FA (somebody like TD, KG or Amare - who collapses defenses and lets Iggy get that passable stand-still jumper off), I think that you must consider another option - getting more of a defense-first Dale Davis-type PF (a bigger, longer Evans), doing a sign-and-trade for Iggy this offseason, and upgrading the SG position to more of a traditional fill-it-up scorer (the S&T could bring back either the SG or the PF).

Maurice, yes, the Sixers would be interested in Brand, but he has a player option for $16M and will likely stay in LA.

Iguodala will be fine at SG. Stop worrying. Worry about who will be the PG when Miller does leave. Can Williams develop into a quality starting PG?
How will the Sixers find a big-man to compliment Sammy. Is Jason Smith the guy? Is Hill good enough to earn some minutes on this team?
I don't see the Sixers answer at power forward amoung the free-agents next year. I'd rather wait to trade Miller in the off-season when we'll know who is available. Maybe we can trade him for a power forward and sign a PG with our cap space. If Ed makes a good decision in the draft, then there is no reason this team can't make the play-offs next year and grow into a championship contender as our young guys mature.

I agree with DESIXERSFAN. Bob Salmi is an annoying listen, and a communications downgrade from the more relaxed and informal, Steve Mix. He overanalyzes and pontificates about a fairly simple game, and speaks in overly-dramatic, hushed tones as if he were broadcasting from the 18th at Augusta. If the players and coaches were thinking about all that he references, they'd be tripping over one another and their own shoelaces. The "big fella" seems to be a nice guy; needs to lighten up a little. Even Dr. James Naismith agrees.

His partner, Marc Zumoff, is now saying that Iguodala has "double vision"--yeah, when he shoots from distance. Linguistic tip: Marc, that's NOT a compliment; it's an affliction.

Ahh, for the glory days of Les Keiter's "in again, out again, Finnegan" and "ring-tailed howitzer." And Dave Zinkoff's "Dipper dunk" and "thrdee-for-two" and "tewwww minutes left in the quaw-tah."

Hey Marc, thanks for addressing our issues again. I wouldn't mind picking up a Diogu - if the terms are reasonable - but i think you have to at least try Smith starting first. You mention that Diogu had 6 and 4 in 9 min agaist us...well smith didn't do too badly either with 8pts, 3 boards, an assist and 2 steals in 12 min...Kind of a wash if you ask me. Smith gets trashed here a lot, but i think he's got the potential to at least be effective. He's not a power guy, but he does have good quickness inside when he chooses to use it, plus is able to come up with the odd blocks and steals. Maybe not the long term answer, but neither is Diogu. I'd love to see a big name come in at this slot, but im just trying to deal with the reality that i dont think that guy is available. Maybe we could snag Josh Smith, but im not holding my breath for him.

I'd love to see them pick up better a defensive player(s) also. Honestly, I think every pick but the first one(and perhaps even that one) should be spent on guys who play defense, or guys who can shoot. We have many needs on this team...

I like Redd, but not for 14.5 mil...that doesn't leave us enough room to fill our other needs.

I dont think Miller or Lou are the long term answers at point. I do agree that there's no real urgency to get miller out of here though. Have patience, wait for the right offer. I wouldn't mind seeing young Dre playing a little more point...i know its been tried before, but he always seems more comfortable passing anyway and is a bit older and hopefully wiser now. Playing him at point and Thaddeus at 3 MIGHT give you decent enough D that Lou could put in more work at 2. We're having a loosing season, so why not give it a shot. Ultimately i'd love it if they could get Calderon for a reasonable contract in free agencey. He'd address a hole in perimeter shooting plus he beats out miller in basically every category expect points and steals.

enough of this pleading already. sixers should just go ahead and sign shag williams. he has relentlessly proven himself over the past few weeks. over the weekend, he put down the pizza, doritos, and snickers and started working on his footwork. he solicited the support of bman and donuts to help his footwork on defense and playing ball-you-man. he's ready to go if they sign him this afternoon. if not, rasheed will automatically have at least a double double. sammy d doesn't match shag's intensity!

To piggy back off the last comment about shaggy. I have never seen an althlete with the intensity of one Shag Williams, this guy never takes a play off (unless it's for pizza & root beer at B&R). He has never seen a shot he didn't like and will make it rain all night long. Not sure why he hasn't gotten the call to take over the 4 spot for Reggie Evans but I continue to root for the guy. If you are out there shag- keep your head up and keep working on the game, we know you can make it. Also, keep supporting B&R- we know who our best customer is!

Hey, does anyone know anything about the two Korver brothers in college? Kyle Korver has two brothers in the NCAA who I saw on TV last night. They look more athletic their older brother and both can shoot the trey. How funny would it be if we drafted one of them this year if they are entering the draft this year. I might be like we never traded Kover.

Frank:

I'm not worrying. I simply do not think that Iguodala has the tools to be a traditional scoring SG - particularly at $55 million. What about Iggy's game gives you this confidence that he "will be fine at SG"? Other than a stand-still jumper now and then, what have you seen in his toolbox IN THE HALFCOURT SET that convinces you that he can score the ball? He shows little ability to come off of screens and hit jumpers. He simply cannot break down defenders off the dribble from the perimeter (whenever he pounds the dribble and drives the lane - again, in the halfcourt set - I hold my breath). Whenever he is pounding the dribble on the wing, ball movement vanishes (which happened with Iverson as well, but at least THAT AI could create his own shot, unlike Iguodala).

Why are you so convinced that Iguodala is a $10m+/year SG, huh?

Don't get me wrong - he is a fine player...and if it wasn't for the fact that we have a SF in Thad that does many of the same things, I would be fine with resigning him. However I cringe at the thought of playoff games in May against really good halfcourt defensive teams...having both Iggy and Thad out there...wondering who is going to score the ball?

If we had a serious traditional low-post scoring threat at PF, that would be a different story...but those are even harder to find than assassins at the SG spot. All that I am saying is that - if we CAN'T find that low-post scorer that Stefanski wants, we may have to consider the possibility of a S&T of Iggy - either to get that low-post guy or to get a more traditional scorer at the SG position...because I just don't see Iguodala turning into Michael Redd or Rip Hamilton anytime soon.

IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT THE SIXERS BASKETBALL
Schedule IS TOO HARD. THEY PLAYED NOTHING BUT PLAYOFF TEAMS THE HOLE YEAR, ON THE ROAD AND OFF. IT IS A WONDER HOW THE SIXERS WON THIS MANY GAMES! HOPEFULLY THE SCHEDULE WON'T BE AS HARD NEXT YEAR. IF THE SCHEDULE IS WORST. THE SIXERS MANGEMENT SHOULD COMPLAIN TO THE NBA LEAGUE OFFICALS.

"Lou Will...I siad it here before, yes he is young and quick, but he will never be more than a second or third tier pro. Not a PG, too small to be consistent as a starting SG. If somebody wants to overpay for him, I'd sell high!"

Absolutely agreed. We traded Korver because he's a one-dimensional, luxury-type player who doesn't work out as a starter. The thinking is that, on a team with so many problems, you can't afford to keep a non-starter if he's highly coveted by other GMs.

The same thinking applies to LouWill. He'll never work out as a starter for the Sixers... never. He's an undersized shooting guard who's best utilized coming off the bench. As such, if some GM calls Ed and offers something nice for him (e.g. a first round draft pick, an expiring contract), Ed has to take the offer. It wouldn't make any sense not to.

Kevin,
The Sixers play everyone in the league every year as do the the rest of the teams in the league. There is nothing to complain about! We just are not a very good team right now.

I actually think we're fine at PG with Miller and with LWill coming off the bench as a 25 mpg combo guard. Miller had missed a grand total of 4 games in his CAREER...he is an extremely durable PG who does not rely on blinding speed to be effective...there is no reason why he can't continue to be an effective PG in this league for at least another 3-4 years (this is what I would think Stefanski is thinking...he saw JKidd still being a top-flight PG in his mid 30's, and he's had microfracture surgery).

To me - as I have said in other posts - the real questions are at PF and SG...if Miller, Thad and Sammy are 3/5th of the starting lineup, who are the other two starters? Between the draft, FA/trades, and the decision on Iguodala (resign and keep? Sign-and-trade?), we will figure that out soon enough.

Have a fun summer, Eddie - and good luck.

Iguodala is plenty fine as a 2 guard if you have other weapons. The book is open as far as Lou's ability to be a point guard in the league . I don't necessarily see why he couldn't (good assist-turnover ratio), although they are certainly not using him (forcing him?) to be one at the moment.

I wonder if the coaching staff doesn't teach, or if the players just don't listen. How many times do we have to see Evans make offensive moves before he is made to stop? How many times does Green become a black hole when he gets the ball? I know Stefanski has told them to teach.

Great site! It's tough finding people interested in talking about the six. I live out west in So Cal...regarding Brand's availability next year, it does not appear that the Clip is gonna let him go. The owner is on record saying that he is the franchise player and whatever they end up giving him - he'll deserve. So the sixers will hopefully set their efforts to prying J. Smith out of Atlanta. Anything is possible with that ownership down there. And I would look hard at M. Williams as well.

Iggy at point? Holy Magic Johnson! So, why not have some fun playing around with all the pieces of this collection of raw athletic types. It's not like you'd be destroying some carefully crafted defensive scheme. Play a little zone to take off the pressure and experiment like hell with all sorts of lineups, just as long as you give Thad and Jason enough time to hone their skills. (Hey, it's a game. It's supposed to be fun.)

Who is Kevin and what kind of post is that? That may be the dumbest thing i ever read!!

To pick up on the comments about shag williams, the thing that people forget is that the intensity he brings is from all vitimins in the ketchup used on all the grilled cheese sandwiches that were ate at Ernie's steakhouse. But on the other hand, if you really wanted to get someone to play good offense the sixers should pick up johnny dubraski b/c the smell can keep the defense away for open shots.

Lots of ideas about what to do to make the Sixers better. The problem is does Ed know the right moves to make. I'm not so sure after seeing him give away Korver. Looking at Chicago, Paxon pulled off a similar bonehead trade when he gave away Chandler. We all know how that worked out. Chandler is a big part of the Hornets success and the Bulls have tanked. Not unlike Utah suddenly getting back to winning and the Sxers going in the opposite direction. By no means is this due to Korver alone but he sure has helped.

If Ed's goal in trading Korver was to get cap space why didn't he trade Miller to Miami? While I'n not an insider, Miami looks like a perfect destination. They have come out and stated they are positioning themselves for free agents. However with Shaq around and going nowhere soon, they can not be a player in the free agent market until 2010.

So why not pick up Miller with two years on his contract and send Williams to the Sixers with only one year on his contract. While by no means the answer at the point, Miller is an upgrade over Williams and he doesn't lock the Heat into a long term contract. Miami gets instant help and the Sixers get cap space this year. Looks like a win win to me.

If Ed could pull off that move he would really impress me. Surely the Sixers would suffer to some degree without Miller but who cares. Williams and Green get minutes at the point, The Sixers are actaully doing what they should, playing the kids and Ed can evaluate the kids. Reads like a plan to me.

Ed cannot correct his Korver mistake but he can go a long way towards righting the ship by trading Miller.

People keep saying that Iggy is "plenty fine" as a 2 guard...as long as you have other weapons. And, who - exactly - are those weapons? And if we don't have those weapons, how do we get them?

As an athletic, defense-first SG, Iggy is great - and he would fit on a team with other weapons. However - we have a SF (Thad) who doesn't exactly look like the second coming of Carmelo Anthony or Paul Pierce...he actually looks like...well...Iggy. We have a center who is more Marcus Camby than Tim Duncan - so no big help on offense there, either. Finding low-post-scoring PF's (Boozer, KG, Duncan) is even harder than finding fill-it-up scoring SG's...

So, how are the Sixers going to find the other "weapons" to allow Iggy to be "plenty fine" at the 2? Huh?

All that I am saying is that - given this team's current construction (with Thad at the 3 and Sammy at the 5) - I'm not getting a big chubby about giving Iggy $57 million to be our 38 mpg starting SG for the next 5 years...and if you have an opportunity to get either that low-post-scoring PF or a TRUE scoring SG (Redd/Ellis/Martin/Kobe/etc), you have to consider it...

Imagine late May...Sixers in a 2nd round playoff series with the Pistons/Celtics/any good defensive halfcourt team...series tied 2-2...less than 2 minutes to go in a tied game...Sixers with the ball in the halfcourt set...Iggy as the SG and Thad as the SF...

Who the f*ck is going to score the ball from the perimeter?

That's when games are won and lost - in the guts of the game, when you have an ASSASSIN to score the ball. We don't have one...and I don't see $57 million reasons to think that Iggy can be that guy - on this team - at SG.

Defense is an issue. On P/R's I see them switch/show/go under...I know they adjust to personel but they never seem to be on the same page. Theor rotations are not defined either. Also, on the baseline screens they chase the player around the screen ... then they'll shoot the gap. Thats fine but the big and the guard chasing have to be on the same page. OBVIOUSLY the TEAM IS NOT on the same page...so as a coach you should simplify it and make it uniform. Or try a zone. When what you are doing is not working, try something different. THat is why he is a poor coach. As a native Philadelphian and a coach who now lives inthe south - watching Sixers games is like watching an intramural game at the gym here on campus.

Also, if you start Smith and Carney you have a SOFT SOFT team.

Any idea who this shaggy williams is?

I think you're quoting me as far as Iguodala being a fine 2 guard, bebop.

I think you've forgotten about the cap space we have coming to us that will fill those "other weapon" holes we currently have.

Obviously AI is not a number one scoring threat, but with additional players in the future, he can fill the 2 guard role just fine in my opinion.

That said, I am glad Billy K. did not sign a deal with AI, thus allowing Stefanski the freedom to sign or trade him as needed.

Morty:

If Iggy is the 2, Thad is the 3 and Sammy is the 5, then that only leaves two other positions to fill - PF and PG. If you believe Stefanski, then Miller is here for a while (a call that I agree with, BTW...no reason not to believe that Miller can still be an effective PG for the next 3-4 years...or at least through next season, when we can choose to let his contract expire). So - the only place left to find that "weapon" is at PF...and Stefanski is on record as saying that the Sixers biggest need is a low-post-scoring threat at PF.

Good luck finding one in FA.

Sounds like Brand is not going to opt-out. Josh Smith is DEFINITELY not a low-post player. Bottom line - there are virtually ZERO low-post-offense-type FA's (either RFA or URFA) that will be available this summer...so the most likely way to get one is through a trade - unless you are open to the option of adding that "weapon" at SG...

Question: would you be willing to eat some additional contract to do a S&T with Iggy to get somebody like Redd, Amare, Arenas, Brand, etc.?

I would.

I like Bob Salmi as an anouncer. With Mix, It always felt like he was explaining the game to 10 year olds. Same game analysis every time. It got real old to me. He never criticized AI because he didn't want to lose his job. At least Bob S is willing to be critical of all players during the game when they screw up.
I did like it better when the games were broadcast with different announcers on different channels. Too much repetition when the same announcers are doing every game.

bebop:

Well, I don't believe Stefanski will re sign Miller after his contract is up next year, in fact I very much doubt Miller will remain on the team until then.

Igoudala is not a traditional shooting guard, but in today's NBA there are so few true any position players. We all know that talented low-post play is very rare.

So that said, why wouldn't a backcourt of a big pass first 2 guard (AI) and a small shoot first point guard (Lou) balance out? Especially when added to a bunch of rebounding and blocking fools in Thad, Sammy and Josh Smith .

That team does not have a go to scorer necessarily, but any given night any one of those players could have a big game, and the defense would be a constant.

Add in Evans, Green and Smith off the bench and you've got the start, just the start, of something that could be tweaked into a contender.

Morty:

I'm not convinced yet that Lou can be more than a 25 mpg combo guard off the bench...but he has the rest of the season to prove that I am wrong!

And I do think that - in order to be a team that can go deep into the playoffs - a scoring-by-committee approach probably won't work. Playoff games are about matchups, defense, and imposing your will on another team...and in the guts of a playoff game, you need at least 1 or 2 guys who can score the ball. Even the Pistons (about as close to a scoring-by-committee Champion as we have seen in recent years) had guys like Billups and Hamilton who could win their matchups and score the ball. If Lou can be a 35-40 mpg player who can score the ball late in games in May and June, then your scenario may work. I'm just not on board with that one yet...

bebopdeluxe,
I agree, there is no FA PF that really fits this team. Why not trade Miller and Evans (or Green, Carney, Booth, Randolph, etc.) to get that low-post scorer, than sign a PG with the cap space this summer.

Frank:

I think you are overvaluing Miller (and I KNOW that you are overvaluing Evans!)...I think that the best that we can hope for in a trade for Miller (if we are going to trade Miller, and I'm not so sure that's gonna happen) is cap relief and either a pick or a young big project...certainly not a guy who we can stick in the low-post and see them demand a double-team...

Our two most valuable trade commodities IMO are Sammy (who Stefanski has a MAJOR chub for, it sounds like) and Iggy. I could see teams like the Bucks or Suns - teams who need to beef up on defense - being interested in Iggy...and there may be others (perhaps the Mavs? How about trading him to the Nuggets for AI? We have the cap room to make a S&T with Iggy work...LOL!).

Frank, other than Miller, what player will fetch you that PF? Teams will hang up on you if you offer these guys for that all-star PF. Diogu is a guy that would not cost much, but will produce.

I think we need to get bigger on the perimeter. I often wonder how Iguodala would do at the point, at least for parts of a game. If we didn't need our PG to score much, a guy like Mardy Collins would work for me. He can handle the ball, run a team, and play good defense. Collins, 'Dre, and Young would be a lot of foot speed, body and arms to get past on the perimeter.

bebop:

I hear you. Lou becoming a selective scorer at crunch time would be a key to that lineup, and I do think he has the potential. But whether he can fulfill it is another question.

That said, a lineup of Sammy, Josh Smith, Thad , AI and Lou would be 4 defensive monsters and Lou playing the passing lanes enough to make up for his defensive shortcomings. That looks good to me. That crew would be able to run many teams out the gym...

Don't forget that we can achieve that lineup, and still have another 10 mil in cap room for additions, changes, tinkering, etc. b/c of Miller's expiring contract.

Why is everyone penciling Josh Smith into the lineup already? I really don't get it.

Yeah, Josh Smith isn't coming here any time soon. Anyway, back to the Salmi thing, he would be perfect if he were added onto the broadcast with Mix and Zumoff. Steve didn't give much insight but was entertaining a sort of a fan of the game, while Zumoff could focus on the game and not explain things Mix couldn't. Salmi doesn't need to talk too much. X's and O's explanations don't have be explained every time down the floor.

Guys, Dave De'allesandro, a longtime NBA beat writer covering the Nets, said in his column on Sunday that Stefanski has had trade discussions about Miller and Dalembert and that the two could be moved together in a package.

I'd love to keep Dalembert, but what would you think of a Dalembert and Andre Miller package to the Memphis Grizzlies for Pau Gasol and Mike Miller or Carlos Navarro.

I love Sam, but he'll never be a low post threat or a 20 and 10 guy. Gasol is one year older than Sam, but he would solve the team's low post threat and problem at PF. The 76ers would just have to get a defensive center (Roy Hibbert?), since that isn't Pau's specialty.

Mike Miller is your shooter and could start at the 3, or give you insurance in case Iggy loses his mind and asks for more than the 5 years, $57M that he turned down. Just a thought.

Would you guys consider moving Dalembert and Miller in the same package, or is Dalembert too valuable to trade at this point?

Sean, I guess the old coach in me prefers the Salmi insight.

Regarding the trade being discussed. I'm really concerned about the softness of Gasol and M.Miller. What a chemistry shift. You would really need an animal at center to make up the difference. They are harder to find than a power forward.

Frank -
In regard to Igoudala he is an unique individual who has the ability to play the 1,2 or 3. I don't know how much you watch the Sixers or Basketball but the man can dribble... create his own shot and can come off screens and hit the jumper... if that's not a SG then what is? He also has the inevitable task of guarding the opposing teams best 2 or 3. Igoudala is worth the 55 - 57k range that has been reported... but I can't see him getting Allstar money... he's not in the same league as Kobe or Labron.

datruth4life:
I actually proposed this trade weeks ago. I would jump on this in a second. I would miss Sam, Miller has not been here too long for anyone to feel sad about his departure. You get two starters who can score, it solves many problems. In the summer the team can focus on getting Calderone and a servicable PF or C to go along side Gasol. They will also have the cap space to get better bench players and find themselves with a good starting five and a deep bench which we have not had in a very long time! I'm all for it, I hope it's more than just a rumor...I think Miller and Gasol would benefit from new surroundings.

LOL!!! I said 55 - 57K... I meant million... those days are long gone...

Hey Ed, I want a top three pick.[Beasley,Gordon,or Rose]Trades;MIAMI[Iggy and our pick[7]for expiring contracts and 1 to 3 pick.MILWAUKEE[Iggy and our pick[7] for Simmons,Villanueva and 1 to 3 pick.MEMPHIS[they take Beasley]Iggy and our pick[7] for Gasol and Navarro[got to sign him]MINNESOTA,SEATTLE,NEW YORK,L.A. CLIPPERS won"t trade the pick

Assuming Iggy signs for 12 million a year[approx.]

As much as I like Iguodala as a player, bebopdeluxe makes several good points. Problem is, where do we find an assassin like that? Redd is out of the question (ball hog and terrible D), and anyone better than that is most likely unavailable. An Eric Gordon might fill that role, but... drafts are always risky business. Anyway you look at it, the sixers are in a tough spot. Multiple needs and few assets. We need several trips to the lottery a la Hawks (without continuing to suck). Good luck Ed

On a side note; I play NBA2k8 quite often, and lately I've been playing as the sixers. It ain't easy. The one lineup that managed to stay on its feet:

PG: LouisW
F: Iggy
F: Thad
F: Carney
C: Dalembert

Run and gun baby, nice D, and four players that can shoot from the perimeter and spread the floor. I know its just a video game but couldn't Mo try something like this?

I have a better target than Diogu. Try Minnesota's Craig Smith. The guy has totally lost playing time backing up Al Jefferson, and unlike Ryan Gomes, he's not suited to small forward.

sixerzguy, thanks. Yes, I mentioned Tha'd a player...saw him at Tech and he was raw but showed he knew the game back then and had a bunch of explosive jams in traffic. Didn't shoot outside of the lane though.

And to your point on the Hawks, Billy Knight, Hawks GM, staked his reputation on Marvin Williams. He got killed in the ATL media for not picking Chris Paul or Deron Williams when they really needed a PG. He can't trade Marvin or he loses all credibility. Josh Smith is an ATL hometown stud, but he's had some run-ins with Mike Woodson and he has always turned the ball over in crunch time. Al Horford is the new glory boy in town, and he's said he wants to play the 4, no more covering centers like Dwight Howard, Shaq, etc.
Also, Billy Knight has said before he LOVES Dalembert's athleticism.

What's the deal with the Timberwolv­es piece? Is this a 3 way trade properly understood or was the Randolph move unrelated?