Okay we are up to 7 losses and a 5-13 record as expected before this road trip started. Another heart-breaking loss at the hands of a late game-winning shot by the Mavs. For contrast:
- The Sixers won their 6th game in 12 games last season
- They were 8-10 at this point in the season
- Their biggest losing streak was 6 games (remember that terrible stretch to end the season when Thad got hurt)
An even more ridiculous stat: The teams below the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic division have now lost a combined 32 games in a row.
I don’t even want to think of where the Sixers might be if:
- They faced the Nets with their full compliment of players
- The Nets had their full compliment of players all year
Our record could very feasibly be 3-15 and hovering close to the bottom of the NBA. So that’s some of the good news. That’s unless you are a tank-the-season advocate.
More Good News
Something clicked in Sammy’s mind (maybe the prospect of Iverson coming back), and he has been playing like a mad man of late.
Last night he dominated defensively and on the boards. 19 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks in 33 minutes. He locked Dirk down man-t0-man on an island with 1:43 left in the game and forced him into a shot that hit the side of the backboard. The Sixers were down 5. THEN on the subsequent offensive possession, Kapono missed that three, and in the boxscore they gave the offensive board to Thad, but it was Sam who knocked the ball from Dirk’s hands right to Thad for an easy bucket. Only down 3.
Just go look at the play-by-play in the fourth quarter. If not for Sam’s board work and defense this isn’t even a game.
As much as everyone hates Sam, he provides the Sixers with something they currently don’t have. If not for his defense and rebounding, this team would be getting blown out because very few other players are doing those two things.
Elton Brand came back with a hell of a performance in limited minutes.
21 points, 10 boards, only 1 turnovers on 8-12 from the field and 5-6 from the line in just 25 minutes. That’s extremely productive right there. Maybe really has got his act together.
Question, will Brand be in the starting line-up next game or will Eddie Jordan keep running with the small ball line-up?
Another question, if Brand IS in the starting line-up will Eddie Jordan go with Willie Green as his starting point over Jrue who has struggled a bit offensively the last couple games?
The team is playing hard. They are still losing, and to a degree that is kind of expected. They are injured and lack talent. Hard work and effort keeps you in games, talent and execution (on both ends) wins them.
The Bad News
We still lost. 7 in row and two more road games coming up against middling teams who have played above expectations so far this season.
Up next are the 9-8 Thunder who are 6-4 in their last ten. The Sixers actually match-up pretty well against them, but I’ll get into that tomorrow.
Charlotte has actually won 4 in a row and with the addition of Stephen Jackson are playing well under Larry Brown. The Sixers match-up well with them as well.
The problem: match-ups don’t matter much when you can’t put together complete games.
The defense as a whole is still bad. The Mavs shot 46% from the field and 47.6% from three on a TON of wide open looks. We didn’t turn over the Mavs much but were able to dominate the boards to make up for that, and that alone is the reason we didn’t get killed last night (24 offensive boards).
I’ll have much more on the team in general after we hit the all important 20-game mark this weekend.
In the meantime how are you feeling right now about the team? Do you even still watch the games?
If you care, more Allen Iverson fodder. This was actually interesting to because they provide some intel that is verifiable by the fans.
If Aaron McKie isn’t with the team in one or either of the next two road games, I think it’s safe to assume A.I. will be with the team at the start of next week.
I watch all the games (heck, I watched them during the Barros/Spoon years, so why not now?)
Amazing that team can rebound when they don’t go small. Who would have thunk it? Brand and Sam can be the anchor to a solid defense.
So with AI back is the lineup:
AI/Iguodala/Thad/Brand/Sam
And when Lou is back I guess Thad goes to the bench? Lou/AI has a chance to be the worst and most gamboling defensive backcourt I can imagine.
tk,
I have to think the lineup would be Jrue/AI/Iguodala/EB/Sam.
Jordan already said that Jrue was going to start regardless of who they sign. Then again, EJ is a misleading and generally incompetent coach so who knows.
Just read that about McKie heading back to Philly. You think he’ll end up being AI’s de facto personal coach if he comes back.
I don’t really understand why Lou wouldn’t just go to the bench. Of all the guys he is the one who has started the least number of games and shouldn’t be entitled to anything. He is the newbie to the starting line-up Thad been there. Sit his ass down and go with an AI, Dala, Thad, Brand Sam line-up.
Then rotate him in WITH Jrue and sit Thad and move Dala to the three for stretches. Play Jrue with AI for stretches so he can play off the ball running baseline like he used to.
I actually think offensively this team could be much better with AI because he will draw some attention and guys like Thad and Iguodala would benefit from that with easier shots. Kapono would benefit. Brand might even benefit so he doesn’t have to fight through traffic for every shot he takes in the lane.
Just like the 2001 team you have to cover for AI defensively and this team theoretically could do that with a line-up of Jrue, AI, Iguodala, Brand and Sam.
Now look as everyone already know Eddie Jordan is a moron and won’t do anything close to resembling a balanced line-up.
I think it’s actually comical all the A.I. negative talk. Let’s say he plays well. He still isn’t going to defense I am not naive in that respect. But let’s just say he plays well offensively. Scores well, racks up some assists and get’s his steals. More importantly he plays extremely hard and passionate. And that starts to infuse the team. And let’s also pray to God Ed Stefanski tells Eddie Jordan what line-ups he has to play or he is fired. And the team turns things around and starts really winning some games.
I am just a big believe that winning is part of development just as much as minutes and shot attempts. You hear it all the time. These guys need to learn how to win. Well right now that’s not happening at all. In fact this team is learning fast how to lose. That’s bad for the future too.
It’s a long shot but it’s about the only shot this franchise has at the moment. I don’t see this team winning at all without some sort of change.
Now let’s say he plays poorly. So what. You increase your chances of getting John Wall and he added some buzz around the team for 60 games. He isn’t going to decimate the future of the team in 60 games and people who thing he will are beyond exaggerating.
I don’t get why THIS season is so critical for development? Did we kind of lose that when Lou and Speights when down? Jrue is 19 and has a ton of time to develop, 60 games this season isn’t a big deal at all. Thad? He wasn’t getting enough shots anyway. For whatever reason no coach likes running offense for him and Dala loves looking him off. AI might actually be able to get him some easier shots if he positions himself or lobs, backdoors and open jumpers.
Iguodala needs a ego check, this would do that as well. Lou loves A.I. so he could care less.
Look I’m tired of people talking down on A.I.. No one talked down on him when he was all we had and he was winning games for us. No one was talking down when he was the M.V.P and the only ALL STAR we could produce since who Barkley.
Some of you fans need to stop being HATERS. Lets give him a chance he has done enough for the franchise that we can at least give him that.
Who on the current team is better than him? Who has accomplished more? Who has more HEART? Quite frankly if I was him I wouldn’t come off the bench for SORRY ASS MEMPHIS either. What has any of their players done in the league.
All this talk about development (F that) I want to give my team the best possible chance of winning now and to me AI gives us that chance screw the draft we have plenty of young players they need to get their head out their 4th point of contact and get out their and play.
I love Thad to death but he needs to play some D and rebound the Damn ball point blank. Development is cool but sometimes you are who you are. AI is a hard player who will give you his all for whatever time he is on the court no doubt. Lets not forget how he use to take Kobe, Wade, Lebron whoever to school on a nightly basis and then you insult the man and ask him to come off the bench.
Last time I checked Kobe only has 1 M.V.P trophy also. Give AI the teams Kobe had (mainly Shaq ) I guarantee he has the jewelry also. No one is asking Kobe to come off the bench when he wined about being traded and all that. So lets stop calling the man a whiner let him suit up and do what he does.
Shit we surely aren’t going to win a championship with that 80 million dollar no heart having bum Iguodala being the franchise player . Lets not even get on Lou he is a 6th man at best and he has had time to develop. (No Excuses)
I wasn’t being critical of AI. AI and Lou would be a horrible defensive combo. That’s not saying they are horrible players. Just like Brand/Thad would be a horrible defensive combo at C/PF. I hate small ball, even at the guard spot.
As for Lou, I’ve read EJ loves Lou. He’s his favorite player on the roster. I think Lou continues to start. Not saying what I think makes sense- but what I think will happen. i guess time will ell.
Oh yeah and AI did pass the ball back then people weren’t making shots. So yeah he could have led the leauge in assist had he had teamates that could make shots.
1. No one is attacking AI. They are critical that signing AI could be a backwards step for the overall direction of the team.
2. plenty of people were critical of AI while he was here. You can love the guys heart but still be critical.
Personally I really wanted AI to get to play with a great Big while AI was still in his prime. I wanted to see KG/AI (and I wish it had been on the Sixers.)
But honestly, some (not all) of what I have been hearing is from people who care a whole lot more about AI than the Sixers. You can be both an AI fan and a Sixer fan and believe AI right now is not the right choice for the Sixers moving forward.
TK76 – I know he loves Lou. But I also think A.I. does what Jordan loves about Lou. And at least for this year if A.I. is on the roster the “deal” will be that A.I. gets the start.
I actually think from a mental standpoint that makes the most sense if you are worried about the fragile minds of these young players. Thad would whither away and die if you bench him and start Lou and A.I.
But I think Lou just loves A.I. enough and has already been accustom to being the microwave off the bench that he would take a move to the bench in the short term in stride.
I think this would need to be a Stefanski call from up top that Jordan has no choice on.
i think signing him would be bad.. its a step backwards we put him and a semi health bigman togeather way too many times and it didnt work. kukoc van horn colman webber none of those worked well.
if we do sign him the best line up we can start is lou, ai, dre, thad, sam. brand can get it started coming of the bench doing 25 mins a game and maybe we can run more. aslong as we keep allen off of point he is better off of the ball. when he can ren catch and drive. and if he actually practices this time around he can make andre play better
How am I feeling? So full of frustration. A whole bunch of incohesive thoughts:
We’re slowy turning into the Isiah Thomas-era Knicks, if we’re not there already.
I wanted to give coach EJ the benefit of the doubt, hoping to eventually see some sort of method-to-the-madness in his coaching, but there’s nothing there. Whatever he’s getting paid is too much. I mean, even middle school coaches will diagram plays out of timeouts, WHAT THE F. And these pull-slips-out-of-a-hat lineups – coach Jordan, please please please notice that it doesn’t work. Go to a set rotation, stop messing around with these guys minutes, give them roles, let them know what they’re supposed to be doing when they’re out there. Your biggest sin - you’re not helping these players get better, you’re not teach them about life in the NBA, and you’re not helping with their professional development, as if all these weren’t possible, or you don’t care, or it would be a waste of your precious time, time you can spend with your thumb up his ass fantasizing about your gosh-darn Princeton Offense, or worrying that you’ll never get a job in this league again if you completely eff this situation up beyond all recognition (don’t worry, here comes A.I., the original).
I wish Ed Snider would talk to one of us so we could tell him how sick we are of these retread coaches and management. Ed, hear me out – if a head accountant or business manager at Comcast had done a piss poor job of doing whatever he/she was supposed to do, would you not have taken the power out of his hands after a year or so? If the answer is “yes”, and you would’ve done something about it, then WHY THE F is Tony DiLeo still involved with scouting and player evaluations in any way? Flush the toilet and get some fresh water in this organization.
I’m sick of the Bill Green era, it’s time to give other players his shots, because him being prominently involved in the offense has taken us nowhere, and if it hasn’t worked in three effin’ years it’s never gonna work. Just cut the guy. Completely take him out of the rotation and use Kapono instead.
I’m sick of the take-turns offense. I’m sick of this team handing it off to each other until there are only 8 seconds left on the shot clock. I’m sick of seeing the youngs guy passing up shots to our offensively challenged vets, like they’re gonna take a better shot than you, as if you can rely on them to take efficient shots. Speights gets it (it=wow, once I pass the ball to [Sixer vet], I’m probably not gonna get it back, so I should shoot like the ball’s on fire and the only way to put out the flames is to put it through the basket).
I’m sick of Iguodala not having a good shot but thinking he has one. I’m kind of neutral about Monta Ellis, I don’t know if he’s better or worse than Iguodala, but he has a skill set that this team severely lacks.
I’m sick of this organization wasting my brain cells with their piss-poor strategizing and decision making. It’s like they’re doing everything in their power to get me to not like the sport anymore.
I’m sick of this organization’s waffling on the direction on this team – it’s like we’re half rebuilding, half trying to contend, and the organization has no clue how to do either one.
I’m sick of the players, over 3 fucking years, not really improving at all, and if anything, they’re regressing. Andre Iguodala learned nothing from Andre Miller about how to direct the offense, or how to lead a fastbreak (but I’m hoping he’ll get better, maybe he just needs experience). Willie’s FG% hasn’t gone up, despite all the damn shots he’s taken. Speights isn’t being taught defense (Stefanski, can’t you see that if you teach Speights defense, we could have one of the top 5 power forwards in the league). Jason Smith still can’t rebound. Thad still can’t handle the ball. And Mr. Stupid Stefanski, I know what you’re thinking, I can just draft and draft and replace these players eventually/maybe, but you know what you can do, you can build up these players’ values and make them better trade commodities, you know this, right?
So frustrated… I can’t believe this is my team… I wonder if there’s some sort of surgery you can do…
Bottom Line we all want the team to win and be exciting to watch. it gives us something to do when we get off work. Something to talk about at work As sixers fans A.I has provided us with great moments and part of me would love to relive those moments. Whether they happen or not I dont know. From a Sixers stand poimt we need to work on Defense I think AI adds the explosiveness to the line up offensively if he is atleast 80% of what we are accustomed to. First and foremost this isn’t about just AI we need to utilize his strenghts and play team ball around him. As well as get everbody comfortible in their role. He is a guy that can get his own shot and get others easier shots is what I believe . With that said the concentration needs to come on the Defensive end. Because in the end thats what wins games. Strong Defense and getting out in transistion. That Sixers basketball. And now when everything breaks down in the half court we will have someone we all trust and hopefully some amazing plays to talk about.
We all know AI hates to lose- probably more than anyone I’ve ever watched play (KG is close.) We also know the Philly media loves to push star’s buttons, hoping for a melt-down.
Given I expect the Sixers to lose a lot with or without AI… he is past where he can carry a team to a winning record. Where do you place the odds of some huge public blow up between AI and the team (most likely the coach?)
TK76 – I would agree with all this talk about the direction of the franchise, step backwards, future yadda, yadda, yadda.
IF
I think there might be a public blow up ONLY if he doesn’t play.
But given what we know about Eddie Jordan is that likely to happen?
Assuming AI is back, I’d like to see a happy ending. I don’t see them winning much, but I guess him being able to rehabilitate his career and image to where a good team wants him next year would qualify.
As for the team… I see them as having a nice core of 19-25 year old players who could complement a superstar in 2-3 years. The problem is getting the superstar.
Without Brand and Sam’s contracts they could get a superstar through FA or a trade. But that is not a legit option. So their next glimmer of hope would be to draft a superstar in the next 2 years, who in 2-3 years is ready to lead them right when the rst of the roster is hitting its prime.
This is a long-shot, but if injuries and bad coaching can somehow yield a bottom 6 record they have a legit shot at drafting a superstar. And at least the rest of the roster would be set to complement the star in a couple of years.
So really, my main issue with the AI signing is it probably pushes them to 35 wins and no shot at winning a top 3 pick. So basically I’d rather have a outside shot at a pipe dream than watch AI. Not exactly the strongest argument, but some hope is better than none. And this team finishing with 35-40 wins means no hope for 4+ years IMO.
TK76 – Your argument is fine with me. It makes sense. You are lottery hoping and believe AI actually helps them move out of that drafting range by winning a few more games.
It’s the people that want the team to tank and think Iverson hurts the team’s chances of winning yet still don’t want him. That is contradictory reasoning.
No, AI would definitely help this team IMO. Especially while Lou and Speights are out they are in dire need of a professional scorer. I’d also would have loved to see AI make a triumphant return as the final piece that put the Sixers over the top.
I also respect your belief that you try to win and that there is no benefit to losing. But as I said, I want to find a reason to hope. Unfortunately, right now I can’t find a winning scenario in the next 4 years outside of drafting a superstar- and that is probably <5% type scenario. Pretty mark dark days for die hard Sixer fans. Purgatory sucks worse than losing.
Not going to happen he knows this is his last chance! Eddie Jordan knows this is his last chance they will make it work if this team is coached right we are sixth in the East behind Orlando Cleveland Miami Boston Atlanta. We are not as bad as everyone thinks we are . Bottom line it comes down to coaching, heart and dedication if we find those three elements we will get back in the hunt trust me its a long season.
Antoine, I’d like to share your faith in this team (plus AI.)
I guess these last 3 years of seeing late season runs turn into 1st round exits followed by horrible starts the following year has burned out my confidence. I expect there will be another late run this season. I just doubt that it will translate into a deep playoff run or something to build onto next year.
If these late season runs actually meant anything for the team’s development they would not come back to earth and stink to start the following year (like they have after impressive late runs each of the last 3 years.)
I never understood anyone’s reasoning to lose or (tank it). Winning is everything. No matter how bad this team has been over the years I get excited after every win. I get just as frustrated after every loss. IMO Ai should start with Lou, but I can see Lou being ok with coming off the bench since they were such good friends when Ai was here before. This team doesn’t play defense now so why not put the best offensive group on the floor at one time. Personally when healthy I would start Speights, Brand, Dala, Ai, Lou. Bring in Sammy, Thad off the bench which would provide some defense on the second unit and some scoring from Thad. Sammy would have to suck it up coming off the bench. Hurt feelings are for girls.
Thad, what did he work on this summer? Certainly not ball handling, or dribble drives, rebounding or passing. He’s still young so I’ll give him a pass but the coaches should have gotten to him over the summer and told him what he needed to work on. He looks like a newborn deer trying to get his legs under him when he’s dribbling with the ball.
Bring Ai back if nothing else but for the sheer excitment he’ll bring. I might even go to a game this regular season. If they don’t sign him I’ll stay home.
Yes, winning is the key. But winning 40 games a year for the forseeable future is not that appealing. Most top teams have top 5 picks on their roster leading them. We have Brand… I’m sure most of the fans of contenders felt it was worth the pain of losing to actually get the player they needed to turn their franchise around.
That player is not currently on the roster. Unless you can concieve of a way through a trade or FA to acquire that type of lead star then at this point the Sixers best chance at winning is to get that player through the draft. AI at 34 is no longer that man.
Aside from Brand, the Sixers main core is 19,21,22,22,23 and25. Contending teams typically have one young star and a bunch of stars or good players ages 28-24. In 3-4 years when the Sixers core is in their prime they still will need a superstar- and we need to find a way to get one.
It would be a whole lot easier without Brand’s huge contract preventing trades and FA signings, but that is where we are. if the team can get a top pick this year through merit (injuries and youth plus questionable coaching) then that might be the only hope we have.
I have to say that when this first came up, i thought it was a joke. Nothing but respect for Iverson as a player, and fully recognize that he was one of the best of his era. But personally the same “anti hero” quality that Dannie seems to like turned me off to him. It used to bother me that he couldn’t just realize that by being more of a team player he could have won titles.
Anyway, thats neither here nor there anymore. after having gone round and round in my head about a re-signing, the only thing i really have to say is that as long as Jrue gets solid minutes, i don’t care. I dont even care if the kid starts or not, as long as he gets some decent runs with the starters (or at least portions of the starting 5). I just want to see him get a legitimate chance & see if he shows me anything. I actually think Jrue and AI would make a pretty good pair, and if the choice was mine they would start together with AI off the ball. At any rate, as long as it doesnt turn into the AI/Lou show when he comes back, i can live with it.
AI may be able to open some things up for us on offense. If not, its not like things could get much worse. My feeling is that it will either work surprisingly well, or it wont work at all, thus having no impact on our record anyway.
RROSE – I understand tanking prior to 1985, when it no longer became a reliable (read: guaranteed strategy). haha
The NBA is a pretty unfair league for the have nots. The Lottery is double weighted, so teams outside the bottom 6 rarely win the lottery. And players enter the league so young that many lottery picks are busts. But top 5 picks still have a comparatively great track record in terms of becoming superstars (who win titles.)
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Its a league with guaranteed contracts that make rebuilding harder. Its much more of an individual sport, where the team with a Shaq/Lebron/Kobe/Duncan wins 95% of the time. You can’t just build around good players. Nor can you catch lightening in a bottle (unless MJ gets hurt
The Sixers actually have a promising young core. But it can’t amount to much without a top flight superstar. That’s why the Brand trade, at least financially, really hamstrings them. Otherwise I could see them trading some young talent for a star in a couple of years. But right now financially that is unlikely to happen with Iguodala/Brand on the books for 30-34M of a 60M cap every year.
Dannie… I mean what do you gain by losing and losing badly? Nothing IMO. Look at the clippers they got Blake Griffin in the past draft and he’s been injured since the pre season. Tanking guarantees nothing. Winning breeds confidence and I honestly believe that in addition to coaching this team lacks confidence. The Spurs tanked it one year and the Cavs tanked it. But to me draft smarter get better coaches while putting together a winning team/organization and the fans will show up.
How did the Spurs, Cavs, Magic get their stars? Unless you find us another way to get a top 10 player I’d rather take a slim shot at landing a superstar this year over no chance.
Not saying lose intentionally. Just saying play the young players and let the record reflect the teams current level- which is bad right now.
Bottomline guys we should have gotten Josh Smith instead of Brand but I was happy as were alot of other Sixers fans at the time of the signing. Now as I reflect on that pick up I’m saying to myself we could have gotten Josh Smith for about 20 million less and got a younger more productive player who is not injury prone but hopefully Brand will continue his reimergence. The choice on Coach was HORRIBLE during the off season. I never liked Eddie Jordan it was a friendship move on the part of Stefanski. Which if you want to have success in this leauge you dont make. Eddie Jordan is the reason to blame for our degression. (You’re only as good as your leader) I mean we know the style of ball we need to play inorder for our team to win. When all else failed the last two years we got out in the open court and ran and were sucessful. So why for the life of me we go back to trying to run a half court offense I dont know. You focus on DEFENSE and Transition Eddie Jordan that is our identity after that you can work out kiks in the half court but it is not the starting point. Also Sammy coming off the bench is a terrible idea Jrue AI AI Young Sammy 6th man Brand until Lou comes back
Iverson got a non-guaranteed contract offer. See if he holds out for a guaranteed deal or not. Sixers are trying t hedge their bet now.
I am not going to dedicate a post to this until he is signed, sealed and delivered. There are enough people out there
crying and whiningwriting about this everyday already like it’s the end of the world and the Sixers were a good team that is about to get decimated.We may not have the biggest or most loyal fanbase… but the Sixers have generated the most bitter group of fans of all of the 4 major sports. Unfortunately I am one of them
but it will be all worth it when we get rewarded for our loyalty (bitter as it is) with a parade… if I’m still walking by then.
Welcome back AI! Could not love it more. This team is going no where. I HATE TANKING for lottery picks with a passion. Lou is out. Jrue is too young too log 38+ mpg. We have an enormous hole in the scoring, heart, hustle, and “alpha dog” department. Iverson will fill that hole. Is this a desperation move by a desperate franchise? Yes. But it is a no risk one, as it will be a 1 year deal tops, period.
The question: How many PPG will Iverson score? He’ll certainly have a green light. 20? 23? 25?
One thing Ive always wondered – The relationship between AI and AI2. I have no idea whether Iguodala was thrilled when AI was originally traded so the team could move on to a different era, or whether he loved playing with a dynamic scorer like that. Now that the old alpha dog is back in town, I’ll be VERY curious to see how Iggy handles this.
(yes, I am aware Iverson hasnt accepted the offer yet).
Ric Bucher – A pretty good 2 minute clip of him discussing AI to Philly and the weaknesses of him in the P.O.
Ric busher is a major DB, I am surprised that he isn’t employed by the Sixers who have cornered the market on surrounding themselves with major DB’S.
Greek – Why do you think he’s a douchebag? I might disagree with some of his viewpoints, but he’s one of the more thoughtful analysts out there. Knows the league inside and out, always explains himself well, doesnt shy away from letting his POV be known…has always seemed like a rational, logical, very intelligent guy to me. Just my opinion though.
Greek, which side are you on in the AI debate?