Braves Beat Phils: The Phillies managed only one run against Braves' starter Kris Melden. That run came in the 2nd inning, when Shane Victorino's RBI single scored Brian Schneider. The Phillies had trouble with runners in scoring position. For instance, in the bottom of the 4th, with 2 men on and none out, the Phillies failed to get either run home. The Phils got 9 hits against Melden but did not register a hit against the Braves bullpen.
Joe Blanton looked good right up until the 6th inning. The Braves got their first hit in the 5th and Blanton looked to be in control. One big inning did him in. In the 6th, he allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, and no home runs. Still not a bad outing for Blanton. You're not going to win with one run.
Union Crushed: Real Salt Lake, defending MLS champions, showed the Union exactly why they are champions. They dominated the Union, beating them 3-0. The Union had defense lapses. On one of the goals, a union defender watched as a Salt Lake player went past him and scored. It is tough on the Union (1-6) because they have played 6 of 7 games on the road. They did win their only home game.
Sixers Coaching Update: According to Philly.com, the Sixers will meet with both Bill Laimbeer and Dan Majerle in the coming days. Laimbeer, a former Pistons star, has been very successful coaching in the WNBA. Will he be able to make the jump to the NBA? Majerle is a Phoenix Suns assistant coach. Shouldn't he be worrying about the San Antonio Spurs?
Showing posts with label sixers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sixers. Show all posts
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Daily Roundup: 5/5/10
Flyers Lose Again: It doesn't look good for our Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins put a whippin' on the Flyers, as the 4-1 score indicates. The Flyers out shot the Bruins 35-20, but they only managed one goal against Bruins' goalie Tukka Rask. Rask really stole this game for the Bruins. He was outstanding in net tonight.
The Flyers took their only lead of the series early in the first period. Arron Asham scored that early goal for the Flyers. Less than 4 minutes later, the Bruins had themselves a 2-1 lead after goals from Blake Wheeler and Miroslav Satan. The second period went by scoreless. In the third, former Flyer Mark Recchi scored on the power play. Maybe Brian Boucher could have stopped a one of those goals, but it's too late now.
The Flyers put much more pressure on the Bruins offensively this game, but unfortunately their was a rock in the net. It will be very hard for the Flyers to come back in this series down 3-0. It would be historic if they did, but even I believe they're done.
Phils Shut Down Cards: Kyle Kendrick pitched 7 shutout innings for the Phillies in their 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kendrick gave up 6 innings and struck out 3. Maybe this is a sign that Kendrick is coming around, and that he can become a valuable pitcher in the rotation.
The Phillies didn't get a hit until the 4th inning, when Shane Victorino singled off Brad Penny. Placido Polanco followed that up with a home run to break the scoreless tie. Shane Victorino then homered to lead off the 6th inning. Greg Dobbs hit an RBI double in the 7th to cap the Phillies scoring.
Sixers Update: Mark Jackson's agent has informed the Sixers that his client has declined an interview for Sixers head coaching job. Jacksons agent had this to say: "It’s just not the right situation for him at this time." Well, no kidding! Why would Jackson want his first head coaching job to be with a team that stinks, draws small crowds, and has their money tied up.
According to philly.com, the Sixers are trying to schedule a meeting with former Sixer Monty Williams. Williams is an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Coming Tomorrow: Phillies wrap up series against Cards with a Halladay
The Flyers took their only lead of the series early in the first period. Arron Asham scored that early goal for the Flyers. Less than 4 minutes later, the Bruins had themselves a 2-1 lead after goals from Blake Wheeler and Miroslav Satan. The second period went by scoreless. In the third, former Flyer Mark Recchi scored on the power play. Maybe Brian Boucher could have stopped a one of those goals, but it's too late now.
The Flyers put much more pressure on the Bruins offensively this game, but unfortunately their was a rock in the net. It will be very hard for the Flyers to come back in this series down 3-0. It would be historic if they did, but even I believe they're done.
Phils Shut Down Cards: Kyle Kendrick pitched 7 shutout innings for the Phillies in their 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kendrick gave up 6 innings and struck out 3. Maybe this is a sign that Kendrick is coming around, and that he can become a valuable pitcher in the rotation.
The Phillies didn't get a hit until the 4th inning, when Shane Victorino singled off Brad Penny. Placido Polanco followed that up with a home run to break the scoreless tie. Shane Victorino then homered to lead off the 6th inning. Greg Dobbs hit an RBI double in the 7th to cap the Phillies scoring.
Sixers Update: Mark Jackson's agent has informed the Sixers that his client has declined an interview for Sixers head coaching job. Jacksons agent had this to say: "It’s just not the right situation for him at this time." Well, no kidding! Why would Jackson want his first head coaching job to be with a team that stinks, draws small crowds, and has their money tied up.
According to philly.com, the Sixers are trying to schedule a meeting with former Sixer Monty Williams. Williams is an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Coming Tomorrow: Phillies wrap up series against Cards with a Halladay
Monday, May 3, 2010
Daily Roundup: 5/3/10
Phillies Lose 6-3: In Joe Blanton's first start of the season, the Phillies let down the sold out crowd at the Bank. Big Joe pitched 6 2/3 innings, gave up 10 hits, 4 runs, and struck out 4. Not bad for a guy who hasn't started a game for the Phils since the spring. He pitched six strong innings, giving up only 1 run. He fell apart in the 7th. He gave up a homer and two hits before getting pulled in favor of Nelson Figueroa.
Nelson did not help out Big Joe. He threw a wild pitch then intentionally walked Matt Holliday to load the bases. David Freese cleared the bases with a 3-run double. Two of the runs were charged to Blanton. Figueroa gave up another run for good measure.
The Phils did hit two homers, but they were both solo shots.
Sixers Coaching Search: The Sixers are continuing to talk to potential coaching candidates. Today they met with Avery Johnson. Johnson was also in the mix last year when the job was open. The Sixers have also contacted Mark Jackson, a TV analyst who has never been a head coach in the NBA. The Sixers met with Doug Collins, who has coached in the NBA and played with the Sixers.
Sixers GM Ed Stefanski: "We had an informative meeting and open dialogue with Avery today regarding our head coaching position. His reputation as a motivator and accomplishments as a head coach in the NBA are well-known and I certainly want to thank him for taking the time to meet with us."
Coming up tomorrow: Eagles training camp update, Phillies continue series against Cardinals, and Sixers continue to search for coach.
Nelson did not help out Big Joe. He threw a wild pitch then intentionally walked Matt Holliday to load the bases. David Freese cleared the bases with a 3-run double. Two of the runs were charged to Blanton. Figueroa gave up another run for good measure.
The Phils did hit two homers, but they were both solo shots.
Sixers Coaching Search: The Sixers are continuing to talk to potential coaching candidates. Today they met with Avery Johnson. Johnson was also in the mix last year when the job was open. The Sixers have also contacted Mark Jackson, a TV analyst who has never been a head coach in the NBA. The Sixers met with Doug Collins, who has coached in the NBA and played with the Sixers.
Sixers GM Ed Stefanski: "We had an informative meeting and open dialogue with Avery today regarding our head coaching position. His reputation as a motivator and accomplishments as a head coach in the NBA are well-known and I certainly want to thank him for taking the time to meet with us."
Coming up tomorrow: Eagles training camp update, Phillies continue series against Cardinals, and Sixers continue to search for coach.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Daily Roundup: 4/29/10
I am starting a new segment called daily roundup, in which I comment on some of the major sports topics of the day.
Kolb Gets Extension: Kevin Kolb, the Eagles starting quarterback has received a contract extension. Kolb was only under contract for the upcoming season. This deal guarantees Kolb with be with the 'Birds for at least two years. The Eagles hope he'll be their starting QB for much longer than that though.
The deal is worth $12.26 million of guaranteed dough over the next two seasons. That's a lot of money for a guy that hasn't started more the two NFL games. It is evident the Eagles are very confident in Kolb. This deal basically means Kolb will get two years to prove himself in Philly.
Kolb: "I'm not trying to prove anybody wrong, I'm trying to prove this organization right for making this move. I know there are a lot of expectations. When you get an extension and you get the starting quarterback position, regardless of where you're at, there's a lot of pressure and responsibility."
Lidge Off DL: Phillies closer Brad Lidge was activated off the disabled list today. The Phillies will send down lefty Antonio Bastardo down to make room for Lidge. Hopefully, Brad can help sure up a shaky bullpen by shutting teams down in the 9th, something Ryan Madson couldn't do.
Antonio Bastard didn't get a lot of outings, but when he did pitch, he pitched well. Bastardo was the only option for the Phils because all of their other relievers could have been exposed to other teams had they been sent down.
Charlie Manuel (on whether Lidge will close right away): "I don't know. We’ll have to see where we’re at with that. I’ll just play it by feel. I’ll talk to him first and see where he’s at and how he feels."
Sixers Still Looking: Rumors have been swirling all week about who will land the Sixers coaching job for next season. While Larry Brown has been talked about, other candidates are also being contacted by the Sixers. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Sixers have contacted Avery Johnson and the agent for former Sixer Doug Collins. They have also pursued some high-ranked assistant coaches and talked internally about Jeff Van Gundy.
The Sixers have so far denied all Larry Brown rumors. I think Larry would be the best fit for the job. His family lives in the area. Brown has turned around teams before and that's what the Sixers need, a turnaround. They should also make Brown the president of basketball operations.
Kolb Gets Extension: Kevin Kolb, the Eagles starting quarterback has received a contract extension. Kolb was only under contract for the upcoming season. This deal guarantees Kolb with be with the 'Birds for at least two years. The Eagles hope he'll be their starting QB for much longer than that though.
The deal is worth $12.26 million of guaranteed dough over the next two seasons. That's a lot of money for a guy that hasn't started more the two NFL games. It is evident the Eagles are very confident in Kolb. This deal basically means Kolb will get two years to prove himself in Philly.
Kolb: "I'm not trying to prove anybody wrong, I'm trying to prove this organization right for making this move. I know there are a lot of expectations. When you get an extension and you get the starting quarterback position, regardless of where you're at, there's a lot of pressure and responsibility."
Lidge Off DL: Phillies closer Brad Lidge was activated off the disabled list today. The Phillies will send down lefty Antonio Bastardo down to make room for Lidge. Hopefully, Brad can help sure up a shaky bullpen by shutting teams down in the 9th, something Ryan Madson couldn't do.
Antonio Bastard didn't get a lot of outings, but when he did pitch, he pitched well. Bastardo was the only option for the Phils because all of their other relievers could have been exposed to other teams had they been sent down.
Charlie Manuel (on whether Lidge will close right away): "I don't know. We’ll have to see where we’re at with that. I’ll just play it by feel. I’ll talk to him first and see where he’s at and how he feels."
Sixers Still Looking: Rumors have been swirling all week about who will land the Sixers coaching job for next season. While Larry Brown has been talked about, other candidates are also being contacted by the Sixers. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Sixers have contacted Avery Johnson and the agent for former Sixer Doug Collins. They have also pursued some high-ranked assistant coaches and talked internally about Jeff Van Gundy.
The Sixers have so far denied all Larry Brown rumors. I think Larry would be the best fit for the job. His family lives in the area. Brown has turned around teams before and that's what the Sixers need, a turnaround. They should also make Brown the president of basketball operations.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sixers Hire Jordan
As I was watching the Phillies-Nationals game, an alert was put on Comcast Sportsnet reporting that the Sixers have found their new head coach. Eddie Jordan will be the coach for the 76ers next year. Jordan has coached part of eight seasons in the NBA, with the Kings and Wizards. So Jordan definitely has the experience.
Jordan made the playoffs with the Wizards four consecutive seasons, form 2005 to 2008. But he has only reached the second round once in his career. His best season was in 2005 when he lead the Wizards to 45 wins and made it to the second round.
Do I think this is a good hire? Well, you can't really tell until next season. I am not going to come and say that this is a great hire or a mistake. We simply don't know until the next season.
Jordan made the playoffs with the Wizards four consecutive seasons, form 2005 to 2008. But he has only reached the second round once in his career. His best season was in 2005 when he lead the Wizards to 45 wins and made it to the second round.
Do I think this is a good hire? Well, you can't really tell until next season. I am not going to come and say that this is a great hire or a mistake. We simply don't know until the next season.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sixers Stun the Magic
The Philadelphia 76ers have just finished a great thriller of a game in Orlando against the Orlando Magic. It was Game 1 of the series and the Sixers won the game, 100-98. Andre Igoudala hit the game winning shot with 2.2 seconds left in the game. The Magic are the big favorites in the series.
I missed the first half of the game, but I saw the whole second half. The Sixers were came back from 18 points in the second half to win the game. The Sixers played great defense in the fourth quarter and executed great on the offensive side of the ball.
Andre Igoudala hit a fade-away jumper from the foul line to win the game for the Sixers. Hopefully, this fantastic win will fuel the Sixers throughout the series.
I missed the first half of the game, but I saw the whole second half. The Sixers were came back from 18 points in the second half to win the game. The Sixers played great defense in the fourth quarter and executed great on the offensive side of the ball.
Andre Igoudala hit a fade-away jumper from the foul line to win the game for the Sixers. Hopefully, this fantastic win will fuel the Sixers throughout the series.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sixers Win in Last Game at Spectrum
I just got back from the Spectrum to watch the Sixers play their last game there before it is knocked down. It is an historic moment in Philadelphia sports because the Spectrum hosted the Sixers and Flyers for many years. Although, they no longer play their, both team's championships have come there. Many former Sixers were there including Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Moses Malone.
The Sixers ended up winning the game 104-101 over the Chicago Bulls. It was a hard fought game for the Sixers and they deserved to win. Thaddeus Young played a terrific game, scoring 31 points. He is really progressing for a player only in his sophomore season in the NBA. Another good, young player, Marreese Speights, added 10 off the bench for the Sixers. I think these two players will soon be the face of the Sixers.
Before the game, Dr. J made a nice speech, basically thanking all of the Sixer fans. It was a nice token from a guy who has become an icon in this city. When they announcing the former players there, the Doc's cheers were probably twice as loud. It was a special moment for all Sixers fans.
I am very happy I attended the game. I (along with many other Philly fans) have made many memories at the Spectrum. No, it's not as big or convenient as the Center, but it sure does get a heck of a lot louder in there. The floor is sticky and the hallways are cramped (forget about leg room), but the Spectrum will always be "America's Showplace."
The reason they are blowing up the Spectrum? It's to build a hotel combined with a mall. I don't know where they are going to get the money for that but that's the plan. And, quite frankly, it's a waste of a stadium. Who needs more hotels or malls? I would much rather have the Spectrum.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
No Sixers in the All Star Game
The 2009 NBA All Star rosters have been announced. There were no Sixers elected to the squad. Elton Brand certainly did not earn the spot (although he may win the "Biggest Waste of Money" award). Andre Iguodala isn't consistent enough to win a spot among the stars. But I think I could make a case for point man Andre Miller. Miller is the best player on the Sixers. Well, he seems to be playing the best at least.
Miller averages 16.2 points per game, to go along with 6.3 assists. That means he usually contributes 22 points per game (add the points and assists). Even though Miller is shooting style a little bit unorthodox (I wouldn't exactly call it a rainbow), he comes up clutch game after game for the Sixers.
Shaquille O'Neal also was elected to his 15th All Star contest. Most people will argue against this decision. They will say that Shaq is too old, and they only voted him in because of his popularity. Basically, they are calling him a has-been. I support Shaq going to the All Star game. He still has great numbers for a center (18.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg). The fans vote, so you know it is a popularity contest. Shaq is liked by the fans because of his personality. Maybe if Andre Miller showed some of Shaq's personality, it would be him going to the All Star game.
Miller averages 16.2 points per game, to go along with 6.3 assists. That means he usually contributes 22 points per game (add the points and assists). Even though Miller is shooting style a little bit unorthodox (I wouldn't exactly call it a rainbow), he comes up clutch game after game for the Sixers.
Shaquille O'Neal also was elected to his 15th All Star contest. Most people will argue against this decision. They will say that Shaq is too old, and they only voted him in because of his popularity. Basically, they are calling him a has-been. I support Shaq going to the All Star game. He still has great numbers for a center (18.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg). The fans vote, so you know it is a popularity contest. Shaq is liked by the fans because of his personality. Maybe if Andre Miller showed some of Shaq's personality, it would be him going to the All Star game.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Igoudala Locked Up
Sources have just told ESPN that the 76ers and Andre Iguodala have agreed to a huge multi year deal. The deal would keep the forward/guard in a Sixer uniform until 2014 and pay him 80 million. He averaged close to 20 points per game last season along with 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Iguodala is also a very good defender. Don't expect Iguodala to average as many points because now the Sixers have a proven scorer in Elton Brand. Iguodala was a restricted free agent.
This will set up two good players in their prime for a long while, which the Sixers were unable to do with Allen Iverson. Elton Brand (the other player) is also locked in a deal with the Sixers. The 1-2 tandem of Brand-Iguodala (and possibly Thaddeus Young) will put the Sixers on the map in the East.
Iguodala is especially lethal in fast break situations, and he can also drive to the hoop. One of the most breath-taking players in the game, Iguodala can dunk on big men in the lane. Although Iguodala is not the greatest shooter, he can still knock down some long distance shots. Very streaky as a shooter.
So now with Iguodala signed, general manager Ed Stefanski can sit back and watch the Sixers shoot to the top of the East. Knock on wood (or Elton Brand's Achilles tendon). Anything can happen in basketball, just look at the Sixers surprise season last year.
I am actually excited for Sixer basketball for the first time in several years. I remember what the papers were saying about the Sixers last around this time. The Sixers will finish in the lower part of the standings and will wait a few as young players mature and money for free agents pile up. And you saw what happened.
This will set up two good players in their prime for a long while, which the Sixers were unable to do with Allen Iverson. Elton Brand (the other player) is also locked in a deal with the Sixers. The 1-2 tandem of Brand-Iguodala (and possibly Thaddeus Young) will put the Sixers on the map in the East.
Iguodala is especially lethal in fast break situations, and he can also drive to the hoop. One of the most breath-taking players in the game, Iguodala can dunk on big men in the lane. Although Iguodala is not the greatest shooter, he can still knock down some long distance shots. Very streaky as a shooter.
So now with Iguodala signed, general manager Ed Stefanski can sit back and watch the Sixers shoot to the top of the East. Knock on wood (or Elton Brand's Achilles tendon). Anything can happen in basketball, just look at the Sixers surprise season last year.
I am actually excited for Sixer basketball for the first time in several years. I remember what the papers were saying about the Sixers last around this time. The Sixers will finish in the lower part of the standings and will wait a few as young players mature and money for free agents pile up. And you saw what happened.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
New Forward in Philly
Elton Brand is going to be a Sixer. He gave the Sixers a verbal agreement last night and should sign a contract today. The Sixers hope that the addition of Brand will make them a real contender. I think it will. Assuming they sign restricted free agent Andre Igoudala, this is what their starting lineup would be:
PG Andre Miller
SG Andre Igoudala
SF Thaddeus Young
PF Elton Brand
C Samuel Dalembert
I like that starting lineup. You got Andre Miller at point guard, one of the best assist guys in the league. He'll find Brand open down under. Igoudala at shooting guard, he was the Sixers top scorer last season with a shade below 20 per game. Thaddeus Young at small forward, he really got it going late last season, averaging double-digits in the playoffs. Of course, Elton Brand at the other forward position. Then you put Dalembert at center, he averaged a double-double last season. Not only do I think this move will improve the offense, the defense also looks pretty good. With Brand and Dalembert in the frontcourt, nobody is going to score easy baskets in the paint. Igoudala is also a fine defender.
The Sixers will also have a good bench. Guard Willie Green (12 points per game last season) will be good off the bench. Young Guard Louis Williams (11 points per game) was a pleasant surprise last season, look for him to step in when Miller needs a break. Forward/master rebounder Reggie Evans (7.5 rebounds per game) will step in to give Brand a blow. Forward Jason Smith, who was a rookie last season, should also see some playing time
Starting this season, I think the Sixers will prove to be one of the elite teams in the East. They are not yet up to Celtic level, but they size up pretty well with the other top teams in the East. The Cavaliers are good, but if you can shut down Lebron with good defense, then you should beat them. The Pistons have great chemistry and talent at all positions, but are getting old. Those are the teams I see to give a challenge to the Sixers (good thing their not in the West).
The Sixers, at best, could finish second or third in the East. At worst, they could finish fourth or fifth. That is if Brand can stay healthy, which he didn't do last season. Brand played in a mere eight games because of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Overall, this is a good move by the Sixers. They needed a go-to guy down low and they certainly got it with Brand. This move should help them become a major contender in the East.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Brand to Sixers?
ESPN reports that the Sixers are entering the bidding war for talented free agent Elton Brand. The 29-year old big man is a unrestricted free agent and is the best player on the market. ESPN reports that the Sixers, already 11 million under the cap, will free up even more money by trading away guard Rodney Carney and center Calvin Booth. The Sixers are competing with the Los Angeles Clippers (Brand's team last season) and the Golden State Warriors for Brand. The Clippers and Warriors currently have more money under the cap then the Sixers but the Sixers could have up to 15 million if they trade away Carney and Booth. ESPN reports that the Sixers are working out a deal that would send the players to Minnesota.
The Brand situation is a bit complex. Brand opted out of his contract with the Clippers that would have paid him 16.5 million this season. He wanted the Clippers to pick up someone else to complement him. The Clippers certainly did that when they signed point guard Baron Davis away from Golden State. The Clippers thought that would be enough to lure Brand back. But then Golden State offered him a deal and now the Sixers are interested.
The Sixers say that they will do all they can to sign Brand, who is a force in the paint. If they can not sign Brand, then the Sixers will continue their hunt for forward Josh Smith.
Elton Brand played in only eight games last season because of injury. In the 06-07 season, Brand averaged 20 points and a shade under 10 rebounds. Over the course of nine seasons, Brand is averaging a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Sixers should do their best to try to sign Brand. Brand would have more of a positive impact than the other free agent the Sixers are targeting (Josh Smith). Just think of the combination of Samuel Dalembert and Elton Brand in the front court. I'm not saying that adding Josh Smith wouldn't be an improvement, but he seems like another Andre Igoudala. You need different kinds of players to make a team work.
The Sixers should trade away Rodney Carney and Clavin Booth, if it gets them closer to signing Elton Brand.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
For Sixers, Chance is Inevitable
As you probably already know, the Sixers fired general manager Billy King. They hired hometown man Ed Stefanski, who used to GM for the New Jersey Nets. I think Stefanski will make many changes to the make-up of this team. He will fire head coach Maurice Cheeks and make some big-time trades.
I don't think Stefanski should fire Mo Cheeks. He has made a below-average team play way above their skill level. This year and last year he has done a good job and communicates well with players. All the players love him and he seems like a great man. He gets along with almost everyone, including former star player Allen Iverson. There is a reason Ed will fire Cheeks, though. For one, Stefanski probably thinks the whole team has to be reformed, and for that to happen, you usually have to fire the coach. He probably thinks these players need a change. Another reason is that Cheeks loves selfless players and hard defense. Stefanski wants to make this team into a high-powered offense, like he did in Jersey. Stefanski will bring in star players, who aren't as selfless as Cheeks wants them to be. Star players need to be a little selfish because, they are star players, the best on the team and should be relied on to make most of the in-game decisions and shoot the ball a lot.
Stefanski wants to bring exciting basketball back to Philly and wants the team to gain respectability throughout the league. I am not saying that these Sixers lack excitement. They have been playing well recently but the attendance is down. The Sixers had exciting basketball when Iverson was here. Even though the team was losing, the fans kept on coming. The fans, including me, loved watching Iverson give his all every night. He would risk his small-for-the-NBA body every night by driving into seven foot juggernauts and getting to the line an amazing amount of time. It is fun watching somebody play their heart out and score 40 points like every other night.
Stefanski isn't just going to sit around and wait until next year to make this team better. The Sixers could have kept Billy King if that's what they thought that Stefanski would do. The let's just wait and see style isn't going to be what Stefanski does. Trust me from experience, the wait-until-next-year-and-in-the-mean-time-watch-a-below-average-team-lose doesn't work in Philadelphia. Stefanski will probably acquire a star blossoming into a super star player by trading or otherwise. There are some players that Stefanski absolutely should not trade. He definelty should not trade Andre Igoudala, who is the closest thing the Sixers have to a star but he doesn't have that much consistency. Some night he will go up and light it up and some nights he will be missing shots like crazy. Kyle Korver has been in the trade talk for quite some time now but I don't think they should trade. He is a good complementary player who can take a game over at the three point line. They shouldn't trade Louis Williams either. The second year player has showed he can lead this team.
Now, who should the Sixers trade for exactly. They will probably trade point guard Andre Miller before the trade deadline comes. Miller is playing great, and with all the teams in need of a decent point guard, he should give the Sixers some talented players. Jason Kidd from the Nets is said to be on the trading block and he is playing like a man possessed. But I don't think the Sixers should trade for him because he is getting older and probably won't get better in the future. Most players don't get better in their later years legally (consult Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens about that). Don't get me wrong, there is no way in the world that Jason Kidd is taking steroids. The Sixers should trade for young players and young players only.
Don't expect giant moves soon, however. Because Stefanski is new to the organization. He is still scouting the current players on the team and seeing their true skill level. But, believe me, change is inevitable.
I don't think Stefanski should fire Mo Cheeks. He has made a below-average team play way above their skill level. This year and last year he has done a good job and communicates well with players. All the players love him and he seems like a great man. He gets along with almost everyone, including former star player Allen Iverson. There is a reason Ed will fire Cheeks, though. For one, Stefanski probably thinks the whole team has to be reformed, and for that to happen, you usually have to fire the coach. He probably thinks these players need a change. Another reason is that Cheeks loves selfless players and hard defense. Stefanski wants to make this team into a high-powered offense, like he did in Jersey. Stefanski will bring in star players, who aren't as selfless as Cheeks wants them to be. Star players need to be a little selfish because, they are star players, the best on the team and should be relied on to make most of the in-game decisions and shoot the ball a lot.
Stefanski wants to bring exciting basketball back to Philly and wants the team to gain respectability throughout the league. I am not saying that these Sixers lack excitement. They have been playing well recently but the attendance is down. The Sixers had exciting basketball when Iverson was here. Even though the team was losing, the fans kept on coming. The fans, including me, loved watching Iverson give his all every night. He would risk his small-for-the-NBA body every night by driving into seven foot juggernauts and getting to the line an amazing amount of time. It is fun watching somebody play their heart out and score 40 points like every other night.
Stefanski isn't just going to sit around and wait until next year to make this team better. The Sixers could have kept Billy King if that's what they thought that Stefanski would do. The let's just wait and see style isn't going to be what Stefanski does. Trust me from experience, the wait-until-next-year-and-in-the-mean-time-watch-a-below-average-team-lose doesn't work in Philadelphia. Stefanski will probably acquire a star blossoming into a super star player by trading or otherwise. There are some players that Stefanski absolutely should not trade. He definelty should not trade Andre Igoudala, who is the closest thing the Sixers have to a star but he doesn't have that much consistency. Some night he will go up and light it up and some nights he will be missing shots like crazy. Kyle Korver has been in the trade talk for quite some time now but I don't think they should trade. He is a good complementary player who can take a game over at the three point line. They shouldn't trade Louis Williams either. The second year player has showed he can lead this team.
Now, who should the Sixers trade for exactly. They will probably trade point guard Andre Miller before the trade deadline comes. Miller is playing great, and with all the teams in need of a decent point guard, he should give the Sixers some talented players. Jason Kidd from the Nets is said to be on the trading block and he is playing like a man possessed. But I don't think the Sixers should trade for him because he is getting older and probably won't get better in the future. Most players don't get better in their later years legally (consult Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens about that). Don't get me wrong, there is no way in the world that Jason Kidd is taking steroids. The Sixers should trade for young players and young players only.
Don't expect giant moves soon, however. Because Stefanski is new to the organization. He is still scouting the current players on the team and seeing their true skill level. But, believe me, change is inevitable.
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