Deep Sixer

Another loss that was tough to watch at the end. I think we can quit with the platitudes that this team plays hard. Why wouldn't they?

You have players playing for their next contract (Iggy, Lou Will), other players trying to play their way to their next team (Andre Miller, Willie Green), those trying to get minutes and establish themselves (Carney, Thad, J. Smith) and those who are trying to stay in the league (Carney, S. Randolph, C. Booth, K. Ollie, Lou Amundson) and a coach who is a dead man walking who wants to be working next year as well.

Well, the young people are getting burn, so what can you say? It's all in the hands of Big Ed now. Have you guys noticed that when Stefanski said earlier this week that he wanted to see more of Rodney Carney that Carney's minutes all of a sudden went up and Giricek is MIA?

Let's hope he does the same thing with Herbert Hill in a couple of weeks. Boy, Danny Ainge sure went from zero to hero over night, didn't he?

Did anybody see Bobby Jones' line for the Grizzlies tonight?
40 min. 8-13 FG, 13 reb.,7 assists, 3 steals, 20 pts. As a starter. Good grief!

I was at the game tonight (great seats, 17th row in the lower bowl, near center court), so I'll give some thoughts.

The Sixers played well through three quarters. At one point they were shooting 53% and outrebounding the Celtics 32-16. However, they trailed at the end of 3 quarters because of three factors: lots of turnovers, poor free throw shooting, and poor 3-point defense.

Boston made a mini-run in the early 4th to go up 10, but the Sixers answered to come within 5 at 90-85 with about 6 minutes to go. Lou Williams' penetrations helped get the Celtics into the penalty with about 9 minutes left. Unfortunately, the Celtics' closing 26-4 run came when they ratcheted up the defensive pressure and the Sixers had no go-to guy to stem the tide. And, the Sixers' big defensive bugaboo came back to bite them, 3-point defense. I don't mind when somebody like Ray Allen is hot and makes a 3 with a hand in his face, but it's incredibly frustrating to watch players like House and Posey make uncontested 3's from the corner. Celts were 14-22 for the game from 3, bad even for the Sixers. Somehow, their defensive philosophy needs to change, because giving up open 3's won't get it done against most teams (it killed them in the Spurs game too, and they were only ahead in that game because the Spurs shot abysmally from 3 before Ginobili got hot).

Some positives to take out of the game: Jason Smith had a decent first half; Rodney Carney had his best quarter in a while (the 2nd); and Thad Young continues to show flashes of talent (I predict he'll be starting at PF before the year is out). The Sixers' best defensive stretch came in the 2nd quarter when Young, Iguodala, and Carney (3 guys who are all about the same size) were in at the same time with Lou Williams and Dalembert. The three wings switched everything, generally contested most perimeter shots, and forced turnovers.

One final stat from the Statman: if you look at the top 9 teams in each conference, the Sixers are 3-22 against those teams. Against everyone else, they are 12-3. So they generally beat who they're supposed to beat, almost never beat anyone they're not supposed to beat. That probably speaks to both their coaching and talent level (mixed in both cases).

All positive from my perspective. Did you see some of the plays these guys made.

Again, we all know they don't have enough talent and their youngs are young. No one likes losing, but these guys are fun to watch and they do hustle.

The league is taking note of the Sixers...that is genuine and will translate when they grow and get 2 more pieces.

I would much rather watch this team than the last 3 seasons with Iverson et al...no comparison!

I echo Johns comments. Taking it one step further, it is mindboggling the petty criticisms toward any aspect of Iguodala's game; ranging from taking too many shots, too few shots, theowimg errant passes ( which a competent PF ought be ready for regardless if of the wrap around the back delivery, yet on the money), and on and on.

Unless the fans warm up to his nightly effort on both sides of the ball on this very "green" team, the chances of his maintaing desire to ride this Sixer stay into the future will diminish. Forget the cap benefits; the special, gifted and still growing assets, in short supply, still have leverage over the endless piles of Ownership $$ who will always overspend to add a unique piece for the long haul.

Either embrace him, or be prepared to lose him; the real world operates as such.

Paul

Iggys outside shot is improving,I would like to see him play some point with LWill. at the 2.A lineup of SAM,THAD, ROD, LOU, andIGGY can really push the ball.If E.S. wants to become an up tempo team, why not inquire about the rights to R. Fernandez from PORTLAND.I read somewhere that PORTLAND cant afford to sign him.A future #1?.Then bring in P.Westhead to couch next year and have L.MARYMOUNT east.That would fill the seats.Sign DIOP as your backup center and always have 4 greyhounds on the court with a shotblocker in the back.

It's nice to read CWEB's name on the rumor websites. Can't wait to see him bring his next playoff team down with his great defense.

Offer W.Green and this years #1 to Chicago for T.Thomas and Chicago!s #2.This allows Chicago to sign L.Deung to a long term deal and let G ORDON walk,replacing him with the #1.Then offer A.Miller and J.Smith to ATL. for Josh Smith and cap relief[L.Wright,T.Lue].A.Miller can play with Law in the backcourt and bring stability to the Hawks.Horford can move to the 4.Sign Diop,Gibson,and look for young athletes in the league that fit your system,[J.Davidson,M. Pietrus,G.Green,etc.]Have L.Brown implement a trapping,switching defensive system.Bring in P.Westhead to add an uptempo offense[BRING BACK THE A.B.A.].Would this work?Would it be fun to watch?

again 0 defense,but at this point whos suprised ?...this team has 7 players max who belong in the nba and a coach who dispite his numerous x's and o's flaws deserves better just because hes genuine and one of this citys most deserving and beloved adopted sons..if rodney carney had even my basketball iq let alone the basketball iq of an nba caliber player with his size speed and smooth relese hed be good..as is i think hes too stupid and lazy to ever be anything...look at his lack of passing and constant missed dunks ? not enough then add his lazy d and tendency to mope and thats a mix i want in my first rounder....please start thad at the 4 and realize that sammy D isnt perfect but the best center we could hope for or expect besides dwight amare or yao in todays centerless nba..also lou williams needs to play more 1 or he will become allen iverson 2.0 (a 6' guard who scores in bunches but also plays no defense except for passing lanes to pad stats with steals and is always near the league lead in turnovers while shooting a low %) anyone who thinks andre igoudala isnt a 11 million dollar player should never comment on the nba again...then again anyone including iggy himself who thinks hes worth more then that should take the same advice..willie green has always been an enigma and besides rebounding reggie evans adds nothing to a team..besides iggy,thad,lou,sammy,andre,j smith,willie g who else on this squad would even make even a marginal contenders nba roster ?

Watching Iggy last night was painful. He dribbles into trouble; makes ill-advised passes like Iverson; and complains on every shot. I thought I was watching Iverson -- only that AI could score. We used to complain about Stackhouse's turnovers, but Iggy makes the same dumb moves. Iggy and Evans just need to play and stop complaining and maybe they will get some "calls". I felt the Celtics rubbed it in a bit at the end; notice we walked off at end of game without customary interactions with other team.

the names of the last 2 post were mixed up....id never write anything so baseless as to just attack iggy when we have no other offensive threat other teams need worry about

the names of the last 2 post were mixed up....id never write anything so baseless as to just attack iggy when we have no other offensive threat other teams need worry about

I'm not one to complain but I officiate men's and women's basketball and the officials SUCKED last night! They let Boston man handle the Sixers in the second half (or mostly through the game, see when same made a layup and was pushed under the basket). I think being a young team and not getting those calls got them out of their game and they were frustrated. You could see it on Iggy's face how pissed he was at the refs. Free Throws were a big key to the loss besides the officiating . Those last big 3 at the end of the game was meaningless the Sixers were already out of it mentally from the constant blown calls. I know everyone enjoyed the KG dunk hang on the rim layup blown call.

A buddy of mine called this year's Sixers team, "the '08 Celtics." Meaning we are young, but implying we are calling this one in. I disagree completely because he's a Red Sox idiot and regularly admits not having a clue about any sport other than baseball.

We all know we aren't talented enough to compete yet. But there are bright spots. I think Iguodala can be part of something special. Can you imagine if we had a pf who not only could catch a pass that hits him in the hands, but also converts the layup?

I've got a problem though. And it's something that's been happening in the league for years now. Namely, bad teams don't get any kind of benefit from the refs. I've watched every Sixers game this year and progressively as a team we don't get normal calls. Twice last night Andre Miller was knocked in the head while going to the cup and the refs were silent. On the other end, Brian Scalabrine is taking 4 steps to make a layup, gets touched and goes to the line for a three point play. It's enfuriating as a fan. So I can only imagine what it's like for players pouring it out to win a game everyone knows is essentially meaningless. And this year's Celts are seriously getting major calls. I'm talking they are getting Jordan-like calls as a team. It's been like this for years so I don't expect anything to change. It's just one of the reasons our league is declining and FIBA is becoming more respectable.

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Iggy trys too many behind the back passes in traffic.

I was watching one of my NBA Dynasty DVD series on the Celtics and I have to say that Thaddeus reminds me of Cedric Maxwell. Same height, same build, same committment to defense with some offensive skill.

I buy into the notion that Young and Lou Williams still have plenty of upside and provide the hope that is needed. Jason Smith is a nice complementary player but I'm not sure he'll extend what he is now. I still think Carney is a dime a dozen player.

Last, I'd like to weigh in on a vote of importance: KEEP CHEEKS!

Last night confirmed for me that Jason Smith needs to eat, sleep, and dream WEIGHT ROOM!!! I swear he looked like he was trying to post up against a brick wall. I love that he wants to do it and that Cheeks has allowed him to, but he's just not strong enough right now. I'm still in favor of him to keep trying, because we sorely need it.

Waaaay too much complaining to the refs last night (sign of youth), while the Celtics continued to look like our older brother, just toying with us. Allowing us to stay in the game. Maybe even a little surprised by the fight in the 76ers, but utlimately in full control. At some point you have to realize that the calls are not going to go your way and you have to take the game the way they did in the first half. Ray Allen got two fouls in the first half and they didn't keep going at him. Why not??? Because Willie Green did not take it to him like he should have. You have to be able to draw fouls. And then keep drawing fouls.

The calls didn't go Boston's way either last night, but they decided to take the game. They didn't ask the refs to do it for them.

Need I even mention the free throw shooting and the turnovers?

Iguodala had all of 4 turnovers against 6 assists. One turnover was called for am apparent foot on the end line prior to hitting a nullified J, another on a charge.

If people have issues with his accurate behind the back passes ( which by design draw out the recipients defender) because the recipient isnt ready or anticipating same while the penetrator is seeing him freed up, then that intended recipient sadly has caused on a turnover on the creative passer. Thats you, Joker, aka Reggie.

Does anyone think Magic or LeBron would tolerate a teammate playing the 4 who repeatedly mishandles the work of one of his playmakers? For that matter, would either of them tolerate a 4 that literally cant shoot straight?

Evans merely clogs the lane, which interferes with any others slashing moves.

The point was that Iguodala as an NBA need not have to worry WHO the recipient is targeted to receive the pass, even if with some mustard, an NBA player must be ready to catch the rock and score the easy bucket.

Hell, has anyone else heard Tommy Heihnson? actually heap praise on a young opponent as he did re Iguodala's floor game, he the world class Homer of Broadcast?

Thought he might actually give Iguodala a Tommy point for degree of difficulty of some shots made, and pinpoint passes delivered.

Why all the whining and complaining by posters, local media is sad. Maybe its the Negative Philly thing. Hard to comprendo.

I agree with Paul's well written comment...Iguodala is a winner as a player and as a young man. You want him to be part of your team for the next 6 years for sure.

Sixers have a chance to build a TEAM, that's a TEAM unlike what most NBA organizations field. 8-10 guys knowing their role, no one calling it "their" team, just willing to come together for the betterment of the team.

One step to help assure that is to re-hire Mo Cheeks. As a player he exemplified TEAM, and he is leading this group of young guys toward the same goal.

There is a selflessness about this Sixers TEAM that I love. No one is crying about PT or shots...they are just hustling and trying to win games together.

It is a real shame that Evans has no "O"...he really hustles his butt off and I'd love to see him as an energy sub.

I like the Sixers and hope that Eddie sees it the same way. Try to keep the core, and the spirit, and Mo, and add one talented NBA ready player this year and one next year. Pick the right 3 youngs to keep from current pool plus next 2 drafts, and I really think we have something worth going to see and to be proud of...this spoken by a guy who remembers Hal Greer, Al Attles, Willie Salsbury, Paul Arizin!

As far as this season, it is what it is. I think we just have to let the young talent play and trust Big Ed to work his magic.

I don't understand all of the criticism of Iggy. He's a second option on a team that everyone wants him to be a no. 1. He's not. I hope we can appreciate him for what he is, one of the bright young shooting guards in the NBA.

As far as Thad, he can play some 4 at the end of the games, but I'd rather have him start at the 3 and see how he and Iggy will work as the wing players. They are our future going forward anyway.

Jason Smith seems like he is allergic to posting up down low. You are 7-feet and athletic. At the very least, get position down there, get the ball and shoot a turnaround jumper or a right-handed hook. I know it is hard to work on your game and improve a lot during the season, but the coaching staff needs to be working with these players on things like that.

I don't know what is the defensive philosophy, but this team gets constantly drilled by teams that can shoot the three. I guess Cheeks couldn't play those people that'll keep their man in front of them because everyone's GOD on this board, Andre Miller, would be the first to take a seat. However, I do think that is a coaching thing, because it is not like they are shutting down the drives to the middle either.

I don't like watching losing, but I guess this team just has to take it on the chin until it gets better talent.

One more observation about Iguodala. During the timeouts, the coaches typically stand by themselves for half the timeout (or more) and let the players mull about (why this happens is another conversation). I noticed during this time that Iguodala typically doesn't talk to the other players but rather stands off by himself, often leaning against the scorer's table. In fact, a couple times I saw the young players (Lou, Thad) come up to talk to *him*. I had never seen this before (this is what you see when you actually go to a game), but it's in keeping with his personality: he's never going to be the type of guy to implore others to play better, he's more of a "lead-by-example" guy. But then, he isn't always the best example, as others have pointed out, with his constant complaining (common pose: going back down the court with both hands upraised, incredulous no foul was called). I'm a big fan of his game, but if he wants #1 money, he's got to be a #1 mentally as well as physically.

One last note ... at least I got to see something historic: Reggie Evans hitting a 3-pointer. Considering how poor a shooter he is, the odds of that happening had to be about a billion-to-one. Later in the game, he reverted to his regular form, shooting a jump hook from 1 foot away a foot past the basket and then shooting a foul shot so badly that he hit the corner of the white square on the backboard without hitting any part of the rim.

Sixers were smokin' in last night's 1st half and led by only 3 at the break. It foretold doom. A proud Celtics team was determined to pound the visitors, and did - with 2nd half defensive concentration and offensive ball movement/outstanding deep shooting.

116 pts! And Cheeks & staff have them playing hard??? HARD is a focused and poised mentality - 48 minutes of it, ideally. Yes, Sixers do come at you (especially in a 'David' role when facing 'Goliath' - what's to lose?) but often, not smartly. Doesn't that too go to coaching? So, Cheeks is a "good guy." Many of those. Gimme a demander in that seat, one who insists - and gets results via minutes grantings (ultimate carrot).

Iguodala's quotes in today's Inquirer pointing at his younger teammates' lack of understanding are laughable, considering his mistake-prone game. While athletic Iggy shows lots of good aspects, his self-value of more than 57 mil on 5 yrs. at this time in his development is preposterous. His passes remind no one of Cousy, Rodgers, Pistol, Magic or Bird; shooting is spotty; averages over 3 turnovers pg; is a bit of a baby, too openly peevish and complaintive. And his contract refusal reflects a lack of groundedness as to his sum performance to date.

Tonight: Bosh, a long, rangy spark plug and his band of snipers. Another tall order for "your Seventy-Sicksahs."

People ought to put aside any chatter regarding Iguodala's contract. (Especially Tom Moore, of Phillyburbs).

Here's a supposition to ponder: Had he been drafted and groomed by the San Antonio Spurs, does anyone actually believe he would have rejected a contract anywhere in the $50-55M range? Even a tad lower? Of course not.

He is all about winning, and contributing, as shown in 3 plus yeas, in a variety of versatile, needed ways. ANY team would and still does wish to have him. ANY team, especially one that goes uptempo while seeking a defensive disrupting menace.

I believe he had little intention of commiting to this Sixer franchise because he had every reason to wait and see- espec after letting Joe Smith walk, yes trading Steven Hunter, and now, trading its lone perimeter Sniper.

He also may wish to go another year and become an Unestricted FA, which may be the direction both Deng and Gordon, even Josh Smith take, as the RFA and Cap burdens become more self defeating to he Players Union as currently written.

Does anyone believe Iguodala is happy having Reggie Evans on his low block, in lieu of both Joe Smith and Steven Hunter?

Dont get me wrong- when the Sixers went on their run late last year, it was with Rodney Carney, not Willie Green; and Hunter, not Reggie. With KK as well.

Whie his stats dont reflect it, Carney, not Green, fits with the starting UNIT; just as I hope soon Thad, youth and all, replaces Reggie the Joker.

Rest assured, Iguodala will get his money, whatever amount that will be. But he is special enough to give himself also the chance to be an integral piece of a winning franchise.

Is Philly headed that way? We dont quite know. Neither does Iguodala. And, thats a smart move to his credit, to take that risk that the fans ought applaud, not criticize.

all you iggy haters need to put down the keyboard hes the only player we have besides louis williams that any other team would even want to deal for (obviously with AM on the trade block almost openly and almost sure to be delt hes excluded)its not his fault the bigs cant catch his passes (even sammy who i defend to death from mostley baseless attacks is guilty here)its not his fault theres no post presence to speak of nor an outside shooter who demands attention..we used to have this guy kyle korver but a pick lottery protected until next millenium and a 4 million expiring contract i guess is the going rate for a dead eye shooter and one of the rare nba players who enjoyed playing here..sigh..its also not his fault this team wouldnt D up freddy carters famous 9-72 squad..actully i could imagine fred going for 40+ faced with the 07 teams brand of all round terrible defense....as an overall team they are not as bad but i couldnt imagine that 9-72 team giving any less effort then what im currently seeing...what else is it when you just plain fail to follow your man or rotate off a switch..its just plain lack of effort...this feels like the jim o'brien era except were worse on both ends of the floor...and if you would have told me that was even possible when he was here id have laughed at you

One last note re Iguodala. Yes, his whining to the referees is very disturbing, even self-defeating. Yet, isnt it time a member of the Coaching staff, even Ed, have a chat with him about this to straighen, correct this, minimize it as well?

While its hopefully shor-lived, I prefer he allow his frustration to air ( not to the Refs tho) as one that doesnt accept losing gracefully, rather than be a player who is unaffected by games' outcomes or collapses. He is not excluding himself from such "enrage", but IS including the entire team.

That IS leadership, which he w experience will improve as to how and when to vocalize and demonstrate. He hasnt turned 24 yet, do you think that responsibility as a player leader on a losing squad is easy...on an NBA franchise in a City as Philly?

Its a team of kids growing up- lets let them.

I know it sounds whiney having to say it, but the free throw shooting is just DEPLORABLE. I mean it is flat out embarassing. It really pains me to watch our guys get fould in the act and know that best case they sink one FT. Truthfully it's tough to assemble this many putrid foul shooters....And I don't think I'm being a hater by saying so!

Iggy is good but not great. And not even an All-Star. Kobe put some nonsense in his head over the summer and now he thinks he is better than he really is. Hopefully he gets it together soon or there is a chance Ed won't resign him especially if he keeps up this $57M salary demand. I will gladly take Josh Smith if Iggy doesn't come to his senses.
Good NBA article:
http://reclinergm.wordpress.com/2008/01/19/coin-flip-to-lottery-did-the-rockets-tank-to-get-olajuwon/

I think Ed should just leave the roster alone at this point. Unless somebody is desperate for Miller and willing to morgage their future for wins now. What makes the sixers different from most of the teams in the Nba right now is that they play with a college like atmosphere. They are really a team. Thats why trading Korver was so hard on the team. That seven game losing streak is a result of that. The sixers arent great yet...but if you give them time to make up for all their weaknesses with team chemistry...They can be as good as 5th seed next year with a proper draft.

The one thing that i learned last year out of observation is that it is better to make trades on draft day then it is to take a chance at the trading deadline. The trading deadline is only for playoff teams...Teams like the sixers should keep their hands in their pockets during this time. I think andre miller is worth a mid lottery pick by himself...we will see