Deep Sixer

Since the Sixers locked up a playoff spot, how do you think they will fair in potential match ups:
http://www.reclinergm.com/76ers-are-in-the-playoffs/

I give them a pass this game coming off the high of clinching a playoff spot. I fully expect them to come out and play well and hard against Detroit next game.

Pretty natural to have an emotional letdown after the journey they have been on especially on a back to back vs same opponent.

Will be another test for Mo and his young team to see if they can get back at it.

Sixers need to treat the remaining games as playoff games, as the start of their new season.

I think last nights loss should be considered "seasoning" for our young core of players.

It's good, in a way, that Thad, Louie, etc have to stomach a letdown loss, and how much it sucks afterwards when you know you really should've gotten a "W."

Next time they will win a game like this!

judging by the number of post....we've all had a little let down after clinching the playoffs

Posting from a long way away (Australia), all I want to say is at the moment is that we WILL BE PLAYING IN THE POST-SEASON.

Let's face facts people - we are one of the top 10 teams in the NBA. And any comment about playing in the "weak east" is answered by our record against the west.

Enjoy this team, they are passionate and exciting.

Snarf???

Russell

Remaining games: Detroit, Indiana, @Washington, Cleveland, @Charlotte

Washington's games: Boston, @Detroit, Philly, Indiana, @Orlando

While the Wizards' schedule looks harder at first, Boston, Detroit, and Orlando have already locked up their playoff positions and may rest starters. Indiana won't make the playoffs. Their last real test is Philly, making that one a MUST-WIN.

The Sixers face a similar schedule, except that Cleveland will probably find itself clawing tooth and nail for the 4th position and homecourt advantage, making that a difficult one to win. Especially after coming back from a road game against the Wiz. I don't think Charlotte is going to play easy, either.

A game behind for the coveted 5th spot, that game against Washington will bridge the distance between these two teams. It will also decide the tiebreaker. Philly can decide their own destiny, but it may very well require winning their remaining five games to earn a trip to Cleveland.

Off until Wednesday. We'll see how they will respond for the remaining games. Looking for a 3-2 finish minimum.

Some thoughts on final four.
UCLA guards were taken out by Memphis. Collison definitely lost draft value. Douglas-Roberts value increased. After Love's mediocre game he could fall to the bottom of the lottery(If he comes out). If interested we may be able to get him be packaging draft picks or a pick/player. He definitely needs to get rid of that body fat.
That active Kansas feshman center will have a future in the NBA. Rush has an NBA game already. Chalmers may now come out this year.
UNC players talking about coming out better stay with the exception of Psycho T whose draft value will probably stay as they are now.

sfw,

Did you catch the Final Four last night? What did you think of Kevin Love and Tyler Hansbrough? To me, Love's stock slipped, while Hansbrough's went up. I hate all the "Great White Hype" Hansbrough is getting (Adam Morrison, JJ Redick, vomit...), but he was impressive against Kansas' NBA-level athletes, and I think he's gonna be pretty good in the NBA. All-Star, no. But definitely a starter. NBA teams are gonna get caught up in how much upside he has instead of how much he can help them win. I loved how even though Kansas was trying to keep the ball from him, he still found ways to contribute - that's gotta be a big plus, right? I think Hansbrough could really help out the Sixers.

I also love CDR for them - Calipari's motion offense is similar to Cheeks' right? I feel he could step in right away and help.

datruth4life,

I'm not sold on spending money on Turiaf. I think there are always guys like him in the 2nd round (Carl Landry, Leon Powe, Amir Johnson, Big Baby), and after reading scouting reports, it sounds like we have a Turiaf-type of player in Herbert Hill.

sixerz, what timing. Suede likes roberts a lot. I'm not completely sold yet. Still prefer Love over Hansbrough. He provides that post presence we're looking for but I think he needs to focus on conditioning or his knees won't hold up with that NBA schedule. Pscho T seems to be an NBA role player to me. Reggie evans who can make some shots. The main deciding factor may be their actual height. They may both measure up at 6'7". That wouldn't help either of them.

I want to talk about Willie Green last night. This scrub played basically the entire 3rd qt last night. He is back to shooting 1-11 that is a joke. No other team in the gets less from thier starting 2 guard. Ok He has acouple ok games here and there but that is the exception not the norm.

I do not understand why Cheeks leaves him in for so long when he is struggling it doesn't make any sense. Rodney Carney is coming into his own before our eyes plus he plays better D. I hate how Willie Green gets all low in his stance like he gonna do something than his man drives right by him.

The Sixers could have won that game if Carney got Willies mins that is the truth we had the lead cut to four in the 3rd when willie missed a three and then traveled on consecutive possessions.

When his shots go in it is such a surprise. Now I know Cheeks might be worried about messing up chemistry by changing the starting line up, so thats find leave him in the starting lineup but for gods sake please pull him with a quickness if he starts chucking up shots and missing and traveling and doing all those things that he does.

I don't wanna complain about this too much cause I do like the team Willie also seems like a great person, last night though he had me yelling at the TV.

suede and sfw
-- After arthur last night I can fairly say that I wasn't impressed. He really washe 4th best big man on that team.

CDR, and ellington were great and would thrive in our system taking away all of willie greens minutes. Or should I say the terrible willie green.

Also rush would look good on on squad and all three of those guys might possible be there. 1. cdr 2. ellington 3. rush

This was a disturbing let-down as far as I am concerned. The team still lacks the killer instinct necessary and either they learn it, or they will be chased out of the playoffs.

A win last night, and they would have been on-track to overtake Cleveland for the 4th spot and get home court advantage. Now, they are dependent on other teams once again.

No, none of the match-ups are easy, but having an advantage in the first round, would have been psychologically daunting to the Cavaliers.

There are no excuses, since Atlanta played the night before. Why were they fresh and ready for the game and the Sixers not?

Now, it appears the Sixers will have to win their remaining games to have even a chance to catch Cleveland. As it is, they will have to keep winning to avoid ending up with a lower seed than 5.

Arthur looked weak last night. From his body language and his look it didn't seem like he was all there. That kind of moody inconsistence spells headaches for the NBA. Pass on him.

Psycho T could be a good energy player off the bench, but I don't see him fitting a starting role on any legit team at the next level. Although he did manage to affect the game the Kansas frontcourt really minimized his role. His off-the-charts tenacity is the only reason why he even touched the ball last night.

The snarf has been dropped, it's comedic value has served it's purpose.

ED, as sure As i am that george falkowski has yellow rotten teeth is how sure I am that you read this blog.

Here is a thought ed, after the season call every single team to guage any interest on willie green. If the responses are lukewarm then take ANY expiring contract that we could get for him and if that isn't enough throw in a #2 and if that doesn't work throw in a second #2 and if that doesn't work then please alert us that we will have to live with him jacking up another 875 again next season

Oh, and I know he is probably out of our grasp, but how awesome does Westbrook look? Possibly the best defender in college ball with great driving ability and a smart finisher. He looks like he could be a real star.

Rick, I think the let down is understandable. How many of these guys were involved during our last playoff experience? Even Evans hardly played when Denver was in the playoffs.

Greek, yeah. Arthur has no defined offensive game. He's a finese power forward. I just read that Clark from Louisville is coming out. He's the same athletic forward but aggressive offensively inside and out. I would consider him. I think he is a legit 6'9" + in sneakers(NBA).
Not sure about Ellington's body being NBA ready. Seems like he's physical enough for a 6'3" 2 guard. He should stay one more year.

Greek, I mean ellington isn't physical enough.

I find it interesting that many of you are suggesting another 6'6'' swing man who plays a similar game to Iguodola, Young and Carney (CDR)after watching last night's game. What I saw was that his handle was a little suspect and Rose got him a ton of open shots.

Also, what are we going to do with another swing man - no wonder you all liked Billy King - he drafted the same position with three straight 1st round picks. Also, who likes Hansbrough? He takes every shot from his shoulder - he will get owned in the NBA with that _____. What is all this talk about a backup for Sammy? We NEED a POWER FORWARD - Alexander or DJ White or someone like that. Someone who can play with their back to the basket and also get out and run and hit an open J.

Also, for the know it all who said that we are a top 10 team - please see the top 10 in the Western Conference - joke.

I have to echo the comments of 2one5 regarding Willie, especially the point that no team gets less from their 2 guard than we do. Its as if we often win despite what he's doing out there on the court - which I can't say I understand exactly what that is. Last nights stats: 20 mins, 2 pts, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals. Not exactly filling up the old stat sheet. Is that what is expected of an starting NBA 2 guard? Let's be honest too, that's not exactly an unusual night for him.

I've accepted the fact that Ed and Mo want to maximize his value going into the off-season. And maybe they don't want to upset chemistry but come on, how much chemistry is being contributed by a guy perpetually shooting 20-30%?

Yes, the position is called "shooting guard" but the assumption is that you are shooting AND SCORING!

Mo, Ed - Please bench him now, give Carney the nod, and provide the team a chance to normalize before the playoffs start.

Positive from last night - Carney's 3 continues to fall. Has anyone heard him speak lately, also? seems like his voice dropped a full octave. the kid is growing up.

Im not sure that i really buy into Hansbrough for the 6ers either. as others mentioned, he was not as effective against larger players. If we're going to grab someone of potentially suspect size, I'd agree that DJ white is the way to go - much tougher, wider body. Also, if we're doing a second round big man, I wouldn't mind seeing padgett coming in to back up sammy. they can both run, but padgett's better in the half court offense and possibly a better man defender than sam. Don't think we'd get the same shot blocking, but hey, you can still have sam close the game out if that's what you need.

And yeah, been trying hard not to be negative, but d*$% willie...

SFW, ellingtons can stroke it from deep. We need somone like that, the biggest thing with ellington will be when he gets measured. If he is less then the 6'4 that he is listed then his stock will plummet. Willie green and AI are the only sg starters in the league sub 6'3, and thats because there special. Just kidding about willie, he is terrible

Hugh, I hear you bro. I cant believe it myself that I am barking fOR another 6'7 guy but memphis plays like the sixers and CDR is unstoppable on the break. His handle is terrific, and he is 413% from trey land. Basically Hugh, picking where we will be 16-18, it's best that we take the best available player then go for need. This kid could really help us in every phase of the game, half court, full court, outside shooting etc.

2one5, you're on point. Willie Green, 2 pts. A starting NBA shooting guard with 2 pts in a vital playoff race game. The 6ers definitely need a low post scoring 4, but getting rid of Willie for a better 2 guard is a close second.

hugh,

I remember you said you're a draft nut, or something like that. Who do you think we take with our 1st rounder this year? Are you saying we make a surprise pick by taking DJ White with 16th~18th pick?

About Hansbrough - so you're saying don't count what he showed last night against a physically big and tough Kansas squad? I thought he was overrated myself, and was looking for him to be rendered impotent last night, but he wasn't, and he was just as good as Kevin Love. For someone who hates how Sammy hurts the Sixers, I thought you'd be more appreciative of how much Hansbrough can contribute despite not being the most gifted athlete (I'm not saying white guys can't be athletes here, I hate that stereotype, but Tyler's just not - but Jason Smith is).

We don't HAVE TO take a power forward in the draft. That need can be filled another way. For example, Zeru's idea for getting Lamar Odom is a great one. Thad's been great at the PF spot. And what I'd love to happen, even though there's a small chance of it, is Jason Smith becoming that PF we're looking for.

How about this issue: Andre Miller is our 2nd best player, but that's only gonna last for 2~3 years. After that, Iggy better have a comparable sidekick. Maybe you can help me with this "Sixers' Best Offensive Players" timeline:

2008: Iggy, Miller, Lou
2009: Iggy, Miller, Lou
2010: Iggy, Lou, who?
2011: Iggy, Lou, who?

I also don't think you're considering what Mo's offense is like, with all its motion and need for dribble drive penetrators. CDR's been doing that for the past two years, and doing it extremely well, and I think he'd be a great fit on the Sixers because of that. And isn't being able to take what your point guard gives you and converting a great skill itself?

And you said it'd be a waste for the Sixers to get a point guard this draft. Again, how do we replace Miller in a couple of years? The transition between Miller to the next Sixers' point guard is looking more and more like it's the Sixers' biggest future issue. How about taking a point guard in the draft now and grooming him to be Miller's successor?

Sixerzguy,

Good points - I disagree re Hansbrough that he was very effective last night. He is a good energy guy and another poster echoed my thoughts about him in a previous post that he is a glorified Reggie Evans. He reminds me of Joakim Noah - do you want to know what the Bulls' biggest problem this year is - nobody on that team can shoot. Deng, Noah, Tyrus Thomas - excellent motor guys - but they can't stick it. Guys like that are ok if they are the only guy on the team that can't shoot - like Ben Wallace was on Detroit. Now you see why they are having problems - they made their play for Wallace and that just added to the list of guys who can't score on that team.

I am ok if they fill the PF role via FA (Brand, Odom, Smith) and then draft a Collison or Augustin, but I would rather keep Miller for now and see what is avilable at the next deadline or in next year's draft. I think the most glaring need is PF. I like Young on the wing and Iggy at the 2. Miller is playing well - maybe we could resign him for a 2 year deal or something after next year - or like I said - see what's available in next year's draft. Also, maybe Lou Williams steps into that role. Miller's expiring contract is like gold in this league. Also, we could possibly get a 2nd 1st round pick this year (or next year) - so maybe we can fill both needs this year. I just think White and Alexander would be good fits and would fill needs.

Forget about best player available. That is why Billy King no longer has his job. That is like the Eagles taking Kolb when they have obvious needs at WR and TE and DE and at S. Kolb may be good, but they have needs to fill. If you're always playing to be good in a few years, you're never going to be good - especially in the NBA - with the way the cap and rookie contracts work - it is not practical. You get stuck in situations like the Sixers are in now - having to resign Dalembert because his contract was up and he had one "good" series in the playoffs. He is extremely limited. You are forced to decide - one way or the other - on guys who you have been trying to develop - then you end up with Kwame Brown or Jermaine O'Neal - it can go either way. Lou Williams is another good example - what is he worth? What will another team offer him? How much years should we lock into him for?

Greek, If Iggy is our future 2(per Ed) and Thad is our 3 then Lou Will & Carney can serve as our immediate backups. A shooter would be nice but that power forward spot and maybe a backup point, preferably with size would be my preference whether through the draft/free agency or trade. We'll get a great chance to see if Lou & Carney's outside shot's continue to drop through the playoff pressure. If so, shooter may not be even on the radar.

Some of those college teams really pad the measurements. It will be interesting to see the size of these guys. Rumor has it that Psycho T is actually 6'2".

LOL - good one. That must mean Augustin is like 5'5''

Which makes Collison vertically challenged.

Over here cracking up laughing at Hugh and KM...This has got to be best/funniest entertaining blog I've read so far. What's even more funny is I find myself agreeing with almost everything that is said. Especially the Willie Green comments lol yall are crazy

I am here solely for entertainment - and to make excellent, irrefutable points.

Sixerguy,

I'm with you on a couple of matters..I think we should be playing Jason Smith alot more right now than we have been. I love the kids energy. If we could get him stronger and more confidence on the
block I think he is a stud.

Hugh

Also I dont mind drafting the best player available. 6,6 6,7 whatever...these are all the guys that have grown up idolizing Jordan thats why there are so many talented guys at that height playing simular games. Even 6, 10 - 7 footers want to play a guards game. Thats why big men and TRUE point guards are so rare because everybody wants to play mikes game. But give me another6 something guy any day over a passionless unconcerned looking guy like roy hibbert. Billy King smart because he knew those are the type of players that are carrying the nba right now because of the lack of development in true big men. And lets face it..We STILL dont have a clear cut answer at the 2 so why not? I like d.j white and i respect Love's bb I.Q but if we cant the ideal lets take the best

Man, it felt good going to the Sixers official website and seeing playoff talk...helped heal my wounded soul, lol.

The letdown last night wasn't unexpected. The Hawks present a lot of tough matchups for the 76ers. The four main ones are Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Childress.

Josh Smith is too quick for Evans and is a little too big for Thad. No one on our squad can guard Joe Johnson one on one. Sammy can guard Al Horford, but if the Hawks penetrate, the 76ers have no one else who can come over and protect the basket or block the show. Childress has just abused any and everybody off of the 76ers bench. Just like Orlando, we don't match up well against Hawks.

If I'm a Hawks fan, I'd be a little disappointed that I'm paying Mike Bibby $13M a year and Lou Williams has outplayed him in back to back games. Carney continues to play well.

I know the summer and the draft are still months away, but I am eager to see how this team will evolve going forward and what pieces Stefanski will add. I still think before all is said and done, Stefanski can maximize his assets next year by trading Miller in the last year of his contract. If not, then let him play it out and use the cap room to get someone younger going forward.

Who do you guys want in free agency and the draft?

Also, Marc, what are the extra protections that BK got for the 76ers no. 2 pick this year. It was top 45 protected BEFORE they swapped Fesenko for Herbert Hill this past draft and picked up future draft considerations for this year. That could be important because the 76ers could be picking later than 45 this summer.

There will be shooters available as well as players with potential in that area.

Strangely enough, if we move Dre to SG and drop Willie (please please please) then we might actually need another swing man as backup for Thad at SF. The draft could be a good place to do that. I still think our PF should not come from the draft, unless we can trade up for Love.

Of course that assumes Carney is becoming the real deal (I think I'm drinking the Carney kool aid despite a couple miscues last night.) In that case, Miller, Dre, Lou and Carney is a pretty good group of guards.

Back to PF, except for Love, there is no consensus impact PF in the draft this year. Which makes the potential of an Odom placeholder more and more attractive. Even more so if it would be possible to unload Green in that deal. Please let me know if I begin to sound like Dean was with Lowry, about this deal.

Morty, did you see Love go up and down the court last night. Playing at UCLA, I find his conditioning unacceptable. Maybe he has health issues. I'd want to really check him out prior to the draft. A Tuna pointed outthat he didn't jump for all 4 rebounds he got in the first half. I like his skill set but I wonder about his athletism and health.

Does anyone have any insight on whether or not Andre Miller will actually be looking to resign with the 76ers?

I can't make my mind up about CDR. Let's say he settles into the 2 spot since we already have excellent young 3s in Thad and Carney. If he rotates at the 2 with Iggy, I'm concerned about Lou. Can he become a legitimate backup PG? I've always thought of him playing an AI-like two. Space becomes an issue, even if Lou goes back between 1/2 and Iggy between 2/3. I'm having visions of the Chicago Bulls. If we can package him in a sign and trade deal somehow for a solid PF it would be worth it though.

I also think that drafting a PF in the late first round with the expectation that he can come in and start is not very smart, especially since JSmith and Hill are already on the radar. I do think that we can improve our backups both at PG (Ollie) and C (Booth).

I agree in regards to Jason Smith and have been saying that for a while. I would like to see him start over Reggie Evans. I would like to see more pick and roll with Miller and Smith as well as Iggy and Smith.

I understand the whole MJ effect - but pleae realize that most of these kids have never seen MJ play in his prime. They were probably 10 or so towards the end of his prime. I think it is MJ related - but more of an ESPN era thing than a Jordan effect- even though this could be a chicken and egg debate.

However, you do raise a very good point - one that I have argued for the last few years. The evolution of the big man over the past 10 years is one that I think has negatively affected the game. I am not saying big men who can step out and hit a jump shot and handle the ball is a bad thing - I just think that it is a product of the direction of the NBA. The 2 major influences in this over the lsat 10 years have been:

1) The influx of big men from Europe that can shoot (I will call it the Dirk effect). This has lead to guys trying to develop other parts of their came since NBA teams started to covet this type of player. Even Jason Smith has compared his game to Dirk's.

2) The incorporation of the zone. I think this has been one of the bigger mistakes of the NBA in the past 5-10 years. I was never a huge fan of the illegal D rule, but it forced guys to play more one on one and that forced guys to be better defenders or they wouldn't get minutes (Snow, McKie, Lynch and Hill made careers out of being solid defenders). This has phased out many of the smart/solid defensive players and replaced them with more athletic and less crafty/intelligent players. Could you imagine if there was no zone in the league now - Sammy would lead the league in illegal defenses. Teams would catch him leaning all of the time and then he would stay too close to his defender and he would be out of position for the help D. Not to pick on Sammy. This rule was obviously put in to help these young, athletic kids who couldn't defend anyone one on one. I have always hated this rule in the NBA. (Side note:I am also very surprised that more teams don't employ it against the Sixers - as they are not a very good perimeter team, although they have been better as of late.) This was David Stern's idea of jacking up scores, trying to attract more fans rather than appealing to the more passionate fans. I don't need to see 123 - 120 games with no defense.

Let's say Thabeet falls into our laps. Wouldn't it be great to unload Sammy's contract for a virtual twin replacement?

bob, can you say stiff.

bob, he does not have sames mobility. He's a more slow footed , straight up center who will block shots straight up and will only play the lane. He seems to me to be a real project. Don't want to wait.

S.F.W., up to 5 a.m. shooting pool, still recovering. Guys, after watching Sixers up to this point I think our needs are in this order; 1] low post scorer; 2]big that can stop a low post scorer;3]a big athletic, defensive pt. guard to play with L.Will off the bench;4] a backup combo 3/4 that can play with Thad.Seems like a lot but can 3 players solve all these issues, maybe.The only available players that can solve the first 2 needs are Brand,J.Oneal,Okafor,Nene,Hibbard[next to Sam for 20 min.a game]and possibly R.Lopez. All these players, except for Brand are 6!11" or bigger. If we are going to the playoffs for the next 5 years we have to have an answer for D.Howard,Duncan, Amare and co.D.J.White and Love give us the low post threat but can they match up with the stud big scorerS AT 6!8" . I don!t know.If W.Green is the 5th guard on this team he would be an option on nights when we are off offensively or have an injury to one of our top 4.I would love to come out of this draft with an athletic 6!5" backup point [K.Weaver] and either a combo forward[J.Alexander] or a big [Hibbard or Lopez] than get our final need with a trade or free agent.My buddy, the Tuna, wants Jamison; if we got Weaver and Hibbard in the draft and signed Jamison that would solve all our needs. By the way did you see A.Miller comment at the Phillies game about needing another scorer?

Suede, maybe he's politicing for Jamison. We've debated about winning & losing for draft position in the past AND maybe winning would motivate a player to want to come to the Sixers. That player could be Jamison.

S.F.W., E.Clark is intriging. Think he is over 6!8"? He could be that combo forward.

Suede, Yes I do. He's listed in college at 6'9". Not sure what kind of person he is BUT the more I think about Jamison, the more I like him. Averages 21.5 & 10.2 rebounds a game this year, Good person. He, Andre & Andre good combination with the young guys filling the gaps. Andre M. would like having another vet player(star) on the team. Doesn't hog the ball. Nothing not to like.

Its amazing how everything comes back to our p.g. Why did Denver,already with enough scorers, make that trade. What a class act and leader. How many players in the league, regardless of position, could have left a playoff situation like A.Miller and came in and had a positive affect like he has.

Hibbard stinks - Robin Lopez should have stayed another year. Why does nobody listen to me? Why do I keep hearing about stiffs?

Hugh, maybe because there are no guarrantees when you draft a kid out of college. The games are very different. If Hibbert is a stiff, then since he's probably getting drafted in the top 20, I guess the rest are stiffs and irrelevant?

A little dose of reality.
I've been ripping on Dorsey but hope he gets his degree and gets some NBA money.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23975581/

Robin Lopez averaged 10 and 6 to White's 17 and 10 - White is a much better prospect and fills the low post scorer and rebounder that we need. I am not worried, because as much as everyone on this blog is pushing for CDR and more guards - I know Stefanski will not make the same mistakes that BK made - he has been saying since day 1 that he wants a scoring PF - so I know he will get one this off-season and it will probably be in the draft since there is no real availability in FA.

DJ white is not even a top 20 draft pick. Hibbard played in one of the top conference in the nation and won back to back conference titles. You can't even can compare Robin to dj either. 6ers can pick dj white with the 46th pick. But their is player at Rider College is ranked higher than Dj white. He is not even on the national radar. He can be a steal at the 46th pick just like sweet lou was. I would not pick DJ white with the 16th pick. Maybe with the 46th pick.

Rumplestiltskin from West Chester County, NY. Remember that name. A real sleeper.

Hugh, its easy to make the "safe" pick but we already have a 6!8" forward that can!t guard the big stars in the league, why add another. You have stated your dislike of Sam!s abilities many times so do you just let Duncan, Howard , Stoudemire,etc. get their 30 pts. everytime they face us or do you address the problem.Hibbard is in an offense not suited for a low post center and shoots 65% from the field and is a better passer and defensive player than White, plus the fact he is 7" taller. He will be better in the pros when his teamwill actually run plays for him. Lopez is a better athlete than White and though raw offensively, will make a major impact down the defensive end right away. Players like Diogu and Millsap have a place in the league but at 6!8" ,like White they are limited usually to a backup role.
'"

Hugh, earlier you said we shouldn!t take the best player available, it worked out pretty well last year. We picked a 3 and with Korver gone and Iggy moving to 2, there may be room for a backup 2 or 3 depending on where Carney fits best.

No time to talk about the upcoming playoffs, it seems.

Why worry about who we can draft or pick up in free agency? We have this team for at least nine more games--they're exciting and rarely take a night off. They could spring an upset and will definitely make their opponent sweat. What more do you want right now?

The most gratifying thing about this season has been the team embracing a style of play that is just plain fun to watch. Pushing the ball, playing as a team, everyone maximizing potential (except Willie Green, jeez), and not only beating up mediocre teams but running the very best in the league off the floor.

Whatever happens in the playoffs this has been my favorite Sixers season since the finals run. I hope you all are enjoying it, too.

Sixerzguy,

The reason why I like Turiaf is because he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his talent. The same with Charlie V.

If you hit on them before they break out, then you got good talent under contract for a moderate salary. That is what the Wizards did with Gilbert Arenas. They took a chance on a player before he blossomed and became an all-star.

I'd like to get someone either young or in their prime to grow with this group. Also, you can get Turiaf just by signing him to a contract. Most of the PF prospects out there, the 76ers will have to give up draft picks and players to get. Jamison is a double-double machine, but how many years does he have left?

I'd like to keep this year's pick (unless you trade it for a starter) because there are some bigs to be had with potential. Like I said before, I am very interested to see what Stefanski does.

Datrue4life, If you could just offer money to get Turiaf it would work, but usually the agent and the team[Lakers] work out a sign and trade to benefit the player[money,years] and the team[assets].The Utah pick or J.Smith may get it done if the Sixers want him.Agree about finding an unknown young talent. Undrafted players like R.Evans and B.Wallace are where E.S. may surprise us. The drafting is a given, but finding a diamond in the rough is true genius.

Toronto has a really easy schedule to finish the season, to stay at the 6th spot we have to finish strong. I hope Wash. takes a while getting used to Arenas.

It worked out well last year, but next offseason means Carney is a FA and then the next means Young in one - how much money will we have for these guys if we sign anyone else in FA this year or next? What about Miller after next year too> We need to invest in a PF who can run - Hibbard is soooooooo slow and will get destroyed by the likes of Howard and Stoudemire. Robin Lopez is athletic - woopidy doo. Tyrus Thomas is athletic too - he can'st shoot to save his life. I don't want athletes - I want basketball players.

Hugh, Hibbard works against certain teams; [Boston,Pheonix,Dallas,Lakers], teams with 2 bigs. He is the best low post player coming out, if he was a 4 it would be a no brainer but there is still 20 minutes a game where Sam has to sit so even in a backup roll he has value. Lopez, I agree is a work in progress on offense but he scored 10 a game off of just putbacks and seemsw like a guy that will work to improve. The draft camps and measurements will make the final decision for E.S.. I like Whites game , he is a finished product but like when Battier was drafted as a "safe pick" over some unfinished guys that turned out to be better, sometimes you have to take that shot. If White measures 6!9" or bigger than go get him.

Agree on White - he was slotted around 15 or 16 a few weeks ago. I agree that the camps will decide who the picks is. Maybe we will get Utah's pick this year. He would be a steal at this pick - also, these draft projections are never accurate - this same site had Calathes in the mid 2nd round and his brother in the mid first a month or so ago.

Battier is a perfect example - he is an excellent defender and has the ability to score when needed - well coached and does not make mistakes. He is what Thaddeus Young should look to become - maybe a little more offense.

sfw, i think our future number one will be Thad. Now if they would only just give him the damn ball. I hear you Bro, we need a big man bad. But passing up cdr would be very hard.

Hugh,
You can go over the cap to resign you own players. Don't worry about resigning Carney and Young.
Personally, I wouldn't mind trying to trade a guy like Willie Green to move up in the Draft. I'm not sure I want to take a chance on an undersized White, a slow Hibbard or a project like Robin Lopez. I think there will be some real players available if you can get up to the 10th pick.
B Frank

B Frank

as stated earlier, we would all trade willie green for a used pez dispesnser and an expiring contract. And we should even throw in a number 2 to make it happen. Willie G is terrible as a starter.

you Guys have to check out Serge Ibakas profile.

://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/sergeibaka.html

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/sergeibaka.html

As i've said before, I'm a big White fan. But, Hugh and suede are absolutely correct that his true height will be an issue. If he's actually 6'9", he's the best PF on the board, bar none. If he's 6'8", its still a solid second round pick to make. Honestly, when i watched his team this year, he as the best player on his team - what i saw was eric gordon reaping the benefits of a solid low post player drawing double teams and covering up for his cold streaks by crashing the offensive glass. Someone made the comparison to E. Brand, and while i dont like to get into that kind of specuation, it could wind up being very accurate. But enough on that for now...

W. Irving...i saw that guy, i like his teammate too, I. Crain

The Greek:

Interestingly, the latest mock draft from that site has the Sixers picking Love at #17.

To answer sfw from above, Love did not have a great game the other night, but he seems to compensate his lack of quickness with positioning. Also, his high rate of blocks indicates that he is athletic enough to get the job done. Does he have to improve his body/ conditioning? Sure, but doesn't every player making the transition from college to the pros? He is only 19 after all. If he fell to 17, or close enough to move up a couple spots cheaply, I would be happy.

Greek,
Yes, I've seen that profile on Serge Ibakas before and have been surprised that most mock drafts don't have him going until the second round, with a few placing him late in the first. He sounds like a player to me, but who knows, I've never seen him play.
So be it.
Go Sixers!!!
-B Frank

The Greek,
The video of him on that web-site is some funny stuff. It looks like he is playing against high-school kids (which he probablly is - I didn't have the sound on because I'm at work).
If you want to watch a tall athlete dominate small white guys, go to Greek's link above.
-B Frank

In other PF news, Elton Brand has posted some pretty consistent lines in his 3 games back from injury.

Green, "terrible" as a starter on 39-38 squad? Have seen bad players pass through; he isn't one. Cheeks doesn't give him 26 min a game because he's chopped liver. Green must be doing something right. Not 'light it up' SG but servicable.

I saw Ibaka before - that clip is hysterical - it looks like the kids are about 14.

In regards to Ibaka - NI - Not interested!

b Frank - show me the GM who will trade the 10 pick for Willie Green and the 17 pick and I will show him the unemployment line.

How about Love at 17 and White at 26 - or wherever Utah picks - 2 PFs who can play in the Post - they would make Sam look like David Robinson. I know it will never happen - just throwing crazy things out there. A really good draft would actually be Collison and White (if we get that 2nd 1st rounder). We would get a solid PG and solid PF for the future. In 2 years:

Collison
Iguoadola
Young
White
Dalembert

Lou Williams and Jason Smith off the bench - package Evans and Green for an expiring contract or something.

If Sam can continue to develop - I like it.

If by "serviceable" you mean below league averages for SG's in rebounds, steals, TO's assists and scoring efficiency then yes, Green is "serviceable."

I would be willing to bet that if Green was replaced by a league average SG, our record would be at least 2-3 wins higher.

Hugh, are you sure you aren't living inside my head? haha...I like Collison and White as 1st and 2nd rounders also(think i posted on this a week or so ago). Only thing about collison is you're staring to run into some serious size issues - though about it, and just dont see how we could run him and Lou together, though their shooting would be deadly. As much as i wont miss green, I'm thinking his replacement needs to be at least his size. If we dont move Dre to SG, maybe we do go for another swing guy with the idea of making him an oversized SG...

The whole Love thing is kind of interesting - it seems like every time i check a draft board they have him going to us...I still have concerns about him as an athelete, but if he is actually there for the taking its worth a shot. He's definitely got the wide body, and seems to have the height, though again it will be real interesting to see when the official measurements come in.

Hugh, after watching Collison this weekend, I've soured on him. No size, No in between game. Don't want him at all. Need a bigger point or just say Lou.

Morty, if Love is available at our pick, I agree, just call his name. Worst case, he playes a role hear as a low post presence. I'd also consider a slight move for him.

All the remaining games are huge, but this Saturday vs. the Wizards is gigantic. As Marc noted, the Sixers and the Wizards each have five games left...

Sixers
Wednesday vs. Detroit; Friday vs. Indiana; Saturday at Washington; next Monday vs. Cleveland; April 16 at Charlotte

Wizards
Wednesday vs. Boston; Friday at Detroit; Saturday vs. SIXERS; next Monday vs. Indiana; April 16 at Orlando

So, basically, to capture fifth place, the Sixers just have to: (1) beat the Wizards on Saturday and (2) do no worse than match the Wizards' record in the other four games. This would lead to (at worst) a tie between the two teams, which the Sixers would win as a result of winning the season series 3-1. [This also presumes that the Raptors will continue to slide and won't really figure into the picture.]

Hugh, I also would like a young point and p.f.. If White is their player then trade down for a late first and a second rounder.Weaver reminds me of a M.Cooper type defender and is almost as quick as L.Will. with the ball.He is unselfish and though listed at 6!6" looks closer to 6!5".Portland has 3 #2 picks and Seattle has 4. We lose our pick because it is protected to #35.Portland has 7 unsigned guys oversees, they can!t podssibly want to add anymore.

Morty, For evaluating Green or any other player, it's not all in charts and numbers. I'd be willing to bet against your surmise, but there's no way to prove your hypothetical. Defensively, Green's above league average for SGs. Do you take that into account?

Alan, could not disagree more that Green is above average defensively. He is not quick enough to stay in front of his man, not big enough to muscle his man, and doesn't seem to play great help defense as noted by his consistent lack of steals and blocks. All the advanced stats show that Green makes our offense and defense worse when he is on the court. Not much to debate, and you can see that with or without stats.

Willie seems like a nice guy, so this is no comment on him personally, just that he is a below average NBA SG, and even more below average as a starter.

It!s not Willie!s fault he is starting, but it seems out of necessity now.If Iggy becomes our 2 than Willie can be put in as the 4th or 5th guard on the team. Then he becomes a valuable asset.If he is tradeable on draft night for an unwanted player [Redick?] or a 2nd rounder, the Sixers may pull the trigger.

I agree on Collison's size - but in terms of PGs in this draft - he is 2 or 3. Of course rose made mince meat out of him, Neitzel and Augstin but he is a stud and will be one of the best in the league in a few years. I think Collison has some game and he can definitely stroke it. he can also penetrate very well and with a year or 2 behind Miller - he could be a good starting PG in this league.

I am not in love with him - just something to consider if we have 2 first rounders. I want Love, White or Alexander with our 1st pick if we don't have a 2nd 1st rounder. I also have to agree that Love is the guy if he is there. he is only 19.

Morty, Fair enough. We have divergent opinions. Watch Green's defensive play against Detroit (a difficult team to man up with pick-and-rolls, spot up shooters, patience). I'm confident he'll be respectable.

Alan:

I hope so as well. I don't root against Green. We're all Sixers fans, so when the games come around I'm on Green's side. I just hope that next year we upgrade.

Just a word on Willie - last time we played detroit he was sitting, and we won. Dre played a lot of two, and between him and Carney we had above average defense. It was the first time in a while that Tayshaun didn't light us up (like he usually does when willie takes him).

Im not a Willie hater. He has skills as a slasher. That has value in the NBA, its just that we dont need that skill. we have other guys - both dres, carney, lou, and thaddeus is starting to show also - who can get to the rim and contribute in other ways to boot. Most importantly, though, willie is a poor fit because he just doesn't have that team 1st instinct that most of our guys do...watch what happens next time he gets the ball in his hands - everyone else stops moving, or if they do move it just for rebound positioning - no one expects to get the ball from him and as such the "motion offense" lurches to a halt...and even worst when he does try to pass it doesn't get caught because guys are looking away. I think that a stronger willed coach might be able to reign him in and tell him that he is either to drive or pass and is only to jack up a shot if the clock is running out, but that's not Mo's style - so again, just a poor fit here.

Hugh, I think when this draft is further scrutinized it will be deemed a poor draft for point guards with the exception of the memphis pt.
Guards like Augustin(scoring point guards) fail more often than succeed in the NBA. If not for his decent 3 pt shot, Collison would hardly be draft material. He just has no lift to his game. He's quick but doesn't sky like AI and he has no intermediate offensive game.

Hugh, Bayless is also a big question to me. I've seen a couple games Arizona played and hardly noticed him.

SFW I am with you bro, after watching collision this tournament I don't want him anymore.

Morty the funny thing about that mock was that it was done yesterday. Love fell from 10 I believe down to us at 17. Agreed, if he is there lets draft that strong young fat bastad.

CDR abd Rush shot up the mock board from early 2nds/late firsts to the late teens. Right in our zone. CDR and Rush are also competing to see who will get picked first on draft day. They both know that this matchup could make and lose them millions.

Also, If we plug te 6'7 CDR to start at 2, taking away all of Willie G's minutes imagine how much better we would be.

miller
CDR
iguodala
Thad
Sam

bench
lou
carney
willie(if we cant trade him for gum)
J. Smith
evans
Hill
And don't forget about the 11 million that we have to add to a player to the sexy list above.

Sfw

The games taht I saw Bayless he was lights out cuncoverable. It doesn't matter to us though because he will be long gone by the time that we pick.

After excluding players projected to go in the top 10, there isn't anyone that excites me and/or fills a need other than Love. If Love is off the board, I might be tempted to move our # 1 for the right deal. It's too much for Odom, but who knows what might be possible.

Greek, I'm told Bayless looked better later in the year. I didn't see those games but I really wasn't impressed.

I'm concerned that CDR is another Greg Kelser or others who looked great in the tournament but didn't have success in the NBA. Wasn't he projected to be a 2nd round pick just a week or 2 ago. I think 1 or 2 games have vaulted him up the charts. Those shots in the lane won't come so easy in the NBA. He's not the strongest player. I doubt if he comes in and starts for any team in the NBA. It ain't that easy. There are plenty of examples out there.

Morty - Im with you. that's why i've mainly been focusing on second rounders. Someone mentinoed we might trade that 1st round pick from Utah to pick up an extra 2nd rounder or two - i don't think its a bad idea (esp. since with all the restrictions that pick is basically like a 2nd round pick anyway)

I have to say though, CDR as an SG sounds pretty interesting. Have to say i haven't seen alot of memphis games, though. anyone wanna fill me in on his consistency on defense, as a shooter?

SFW

I had the good fortune of seeing many Memphis games this year. At first I was scouting Rose because I thought that we might have a 5-7 pick. Remember those days? From the first game that I watched CDR just flat out impressed me. This year he is shooting 413% from deep.
And check out his fg% in his 3 years
531%
543%
544%

The dude can flat out score, his game translates well in the half court because he is so creative in the way that he scores. And the dude thrives in transition, flat out unstoppable. Memphis play the same exact way that our sixers do.

Greek, Why was he undervalued?

Look when I saw his name and Rush's being mentioned for the top of the 2nd/late 1st I just couldn't understand it. Maybe everyone is too busy pouring The Jesus Juice on Derek Rose to realize that CDR is pretty damn special himself.

Thanks to all the great posters on here, especially those keeping the focus on this year.

What is implicitly stated in all the talk about the draft and free agency is that many don't give this team as it is constituted any shot for the rest of the year. Why else would posters spend so much time talking about needs instead of potential? Is talking about our possible playoff matchups boring already?

Get back in the moment and enjoy this run, everyone. Remember that this Sixers team with its current players (plus Korver) was predicted to finish very close to the bottom of the league. In the preseason ESPN power rankings it was stated that the Sixers might be the only team in the East with no reasonable shot to make the playoffs. Most, including myself, were on that end of the spectrum of thinking, but we all evaluate the situation differently now.

These next five games plus the playoffs are the best barometer for THIS team's ceiling. Obviously from this vantage point the team is not all the way there as one of the elite franchises, but how far away are they? Would K-Love be enough of an upgrade at PF or do the Sixers need a big splash like Brand(who Simmons thinks the Sixers have the trade bait to pick up)? These are tantalizing questions for next year, but what about this year?

Is it that Saturday's loss increased everyone's anxiety and rather than express that we automatically turn out attention beyond the present? Well, losses are going to happen--how is this team going to pick itself up? If we're waiting for Turiaf, Brand, Love, Rush, Rose, or Beasley or some other piece to come in and do it then we're saying this team can't.

Let's see what this team can do.

Yo! Check this kid out Nathan Jawai@youtube.com A this kid is a beast late second rd. 6'10 282 and can run and defend w/ low post moves over in Euro.

Yo! Check this kid out Nathan Jawai@youtube.com A this kid is a beast late second rd. 6'10 282 and can run and defend w/ low post moves over in Euro.

Other, just small talk in between games with bloggers. Most feel the same as you.

SFW - right on. I like to talk about the off-season, because that is where we are going to make this team better. If we get the 6, 7 or 8 - we are out in the 1st round for sure.

If there was a game yesterday, I would probably be ripping Sammy - instead, we are talking draft.

The Other Craig,

Lets talk about the matchup with Orlando - Dwight Howard overpowers Sam and the rest of the team bombs away against our poor perimiter defense.

Lets talk about the matchup with Detroit - we get swept as our lack of experience is exploited.