Deep Sixer

Take a bow yourself Marc, you have made this blog interesting and informative. The audience reflects your good work. Well dione and congrats.
Now just don't let them do to you what they did to Todd Z's blog.

Marc:

Ditto to the first post. You have provided a marvelous window thru which Sixer fans can share this fantastic ride! There are an incredible number of intelligent posters here whose comments I enjoy reading.

And while winning is certainly a panacea for improved attendance, I would argue that it is HOW the Sixers are winning that is capturing the imagination of the spectating public. NBA journeymen, a couple of homegrown vets, and a crop of 24-and-unders that somehow have conspired to overcome the NBA-endemic star system through unselfish and energetic play on the court. They are a breath of fresh air in this me,me,me world of professional sports.

Agreed, guys. Marc has been a hospitable hosts for us Sixers fans that need a place to discuss the team, and his analysis has been pretty spot-on throughout the season.

Now, I know there are still 10 games left, but I think it's time to start talking about potential playoff matchups. In my opinion, the Cavs are the best matchup for us barring an injury to Billups, Superman, or any of the Boston big 3. Of course, as the season grinds on, that prospect becomes more likely.

If we do play the Cavs, I imagine that Dre will be on Lebron most of the time, with Young Thad providing support off the bench. I think that's a decent defensive plan, but I'm worried how Dre will perform over a long series matched up against the much bigger Lebron. As I see it, Reggie starts at PF, he'll match up well against Ben Wallace, Varejao, or Joe Smith.

There are other interesting matchups in this series. What does everybody else think?

Marc,

the first comment on you blog, back in May 2007, was mine. I can say I started a trend (LOL). Seriously, u r doing a great job, congrats.

speaking of crowds, not sure how many of the eventual 20.000 would come to see Shaq

can you guys believe on Friday we have a real chance to SWEEP THE SUNS ??? who could have said that before the Phoenix game? I think that was one of the turnaround games in this exciting season

good night from Italy

Marc,

the first comment on you blog, back in May 2007, was mine. I can say I started a trend (LOL). Seriously, u r doing a great job, congrats.

speaking of crowds, not sure how many of the eventual 20.000 would come to see Shaq

can you guys believe on Friday we have a real chance to SWEEP THE SUNS ??? who could have said that before the Phoenix game? I think that was one of the turnaround games in this exciting season

good night from Italy

It's good to have a place to have a (normally) intelligent conversation about the Sixers. It's also good to see the crowds coming back. When the place is rockin', there's nothing better.
My wife and I gave up our season tickets a couple of years ago (and got a monster HD TV to watch games on). Good, but not the same.

Marc, my wife and kids call me a blogaholic, its all your fault. That!s a compliment!! Keep up the good work.

thanks to marc i can communicate with hardcore 6er fans like myself who've been feeling my pain for the last couple of years. its nice we're all feeliing something else now.

Marc,

I agree with the above remarks. You have done a great job with this blog. It is a must-read every day. In fact, the fan is on his feet, giving you a one-man standing ovation :).

Marc, I have no idea what 7,000 posts means as a mile post in the history of blogs, but I do know that this site is an enjoyable destination for this long-time fan. I often think it must be hard to crank out both an Inq-y game story and a Deep Sixer commentary post-game. Thank you for your ideas, moderations and efforts.

This is the first and only blog I have ever posted to. I read this blog every day and there are always a variety of interesting posts with fresh perspectives.

I have followed the Sixers in earnest this year from the NBA Draft, to watching every single pre-season game on TV to see how the rookies play, and most recently watching every game on TV.

To whoever thinks this team is not playing an exciting brand of basketball, I don't know what excites you. These guys are playing their hearts out, beating all comers, beating teams they have no business beating based on all of the youngsters they are playing.

Philly - you've got to love this stuff. This is true blue-collar, Rocky-like b-ball drama we are witnessing here. If these boys can keep it going and continue the upsets, I would not put it past them to go to the Finals again this year!

You heard it here first - this team can shock the nation and be the team that makes it out of the east. As for Boston, if we make it that far, we will run them right into the ground - that's how we will beat the.

Marc, congratulations on creating a venue for "Sixers Nation". Seriously I enjoy the posts and I have to admit it is great to read about so many charged-up 76ers fans. It has been a long drought for many of us old timers. It is a pleasure to watch this team play or better yet work. Many of their games are won not by better skill or shooting but instead by the attitude and energy the players display each game. They have figured out how to get over the hump and win games they have lost in the past. We are still a work in progress, however, we have also made considerable progress this season. This is truly a team that plays the game the right way. It is a team that is easy to embrace and pull for. Thanks again

Whoa, Jimmy. Love your fervor, but the Sixers will go to the Finals only if ol' #8 (in coda #10) Tony Taylor blesses himself before batting lead-off for Phils on March 31. 76ers are fun to watch though, deserve much credit for sheer hustle. Go Phlixers!

Check that: Taylor, in coda #12.

Sorry, Larry (another Philly great!).

jumpin johnny:

Nice Tony Taylor reference. What's next? Cookie Rojas punching his foot thru the Alpo sign in left center running down a fly ball? Or Wes Covington going deep over the Ballantine scoreboard?

Marc,
I have read the INQ online since I have been living here in NYC. It was also the best way to follow my sister Claire's work who had been both writer and editor in your sports department and before that the old Lady, the Bulletin.
I truly miss being able to see my 6ers, Phils, Eagles, Flyers and Big 5 on a consistant basis. Thank you because this blog truly helps me feel as if I am at the game or at least in some revolutionary era bar in Langhorne tossing back a few cold ones.
And a thank you to those teams because I bet every stupid New Yorker that I can find, although I have to admit the Super Bowl hurt even though I was rooting for the NFC representative, which I shall leave unnamed.
Been watching the 6ers since Wilt, Billy C, Walli, Luke, Chet (same vertical jump as Andre Miller) and my alltime favorite Hal Greer with the jump shot foul shot.
Growing up I was on hand for so many memorable Spectrum highlights with Doc, the Prince of Lovetron, Mo, Andrew the Boston Strangler, Bobby the preacherman, World B Free, Caldwell, Doug C and that group of dunketeers. Was there when Steve 'Sir Mixalot' Mix broke Brian Winter's nose in a half-empty house in a game 7 victory. Saw Wilt come back wearing his Overbrook jacket being led by two 6ers cheerleaders. Two of his near 30,000 women at the time.
Miss listening to Zinc, Bill Cambell, Whitey, By Sohm, John Facenda (a man Howard Cosell said could make a coin toss sound like armageddon), Harry K and all of the great dulcet tones of the ledgendary voices that added true Philly flavor to our teams. I even miss those giant Delaware river rats who lived in every crevasse of those old buildings.
So Blog on Marc and all you Philly Phanatics young and old.
Barton

Steve, Cookie could play some ball. Was clutch. The ultimate utility guy. Wes had a bad wheel from Braves days, but he could smoke a fastball with the best. Loved watching those little white spheres disappear over wall onto Somerset St.

Yo Barton:

A list of announcers without Les Keiter or Andy Musser is not a list.

And since we're waxing nostalgic this evening, I miss Sally Starr, Wee Willie Weber, Chief Halftown, Happy the Clown, and last, but not least, the dulcet tones of Larry Ferrari on the Wurlitzer.

Marc, Thanks! Hopefully, this Blog remains a thought provoking outlet for Sixers fans!

Yo Steve,
Can't forget Mr. Green Jeans? Obviously we need some Philly teams playing ball. Tommorow night with the 6ers and Villanova playing it will have us all on point and on the edge of our seats. Tonight I'm so relaxed my mind has turned to mush.
For now I'm not taking anymore calls from GM's. I'll stick with what we have till after the playoffs and see where we stand.
Barton

Larry Ferrari on the Wurlitzer. WOW! don't forget
Doctor Shock too!!!

Solid job as usual Mark. I really think this team can make some noise. They remind me of the 1999 team a bit. Upstart #6 seed takes on #3 seed Orlando and takes it to them. We definitely can win round 1 with the right matchup, say Cleveland, not sure about Orlando but you never know.
This team is just a joy to watch as it continues to grow. Love the young guys off the bench! Keep it rolling guys!

Marc,

Thank you for allowing us to have this forum to vent, present views and give kudos when appropriate. For all of the hardcore posters as well as those who are new here, I thank you for sharing your insights.

Looking forward to the these last few games and the playoffs.

Sky King, Rin Tin Tin, Mighty Mouse...come to think about it they all had character just like these Sixers led by MO!

Per Ricky-sixers4guidos Ciao ricky sono un grandissimo tifoso dei sixers dai tempi del grande dottore e del titolo vinto nel lontano 83'... vorrei chiederti se sai come posso vedere le partite dei miei amati Philadelphia visto che roja direkta non le trasmette più... te ne sarei davvvero grato!!! Cordialmente go Sixers

I haven't been this excited about a sixers team since "The Gene London Show!"

And....don't forget: send your pictures to dear old Captain Noah. Send Today, send right away....

Great forum Marc!

I actually prefer reading this blog to Jazner's columns (sorry Phil!)

Tonight, 48 minutes of pure entertainment. People who hate basketball or don't follow the NBA should tune in as they watch these competitors play the game of basketball as it was meant to be played!

also, go NOVA. They need to win tonight to be the biggest bracket buster of the tourney.

Like the blog, a breeding ground for interesting ideas and different situations. Since I can't go to the games, reading the pre- and post-game happenings makes me feel more part of the Sixers fan community.

As for the Sixers, let it roll to the playoffs.

Out.

it would be really REALLY bad, if Gordon Giricek lit us up tonight with 23 points.

DEFEND THE 3!

The Shaq and J Kidd moves have turned out to be busts. Look at what Dallas gave up for J Kidd. Dirk is soft, he is the guy Dallas needs to move. He is Dallas' version of D-Mac!

Tonight's game with Phoenix is another step toward being the best in the East.

Marc,
Love the blog!

This forum not only keeps me informed but also keeps me sane, being a diehard Sixers fan in Boston.

I just want to echo everyone else's compliments about the blog. Don't go changing!

I said it already this week, but i'll say it again since its today's topic - love the blog.

Speaking of topics - how bout tonight's game? Here's a few random thoughts - Matchup reggie on the Daddy? Phoenix coming off a loss to boston, we're coming off a recent boston win - are we seeing the intersection of a rising team and a falling team? suns just haven't been the same since the trade, seem to have lost some identity - something to consider for us when making offseason moves...

oh one more thing - go Nova. should be a good night of ball...

Suns should have kept Marion. Even though his attitude was pretty awful, he brought it to the floor every game. But I guess he was another locker room cancer. The Suns have been playing better, and I noticed in a box score that Shaq had actually logged about 42 minutes on the floor in an overtime loss to some team.

Do not anger the Diesel! Maybe we can get him into foul trouble again.

I am approaching this game tonite with a completely different mindset than any game so far this year. The mindset? It doesn't matter who they play anymore, I know they can win! This is one of the most exciting times to be a Sixer fan. I'd take these young guys and Cheeks, Lynam and Bibby leading any day over the Kobe's, LeBron's and glam boys. Team's win!

Steve:

Happy the Clown? Tremendous 60's reference! Does anyone remember Bernie the Bunyip?

KM:

Suns have had a 7 game win streak since the rough start to the Shaq era, they deserve to be favored tonight.

By the way, I saw your boy, David Padget from Louisville last night, and was impressed. He can run, defend and pass the hell out of the ball. He certainly looks like he could play and contribute in the NBA. He threw one 3/4 of the court length outlet pass that had me salivating. As well as a great pass to a cutter from the elbow.

I also was very impressed by suede's pick, Kevin Love. I take it back about his slowness, he's a player, very very skilled.

I hope the Sixers can D-up the Big Fella tonight... when we beat the Suns last time, they hadnt really jelled yet. they just went on a nice run mid-March and have been playing much better. the Big Fella has really stepped it up as well. its tough to stop him with no big bodies in there. with a win tonight , the sky is the limit over the last 9 or 10 games. 2 games vs Cleveland gives the Sixers home-court destiny in their hands. lookin forward to showin the Suns that they cant run with the Sixers

Slow day, so many senior citizens in here waxing nostalgic…

I’m a Philly guy, but work and personal reasons brought the city of Phoenix into my life, and the very first link I had with Phoenix was the Barkley trade. I was a big fan of Sir Charles, and I hoped he could win one out there but MJ just wouldn’t let him. I’ve always liked what the Colangelos did and I’ve almost always liked their players and coaches, but I’m not a big fan of the Robert Sarver/Steve Kerr/Shaquille O’Neal era. They’re the one team I don’t want the Sixers to meet in the finals, not because they can’t be beat, but I can’t generate as much hate for them as I can the other Western teams, especially the Lakers.

To change things up a bit, I wanna be a Phoenix fan for today, and try to look at the Sixers as an opponent, something I can’t do with any other team. So here goes – what the hell does Phoenix have to do to beat these upstart 76ers?

1. Andre Iguodala is going to kill you, just live with it. It’s easier to keep the other Sixers from contributing. Iggy’s biggest weakness is his unselfishness – you don’t really have anyone to guard him (you used to, but you traded Marion away) but he’s gonna pass the ball too much anyway. You want him doing stuff like driving and dishing to Reggie Evans and Willie Green, so double-team him late in the shot clock.

2. Looks like Andre Miller is gonna kill you too. He’s underrated offensively, so you actually want him to pass the ball. No one’s been able to shut him down offensively so far, and Steve Nash isn’t going to be the first one to do so. Don’t be afraid to double the guy.

3. Your biggest weapon against the Sixers is Amare Stoudemire. If you’re lucky, Mo Cheeks is gonna put Samuel Dalembert on Shaq, leaving Amare to have his way with Thaddeus Young and Reggie Evans. Dalembert has become one of the best low-post defenders in the game, and if he’s on Amare then find another option. Use him for a lot of kick-outs to open shooters.

4. Be patient in your half-court sets against the Sixers. Open three-point shots are easy to get against them, especially against the starters. Speaking of the Sixers’ starters, teams tend to do the most damage against them, so the most important quarters for you are the 1st and 3rd quarters; build up a lead and hold on. The Sixers don’t lose many 4th quarters.

5. You usually look forward to the other team’s bench being in the game, but if you don’t bring it against the Sixers’ bench they’ll throttle you. I’m assuming they’re gonna start Evans, which means the Sixers bring in Jason Smith, Thaddeus Young, Rodney Carney, and Lou Williams off the bench. About the only thing you can do positively against this bench is rebound, but that advantage is negated if Carney’s being aggressive. They’re fast, quick, and high-energy. They play great team defense – the swing guys make fast rotations, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith make smart rotations. The Suns bench has to match the Sixers’ bench energy. If you can go on some kind of run against the 2nd unit it unnerves them a bit.

Hey Vanilla Thunder, Sorry bro, it was Bertie the Bunyip. I was hoping my first post would have been a bit more killer then that factoid, but what the hell. GO SIXERS!

"You want him doing stuff like driving and dishing to Reggie Evans and Willie Green, so double-team him late in the shot clock."

Lol, you sure do.

Glad you liked padgett - that was a good game. Him and DJ White are both looking like second rounders - something to really think about. The thing about Padgett is it would only make sense to go after him if we decide in advance that sammy will be traded (say in the josh smith deal that keeps coming up). I've always thought padgett's style would work real well here, but if sammy stays i think we'd need White's toughness. Not saying we should or should not trade the hatian sensation, just a hypothetical.

I hear you that phoenix's recovered a bit from the shaq adjustment - but they have lost the last two to detroit and boston...interesting, no? Snippet from NBA.com - "The Phoenix Suns have already played the top two teams in the Eastern Conference on their current road trip, and they're about to face off against one of the hottest.The Suns will be trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season on Friday when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers.

and i was trying to get a rise out of some people to talk about tonites game, or something besides what a great blog this is :)

I am loving the way the boys are playing tough against the good teams and just dismissing the bad teams. We can beat Orlando in a playoff series, mark my words. I think that we're the type of team that the team that does beat us in the playoffs should be a favorite to win. We don't have the horses to pull it off yet, but the determined effort it will take to knock the Sixers out will serve any team advancing well.

Go Sixers.

Have seen another player of interest but not sure how tall he is. I think he's listed at 6'9". Not sure though if he is 6'9". The kid Duncan on Xavier. Very impressive and supposedly character guy. Intense good post moves & foul shooter. Haven't seen him on any draft reports.

KM:

I do think we could use a legit backup C. Datruth mentioned a couple days ago, I think. As much as Sammy has his detractors, we have a big drop off when he is out of the game. So I see no reason not to draft a skilled C in the 2nd round.

As far as tonight's game, my key is to, somehow, slow down Amare. He's a load at our weakest position. Maybe our best defense would be to get Shaq in foul trouble, thus forcing Phoenix to go small and move Amare to C.

Josh Duncan. He's a senior. 85% foul shooter, 50% from field, 12 points a game but only 4.7 rebounds. 6'9" 238 lbs. May be 2nd rounder .....

Morty, I could buy that re: a backup center. I guess it kind of depends on how you rank our priorities.

A 2nd round pick is a fairly low risk, and, if you get lucky, you can end with a Willie Green!

As for our 1st rounder, I wonder if it would be possible to move up to grab K Love? If so, I might think about doing that, spending a few cap dollars on a shooter like Mason that Datruth mentions and save the rest for trade moves in season or next off season.

The best part about this run in my opinion is that we're no longer getting "character" wins and "I can't beleieve we beat the (suns, spurs, celtics, pistons)...! We're legitimately good and we're flying under the radar. We're FAST but I wonder if we have a playoff gear? If we do, that is going to be SCARY because we are FAST to begin with.

Will be watching the game tonight at a local bar on Miami Beach. A great night to be a fan indeed. Reminds me a lot of the Phillies last year.

As far as K Love - Love to have him. definitely a great player, but i'd really have to take the cost of moving up into account. My thinking so far is based on the idea that we don't do any dealing at draft time - not cause i dont think we should, just cause im waiting to see how the lottery positions shake out.

What if K Love is still on the board at #10, and we're sitting at #18 - would you trade this years pick + next year's #1 for him?

You cant trade your number one draft pick 2 years in a row. You could kick in the conditional pick from utah though.

Snarf Snarf

S.F.W., Duncan offensively and build wise reminds me of a young M. Lucas. Not saying he is as tough but he is a possible 2nd rounder.

I'm glad to see Philly fans supporting their team!!!
I am looking forward to the playoffs.

General Comment on the draft:

I must say I like the new rule that forces young players to wait one year after their high school class has graduated before entering the draft. It seems to have taken a tiny bit of the guess work out of the draft and helped scouts get a better feel for the available players.

This really helps teams in the middle of the pack like the Sixers. Looking around at various "mock" darafts, it looks like there is some real quality players through the first round. The Sixers pick of Jason Smith last year being an example.

Unfortunately, both Smith and whoever the Sixers take this year will still need a couple years to develop. I'm not going to count on a draft pick, especially a non-lottery pick, coming in and starting for this team. And that's not a bad thing, it just means we are a good team. It's more likely we could find a future PG, a developing shooter (it took Korver a year to find his shot in the NBA) or an eventual back-up for Sammy.

If the starting PF next year isn't alreay on our roster, he'll most likely come via free agency or a trade.

B Frank

The Greek:

Thanks for the info, didn't know that. Weird rule.

Forget about Sammy's backup fellas. Reggie evans and Jason smith will the back up 4 and 5 for our very own 76'ers who WILL WIN AT LEAST 52 GAMES NEXT YEAR.

Worry about who our starting 4 for next year will be.

No Problem Marty, the rule was put in place to prevent teams like us from trading away our own number one draft picks for bums like roy hinson, kenny thomas, and toni kukoc.

If that's the case than I take it back it back about the rule. Can't be mad at something that protects us from ourselves.

I used to have a cousin Marty. He coached an AAU team out of the Jewish Y on Broad St. back in the '40s.

Morty and Greek, the rule gets weirder; you can trade back to back #1 picks, but you can!t trade back to back future picks; read this on SALARYCAP FAQ; ex.] you could trade our#1 this year and at the start of 2009 you could trade your 2009 pick.

Ben, I think it depends on the player. If for some reason we trade up and get Love [6 TO 10 PICK] I think he steps in and starts. Same with some of the sophs and juniors and seniors[ Douglas-Roberts, J.Gordon,B.Rush]. Personality has a lot to do with it. Look at Young and Carney, its a good example.

Thats funny dude, didn't realize the Marty slip Morty.

I expect to sweep the suns, and as crazy as this would have sounded last summer. I expect then to run the suns off the floor. And if we sweep them then the case can be made that we are a better team then them as of today. I never miss a game thanks to tivo, but the level of excitement and anticipation of every game since this run has started has been through the roof man.

Living in Jersey it's great telling my friends about this team called the sixers who have easily the most athletic team in the nba. And how there gimmick is to get out and run like the devil.

Suede,

I don't think that we will trade up for Love. I love Douglas-Roberts, rush and there 2 definite candidates.

with the 17th pick in the draft these are the dudes in our crosshairs as of today.

Randolph lsu
thompson rider
douglas roberts
collison
McGee 7 foot center out of nevada
augustin
arthur
speights

5 of those guys are big men

Kids, you stay tuned and sure as shooting we'll be right back with the Three Stooges.

Hope ya feel as good as ya look 'cause ya sure look good to your gal, Sal.

HALFTIME REPORT the Haitian sensation: shrinkage, mon.

I have seen the ghost of Spencer Haywood. Name: Amare Stoudamire.

Suns have no shot at championship. Are playing w/two partly-shot, formerly great, players: Shaq & Grant Hill.

Their ball movement is tremendous though. Every aspiring player should take note.

Steve Nash. What a feel for the game. Still a pleasure to watch.

Raja Bell: Defense plus. Found his niche. Good for him!

This is the second Friday in a row we've come out flat and fell behind big early. I checked and 13 of our 36 losses have come on Friday. So, as long as we don't have any playoff games on Friday, we should be pretty set.

Sammy D, career: 408 games. 8.4 pts, 7 rbs (many token). Given every due consideration, when push comes to shove, he's a sorry excuse for a center.