Deep Sixer

You know what grinds my gears? It's when sammy shoots off the wrong foot, which he loves to do. Sammy, your shot is uglier then Calvin Booth in drag dude, give it up. STOP SHOOTING JUMPERS!

Marc, watching Hibbert pass out of the post and other centers stay at home defensively and guard their man straight up makes us wish Sam had a better feel for the game.I hope the injury is why he regressed this past couple of weeks because the first half of the year was encouraging.Theo spoiled us with his knack for knowing when to help and when to stay at home.Seems we are better defensively with Reggie and Jason at the 5 . As other bloggers have noted, maybe a less athletic center that knows[ where to be ] would be a better solution. Turiaf reminds me of Haslem, a p.f. that can hit the short jumper but doesn!t post up much.He may be a perfect fit defensively though.Love is just what we need offensively, but don!t know if, defensively, he can bail Sam out like a Turiaf can.

Also a huge no on Tiriaf, no more offensively challenged big men needed. Can we please give Jason Smith some important burn? Him and Thads games match up great together in a bizzaro world way. With Thad in the game and owning the paint, JS can afford to look for open 15 footers.

Marc, as far as an option other than Sam, I had suggested trading for Milicic and signing Diop for 5 to 6 mill. and going with a 3 headed attack of those 2 plus J.Smith. Diop and Milicic would cost app. 1 to 1.5 mill. more than Sam but Milicic at least has some low post moves.

I like the idea of trading Dalembert. As far as replacing him, it depends on what we get back. IF Sammy is as valuable as you think then we should be able to get a quality player in return for him. We should be able to fill the starting PF position(Josh Smith) in the trade and then get a center in free agency or thru the draft. Or maybe we get a young starting PG (Calderon) and trade Miller for a PF or C and then draft accordingly. The possibilities are endless. I just hope everybody else values Sammy as much as Marc does. End I hope Ed doesn't!

J.Doc, I have a theory on whyM.Miller wasn!t traded before the deadline even though Memphis was cutting salary and now they want to get Crittenden on the court with Conley. I believe they want Josh Smith and need Miller to make it work in a sign and trade. Memphis drafts Lopez and gives Atlanta Miller and Milicic for Smith.What do you think?

Suede,

I don't know. It sounds like it would work as far as economics but I don't know if it makes sense as far as players for Atl. Atl already has Joe Johnson as their SG and Childress as their SF so really don't need Miller and his contract. Plus is Milicic an upgrade over Zaza? I don't think he is that big of one, if at all. Makes sense for Memphis. They would have their young guards, a stud PF, and a young C in Lopez. I just don't think it makes sense for Atl.

I'd be more then happy to send Sammy to Atl in a sign and trade for Smith. I'd even throw in Carney. I doubt Atl does this either. It all depends on how high they value Sammy and where they want to play Horford. If this could some how work it would give the Sixers this starting line up:
PG-Miller
SG-Iggy
SF-Thad
PF-Josh Smith
C - ?(draft or FA)
BN-Lou Will, Green, Evans, and Ja. Smith
plus what ever free agents and draft picks we get. I could see drafting a C with our first round pick and then maybe signing a vet C for the mid-level. Or go after the top free agent C and draft the young PG of the future. If they draft another guard then could use Lou Will or Green in a trade. This off season should be fun.

But first I want to see them finish this season strong. I really want Ed to go out and find a young PF to sign for the rest of the season. I know anybody we find now can't be that good and won't help much. But go out and get the best PF in the D-league anyway. We might get lucky and find a guy that can actually play(Jamario Moon). It at least shows the players and ,almost as importantly, the fans that this GM will help if it doesn't hurt long term and its a vote of confidence in the team. The players see the GM is at least trying and the fans get the idea that this team could actually make the playoffs. Because, truthfully, the Korver trade seemed to be a GM admitting this team has no chance. And cutting Giricek so "he could sign with a contender" also shows a lack of confidence in this team. I know they won't win it all, but the GM shouldn't be throwing in the towel! Signing somebody now would help to change that percption!

When it comes to the playoffs, it's all about passing the Wizards. The 6ers could have a chance against the magic, but Boston or Detroit would sweep them. Gotta finish strong, guys, and pass the Wizards. Orlando is a team you could take.

Trackboy, I agree. I have never been a fan of the idea of losing for the lottery, so I've been rooting for the sixers to win as many games as possible all season.
That being said, I don't think it's very good for the chemistry/psyche of a young team to get swept or manhandled in their first playoff experience. Earning the 6th seed would be a great accomplishment for this team, but going into the second round or even just playing in a hard-fought series is more important for the long-term development of these players. Orlando is the team that makes that possible.

Marc

thanks for replyting to my question about Iguodala's new contract, I really appreciate that

Worried about the offseason? Not at all, I pay good money to watch the Sixers, but I for one will watch this team and hope for the best reguardless on who they bring in because I have no control over this franchise. I'm a fan and as fan I watch like everyone else in expectation that something great is going to happen with the team I enjoy watching. Believe it or not the Sixers are getting a lot of love for the way they have been playing from around the league. I think we are doing things the way we need to, to get things done.

I'm out!

SAMMY stays unless you get an upgrade.

The DEFENSE would suffer without Sam in the middle threatening to block shots and getting defensive rebounds.

Watch other teams...when Sam is in the game, they rarely crash the offensive boards because they EXPECT Sam to get the rebound.

Everyone complains about the defense from our guards not stopping dribble penetration...that will get worse with no SAM.

Did anyone see the GS vs ATL game last night? JOSH SMITH is a great athlete but NOT A DEFENSIVE STOPPER.

SAM stays unless you can get an upgrade.

John, I don!t want Josh Smith either. I liked the fact they tried to post Sam up in the Clippers game. Why not run 3 plays a half in the low block for him. J.Doc, if Randolph gets healthy, he is as good as anybody you bring in from the D. league [A. Toliver?] John, maybe bringing in a veteran backup [Diop] to push Sam for minutes would bring up his concentration level? Look at the effect Evans seemed to have on him.Disagree on the Orlando theory, we have trouble with their shooters and Howard. I would like to play Boston, think defensively we match up better withthem. Want no part of Detroit though.

Suede, like Diop idea a lot.

If we had a 4 who could catch and finish down low, then Sam wouldn't have to do it except for lobs/dunks.

Sam could then be focused on his strengths and not be asked to do things he cannot do.

In time, Jason Smith may deveop into that 4, but we can't wait...we need a 30 minute 4 now.

as long as Dalembert maintains his current physical ability he's only going to get better.

He's pretty durable after suffering all those knee injuries in 2002-2003. I think he started every game last year. We can all be thankful that he's not an injury waiting to happen. At least he's not Erick Dampier!

J.Doc, Milicic/Pachulia at the 5; Horford at the 4; Miller at the 3; J.Johnson at the 2; And Bibby at the 1; M.Williams and Childress off the bench? Atlanta becomes much better.

Durability means alot, they why I want A,Miller here. Do you guys think L.Will. could be our starting 2 next year.His defense is improving and Miller wouldn!t have to guard the quicker points.

suede, here a letter for you, L.Will & A miller should be a bull fighters with the D they play !!! without a shot blocker in the paint sixers team D would be like GS

After the sixers lose in the playoffs, they will get a better read for what is needed to get to the next level. most of the pieces are in place , just need to let them grow and learn, and add a PF and shooter

Marc- The reason why fans arent excited because we know that this team has too many holes in it as currently constructed. They need a power forward, a young point guard, a shooter who can consistently hit the outside shot and a true center.

Why make the playoffs when you could potentially play the likes of the Celtics only to be swept in the 1st round? That absolutely makes no sense. Plus in the process you cost the team of getting another young lottery pick to add to the current nucleus. I dont want to see the Sixers stuck in mediocrity for more years to come.

I suggested before, trade for Crittendon, Memphis has a glut of young point guards. I would package Iggy and Utah's Draft pick to Atlanta for Horford, the young power forward and then go out in Free Agency and sign Okafur.

Marc- You must not have watched the Sixers games when Dalembert played against Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum. They have made Dalembert to look foolish. That doesn't cut it if you want to be an elite NBA team.

Marc,

Great, great post.

You're dead on about Sammy's inconsistency, it drives me nuts, but I wouldn't worry about it in the playoffs, I think he'd be extremely focused then.

I disagree with how the Sixers should develop him offensively - I think that ugly jumpshot of his should be worked on before his low-post stuff. He's just better with two hands on the ball than one, I don't see a lot of coordination there.

About the playoffs, hell yeah I'm excited! But I don't think the rest of Philadelphia is. That guy Joshua brought it up, there's a huge disconnect between Philly fans and the Sixers regarding game attendance. Here are two points about the topic:

- It's just not the Sixers, it's the NBA as a whole that Philly fans don't like. Every time I've heard people here talk about the NBA, they didn't have good things to say about it.

- And where does that negative stuff come from? One of its roots is at the high school level. As an example, I have a friend who went to high school with a current NBA point guard (but not friends with him), and once he was late to class, the teacher got on him, and this guy talked back, "Do you know who I am?" How many people were in that class, about 25? Well, that's 24 future customers and their families the NBA lost on that particular day.

I agree with Trackboy and Noah, the six seed is best spot for the Sixers. That series would go six or seven games and is winnable by the sixers!

Sammy D is not "bad" is people make him seem.The age of the "domanit center is over,other Duncan. What other team has a domanit center????

Sammy doesn't even deserve 3 post ups a game, it's just a waste of time. Like I said before, the dude shoots off the wrong foot. Play d, block shots, and get your points off put backs or lobs. This is what we need of you sam. There is no reason that you shouldn't be shooting 55% from the field. And what's with the sloppy passing? Sammy, your play is chappin my azz dumb and dumber style.

As far as aquisitions by FA, draft or trade, this team or any other will probably not get all that they need during one period because of the numbers($) needed to make it work. And even if the cap space is available the likelyhood that the right players are available is another factor.

I'm excited about this playoff push and regardless of the outcome I think we should be content with the team addressing the need for a low post threat 1st then a consistent outside shooter. Also moving Sammy would totally change the defensive mindset of the remaining nucleus of players which in escence could mean a whole new rebuilding process.

If we felt that we could be at least a Toronto or Orlando by 2010 (maybe even 2009) would that not be worthwhile. Keep Sammy, push for the playoffs and make sensible offseason moves that will not hurt the franchise until the right major upgrade comeas along (i.e. Boston, Lakers).

Centers and big PF's that I would take over Sammy Stinka, not in order.

amare
gasol
ming
camby
okafur
howard
okur
aldridge
chandler
ben wallace
bogut
beidrins
kamon
shaq
b miller
horford
bynum
garnett
duncan
jeffferson
jermaine oneal
rasheed
david lee
brand

and on value alone
noah
oden

Damn I have to run to a meeting, I'll be back

Marc made some excellent comments this time around. I am excited about the team, but lukewarm, because I know it will not end with a ring, at least not this year.

And, there's no doubt that if we do trade Sammy we need to get a lot in return for him. However you feel about him, he is playing like a top 10-15 Center, giving us rebounds and shot blocking and the random garbage bucket and alley-ooop.

He is a serviceable backup- but not the Center for a championship team. He's not a part of the offense because he can't catch a pass in the post! Injuries aside, he just isn't coordinated enough. Face it with his physical skills he should be another Howard or Stoudamire.

It's clear by now that this is all Sammy will be. There might be a little upside yet, but not enough to ever think he's the answer.

Yet, the Sixers are close enough as is, that if you could add a stud PF to the mix, it might be enough to put us into contention. That means keeping Sammy and putting this guy next to him, playing Thad at the 3, Iggy at the 2 and Miller or Williams as the guard.

If you trade Sammy, you will need to replace what he gives the team- one of the best rebounding teams in the league.

I also agree with the poster who thought we needed to move up in the standings. Since it appears more likely than not that we will make the playoffs, we should try to get to the 6th or 5th spot. At the rate the Sixers are accumulating wins, this is actually reasonable.

I can see us giving the Magic or the Raptors a tough time- maybe even a chance to win a series, whereas Boston or Detroit will be too much for us.

In the last 10 games the team is winning at a 70% clip. That's very good for any team. In that stretch they're putting up stats more like the 8th best team in the league.

That isn't a championship team, but it is a successful basketball team and if they can finish out as they have played the last 10, I will consider this a successful season.

Marc, please see if you can get the team to talk about Shavlik and Amundson and Hill. With the team lacking in height, the unwillingness to give these guys playing time is disturbing. Sam Dalembert hasn't raised the bar so high that these players shouldn't be able to contibute- unless they shouldn't have been drafted in the first place.

Do i think going to the playoffs will be good experience for the boys? Sure i do. Do i think it would be much better if the get that sixth seed? of course. Am i excited about it? Well, call it realistically optimistic. I think its great they've gotten this far, but more than likely we're looking at an embarassment by detroit or boston, so its kind of hard to get excited about that...

As for Dalembert, I was the guy who said I would take a center with a basketball IQ and the ability to catch the ball over dalembert. I stand by that statement, but lets not get carried away. I did not say that we should just dump the guy, what i said was if i was the GM, i would be seriously considering my options. Yes, Dalembert contributes in the rebounding dept. his shot blocking his helpful as well, especially since this team is still somewhat geared towards depending on it. And i'll even give him credit for doing a better job of staying out of foul trouble.

BUT, there has been a lot of discussion about re-tooling this team by, for one thing, getting a starting 2 who can play some defense. The idea of replacing sammy is partially assuming this happens, and in the knowledge that thaddeus is turning out to be a pretty effective man defender who can take a charge as well. A starting line up that includes Igoudala, Thaddeus, and a guard with defensive skills and spelled by reggie leading the trap COULD mean we dont need to rely on shot blocking as much...And at that point bringing in a center who is comfortable catching and passing the ball in the post could do wonders for our offense. Also, call me crazy but i think you give Thaddeus half a chance (and the mandate to go for it) he can average in the neighborhood of 8-10 boards a game.

Also, just as we talk about certain guys who help the team in ways that dont show up in the box scores, i think that you need to acknowledge the ways sammy hurts the team that doesnt show up in the box scores. Im talking about the passes the bounce off his hands and go out of bounds (which, by the way, inflates the turnovers for guys like igoudala, miller, and williams), im talking about the several times a game i see him fighting a teamate for a rebound which winds up going out of bounds, how having him on the court means you're essentially playing a man down on offense (which really means you can't have him and reggie in the game at the same time).

So I dont mean to be down on the guy, and recognize that he does have value and you cant just give him away, but i think you do need to look at the thing cold-heartedly.

Who could be better? Im not really sure - but again, i'd even be happy with a guy out of college who knows how to play the position, won't make too many mistakes, and can catch and pass the ball (im assuming its too much to ask for a scorer). For the sake of argument, how about his Padgett kid from Louisville. 6-11, 250, Senior, not a big scorer but shoots for a high %, is very comfortable getting the ball in the post and spreading it around...

Again, im not saying you have to trade sammy, and obviously we have more glaring needs to address, but i think if we're talking about re-tooling, its something i would seriously consider.

Sixers are getting there. First and foremost they play the right way - that is they play hard and listen to their coach - and they have great chemistry. Get some character guys who've established themselves in a certain role. Such as:
Jamison - Cap space
Mike Miller and spare point guard - Trade draft pick and, say a Willie Green, expiring contracts, or even LouWill.

And Sammy is a knucklehead. But he's OUR knucklehead. Ask any sixer out on that floor, trying to cover their man, who the most important teammate is. They say Sammy. He saves their butt.

I'm really excited about the sixers going to the playoffs. I follow them every night and root against the Wizards, Hawks, and Nets. So whats with this, 'playoffs are nice, but there is no ring in sight, just a sweep' talk?

Last year I had the pleasure of watching every game of the Golden State vs Dallas series. It was fantastic. Every night at the bar, I was surrounded by Warriors fans, I couldn't help but adopt them as my playoff team since it was such a great atmosphere. These fans embraced their warriors even though:
1.They made the playoffs on the last day of the regular season,
2.Were going up against a historic Dallas team (67 wins) that was heavily favoured to win the championship.

I was pretty jealous. Still am. When was the last time we had something like that to root for? Come spring, I want to experience that atmosphere again rooting for my sixers with my fellow fans. C'mon guys! You play the game to win!

raro, good points made. haven't been excited by this team but you jogged my mind to Spring '01. it is fun to watch playoff basketball regardless of odds, as anything can happen. thanks for your positive outlook.

PG ANDRE MILLER
SG THADEUS YOUNG
SF JOSH SMITH (FREE AGENT SIGNEE)
PF ANDRE KIRELENKO (ACQUIRED FOR IGGY)
C SAMUEL DALEMBERT

Not a bad team on paper. Any possibility of making something like this work?

gotta love the nets and hawks! keep losing boys. hard to believe we're 2.5 games ahead of atlanta and 3.5 ahead of chicago with 21 to play. should be really interesting.

Hey, i loved watching GS last year two. And all season i've harbored secret hopes that we could be those guys this year, because i've always sort of thought that just based on the level of play in the ease we'd have a chance to sneak in. And i watch every game hoping they'll win no matter who it is. And it is exciting that they have a shot to make a run this year. But what's more exciting to me is what they could do next year with a few upgrades. Thats where all the talk about the future comes from...

And again, im sorry if it sounds pessimistic, but i really just feel like detriot would dismantle us - They just play such tight, disciplined ball, and what's even more scary is their youth is showing signs of being ready to step up as their veterans wear out. I actually think we'd have a better shot at Boston, just because (like last time) if reggie gets their big guys in foul trouble they're not QUITE as scary any more.

But yes, for the eternal optimists out there, you never know what might happen once the playoffs start. Maybe Igoudala averages 25+ a game, miller keeps playing the lights out, lou goes for 20, thaddeus gives us solid double-doubles(which i think he eventually will) and dalembert plays virtually mistake-free ball. We're a pretty scary team if that all comes together. Hell, maybe we even make that sixth seed and steal a few games against orlando...

i'm so bored at work, i projected the rest of the season for chicago, new jersey, atlanta and the sixers. here's how it plays out...

07-hawks 14-10/38-44/2-3 (vs chi, nj & phl)
08-sixers 7-14/35-47/3-3 (vs atl, chi & nj)
09-nets 8-14/34-48/2-2 (vs atl, chi & phl)
10-bulls 8-14/32-50/3-3 (vs atl, nj & phi)

boy, does the east stink or what?

slight correction...i can't add properly.

07-hawks 14-10/38-44/2-3 (vs chi, nj & phl)
08-sixers 7-14/35-47/3-3 (vs atl, chi & nj)
09-nets 8-14/34-48/2-2 (vs atl, chi & phl)
10-bulls 8-14/32-50/3-2 (vs atl, nj & phi)

WE'RE STILL IN BABY!

Everyone should just accept the fact that we're essentially stuck with Sam at C. No one is going to take that contract for the next 3 years. It's kind of a moot point.

Assuming this, E.S. needs to get a back to the basket PF in FA or the draft. Since we don't have enough $$ to go after Elton Brand or Josh Smith (and don't have the pieces for a sign and trade, save moving Andre Miller), it looks like we address PF through the draft. I've done some research on Kevin Love, and it seems like he'd be a great fit here. He's likely to be available when we pick, is 6'10" 275, and averages 18 and 11 right now in 29 minutes / game. For those of you who are interested, he plays Saturday on national TV at 3:30 against Cal on ABC.

If that's the case, I'd then still look to gain my outside shooter via a trade with Memphis in the off-season, looking to acquire Mike Miller and Kyle Lowry for Lou Williams, Rodney Carney, and a 2009 #1. Memphis would be more than willing to do that, especially since we'd be taking about $7M off their books (less what Lou signs for). They're also said to be targeting Eric Gordon in the draft (who would take Mike Miller's spot in the starting lineup eventually). Thus, your team in 2009 would look as follows:

F Iguodala / Young
F Love / Evans
C Dalembert / Smith
G M. Miller / Green
G A. Miller / Lowry

In order to make the necessary time work, you'd probably slot Iggy and Andre at 35 mpg, Thad and Sam at 30 mpg, Love and Mike Miller at 25 mpg, Reggie, Willie, and Lowry at 15-20 mpg, and Jason Smith at 10 mpg. There's your 240 minutes using a VERY flexible lineup and many parts that can play multiple positions.

These moves (all very doable) address all the current holes on the roster, upgrades the team immediately, and has the right mix of veterans and youngsters that are necessary to win. Give them two years, and you're looking at one of the top 4 teams in the East along with Orlando, Toronto, and Cleveland.

In terms of this year, I hope they make the playoffs. I really do - nothing better than going to some meaningful basketball games in April. We haven't had that in a while. GO SIXERS!!

Like additions of Lowry and Love a lot; M. Miller I'm not wild about. 9th year shooter. Good at that, no doubt. But check 20 game playoff averages: 9 pts in 25 min, rebounding shrinks too. Of course ya don't know matchups, game pace and other important particulars by looking at stats. At first glance though, those stats support my suspicion that he's a little soft (saw him play in person last month). Also, he may be starting his downside. But would I take suggested revised lineup over present? Absolutely.

We've got some major foot speed/ defensive issues with that starting lineup. I also prefer Lou to Green as SG off the bench. But I admire your persistence, Dean. That is a trade that has internal logic and value for both teams, though I would not do it. Mike Miller would fill our needs for a big SG, but he doesn't, or can't, play D. I also get the idea that he is soft.

Love is an interesting case. He produces, no doubt, but if you've seen him play, its hard to over emphasize how slow he is. So do you over or under value his college production in terms of future projection? Hard case, although I would not be unhappy if he was our pick.

Jumpin':

There are a lot of lineups I would take over our current one!!

Will the posters that keep talking about getting swept in the playoffs please stop posting. Imagine our young team playing four games against Detroit. Think of the valuable lessons they would learn for next season. One step at a time is how you learn to sustain success. Every team has growing pains, two year ago we weren't thinking playoffs we were "rebuilding" and we had AI and Webber. Who thought we would be this close this fast? Gotta love the Eastern Conference.

Gotta love the Eastern conference indeed! But it's very hard to imagine taking more than a game or two against Boston and Detroit. In fact, winning two games against either would be a source of great encouragement. I am happy to see the team grow, and do hope they make the playoffs, but I'm still more excited by potential off season moves.

Morty,
If you want to root for a line up other than ours, you have 29 to choose from.
To the guy that wants to trade for Horford, you're an idiot, Atlanta would and should not trade him one year into his career. Propose something that's possible.

Dre:

So you don't want to make any changes to our team? You like the way it's currently constructed?

Of course we need an upgrade, but I'll root for whom ever they put on the floor. Sammy is not Shawn Bradley!

Glad to see that you agree that the team needs some upgrades. If I didn't root for the team, why would I be wasting time typing about it on the internet?

Diop and Darko?!!! To quote the great John McEnroe: "You can NOT be serious!!!!!" Look up stiff in the dicitionary and you see Diop's picture. He couldn't beat out Eric Dampier in Dallas. Eric Dampier!!! Darko is the poster boy for underachieving big man. The only reason he keeps getting chances and that people think he has potential is that people think that because Detroit picked him with the No. 2 overall pick, he must have some skills. Forget where he was drafted and look at his numbers. Watch him play. He doesn't play with any sort of passion or energy. He's extremely limited offensively and inconsistent, at best, defensively. No thanks!! Sam is a far from perfect, but he's loads better than either of those two. Please get off the Josh Smith talk. The Hawks aren't going to trade him. Period. I live in Atlanta and watch the Hawks all of the team. He's too young and has waaaaay too much promise for the Hawks to give him up, even for Sammy.

Look, everyone here roots for the sixers. That's why we come here and talk about them all day. I happen to think they will make the playoffs, and i sure do hope they make it out of the first round. Sure, its exciting, though again i'll say that i've been excited about the our new core group for a while now, and yes, i've thought they had the chance to sneak in all along - you gotta love the east, right?

So now they've taken care of some business and it looks like they are going to get there. I kind of feel like it goes without saying they deserve credit for that, and that we should be excited they're living up to their potential. That's right, this is the same group of guys that was destined by all and sundry to be lottery-bound, and i did not call them over acheivers, i said they're starting to live up to their potential. THAT is what excites me. and what excites me more is that we can significantly raise the ceiling of that potential with just a few well placed moves in the offseason.

So yes, of course i'll enjoy a playoff run and it will be good experience for the boys. But that's icing on the cake, really. As i see it, the thing to be real excited about is we have a young core that is finally getting significant time and making good with it. That, and how we can improve on that to be a seriously scary team for many year to com.

And by the way, Dean, your proposal does have merit, but i would echo other's concerns about MMiller. Especially if we keep Green to basically split time with him as you suggest, i'd worry about our defense... I also really like DJ White as a draftee - doesn't have the size or quite the numbers of Love, but certainly a wide body and from what i've seen i love his poise and moves in the post.

If you need a laugh, follow the link for a photo of everybody's favorite ex-Sixer.

Nice one, morty.

Thanks.

Love Love's game but quickness and true height are in question. DJ White & Love may be the same height. Root for playoff but difficult when team has won less than 50% of games. Can't wait for draft night.

By the way, you think someone out there pulled him aside and said "Hey man, you're a great ballplayer, but you're just got to cut that hair..."

I agree with Marc, although Sammy can be frustrating at times, he would be hard to replace. Take the list "The Greek" gave of 15 guys he would take over Sammy, which one of those guys are available to the Sixers? The answer is none. Bigs aren't easy to come by... and those of you who suggested we could just draft a center haven't thought it out. The Sixers won't be drafting until the teens and I strongly doubt an NBA starting center will be sitting there for the Sixers to draft.
As for the playoffs... let's get excited to see these young guys play out this season and possibly get some playoff experience... maybe even steal a game or two from an elite team. I'd rather be a 6th, 7th or 8th seed and play a team who has a chance to contend for title and see what the playoffs are really about.

I wrote an article on Phillyist.com pretty much on the same subject. I don't think fans are excited about a potential playoff run.

http://phillyist.com/2008/03/04/this_just_in_sixers_are_decent.php

KM - I agree with you about DJ White. I like him; he plays his ass off, no doubt.

True height, White and Love are about the same (probably 6'8-6'9 ish). Love is about 15 lbs heavier, but I think the biggest difference is the range. Kevin Love can shoot free throws (75%+) and also has range from 19 ft. (35% 3-pt shooter). The combination of low-post moves and the ability to step outside and knock down a 15-17 footer is what makes him attractive. However, you clearly have a point with regard to speed...he's clearly not the fastest cat in the world.

In terms of the starting lineup that I proposed earlier, I misspoke. I would start Mike Miller at the 3 and Iggy at the 2. Miller is big enough to play the 3 spot, which also covers up his lack of footspeed issue.

Guys, another candidate for us at p.f. plays Nova at 8 p.m. tonight on T.V . K.Gransberry is a 6!9

Guys, check out Nova at 8 tonight, they are playing S.Florida who has a legit 6!9" p.f. that will be there when we pick.[ K.Gransberry]
Derrick, Milicic is better offensively than Sam and Diop defensively, they are not allstars but combined they will make about 1.5 more than Sam and Milicic is 3 years younger. Just an opinion.

Dean, Most teams don!t have both a high scoring 2 and 3, Iggy!s versatility would allow him to cover the opponents best scorer. Miller fills the statsheet, he!s not just a shooter.He would be a perfect fit but I think he ends up in Atlanta in a sign and trade for J.Smith if Atlanta can!t sign Smith.

Dre- I agree totally that we should be thrilled that we are in the playoff hunt when not that long ago we were "Totally Hopeless" with AI(still love em) and C(chump)Web.

I mean, yeah the East blows and all. But still I'm just glad we are relevent! Looking at the boxscores is fun as hell when you are in contention. Next year we will be older and better after Stef converts some of our 'chips' into enhancements to our roster...!!!

Just wanted to add my two cents on potential playoff matchups with the Pistons and Celtics. (First of all, it's nice that Sixers fans are actually thinking about the playoffs instead of continually bashing them with no regard for the reality of what is happening this season.)

The Pistons are formidable, no doubt, as evidenced by their record and their avg. margin of victory this year. But the Sixers are better equipped to defend them than in the past, mainly because they have the personnel to guard Prince (unlike '03 when it was McKie or '05 with Korver). If they can get 25-30 minutes out of Green chasing Hamilton around without getting torched (not a given, for sure), then they can finish with Iguodala on Hamilton and Thad on Prince. The Sixers have done a decent job defending the Pistons this year, as their two close games attest (and they weren't playing nearly as well then as they are now). Anyhow, we'll see if they've made any headway when they play the Pistons next Wed.

As for the Celtics, they've succeeded this year because their defense is #1 in the league. The teams that have given them more trouble than expected are the athletic teams with good overall team speed (Warriors, Bobcats) -- and that description fits the Sixers. Now, both Sixers games with the Celtics this year were close and then blown open by a barrage of 3's in the 4th, so we'll see if the Sixers have improved at all in that area when they play the Celts next Monday. But here's a shocking stat for