The Sixers are idle today coming off a loss to the Cavs last night. They played semi-hard and kept the game out of blowout territory. I guess that’s all we could really ask for and expect at this point. 4 straight losses. 1 full game behind Miami for the 5th seed and 1 full game ahead of Detroit and Chicago with 3 to play. That’s the picture right now.
Here are a few interesting discussion points for you guys to talk about until tomorrow’s game against the Raps.
The Willie Green Quotient
JJG this one is especially for you as I’d like to hear your thoughts on it as a staunch Willie supporter. Brian over at the Depressed Fan came up with a metric in an attempt to quantify piss poor play by a player. Since Willie Green rivals Dalembert as the easiest target he called it the Willie Green Quotient.
Here’s the exact formula: (REB + AST + STL + BLK) – ((FGA-FG) + TOV) = WGQ
To achieve a negative score, you need to keep missing shots, and basically avoid helping the team in any other area. In short, you play like Willie.
The funny thing about this is Lou Williams is actually the worst on the team when using this metric. Not surprising – AT ALL. It leaves out free throws which would definitely make Lou Williams better
Check out the whole post and leave your thoughts on it. If you are interested in an overall player performance metric that is only slightly more complex that uses box score stats here is the formula for Win Score.
Win Score = PTS + REB + STL + ½*BLK + ½*AST – FGA – ½*FTA – TO – ½*PF
Now understand Win Score only attempts to measure how productive a player is. And with all metrics like this you must look at what intangibles or untracked actions a players does (ball denial, contested shots, deflections etc.) that contribute to team wins or losses. As well as why a particular player is productive or not.
Does Andre Miller Want to Be a Sixers Next Season?
That question along with SHOULD Andre Miller be resigned are the biggies of the off-season. You can’t have one without the other. The answer (kind of):
Do we like Andre Miller? Sure. Do we want to re-sign him? Yes. We do want to try to put something together that makes sense for Andre and for us. But we are in uncharted waters in free agency now because of the state of the economy. Andre seems happy with us, but, even though we want him back, he’s an unrestricted free agent. He has to say yes – Ed Stefanski
But would Miller like to be back with the Sixers, everything else being equal?
I think so. We haven’t really had Jason or Elton, and those are two big parts of this team. Their going down was tough, but we’ve kind of rebounded. There have been no discussions [about a new contract or extension]. I told my agent that I didn’t want any off-the-court stuff to be a distraction. – Andre Miller
So that gives us some insight as to what the Sixers want to do and what Miller is thinking. But that still leaves possibly the biggest question. SHOULD he be resigned? I have heard both sides. What’s your pitch either way?
Blog Note
Let it be known we will soon be accepting guest posts. In order to continue the interaction, community and diverse conversation and opinions around Philly sports we are open to having you guys submit posts about the Sixers, Phillies or Eagles. Look for a dedicated post on this with guest posting guidelines and instructions to come.
Loading ...
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
The only long term assets the Sixers have are Igoudala, Young and Speights. Who knows what Brand will give you over the course of his contract. The only plan that makes sense is building around those 3 players, not going all in on Miller and Brand. The team very well might be worse off without Miller in the near term, but long term this team needs a different and younger player at PG, one that can play better D and nail the 3 ball.
But Young and Iguodala play the same position (small forward). I don’t think Stefanski will overpay for Miller (more than $8 mill per), unlike what he did with Iguodala and Brand. Would be helpful to get a big point (6-4 or taller) who could defend opposing two-guards to make for more favorable matchups.
Tom – Why do they need a point guard to defend opposing two-guards? Are you assuming we have a small shooting guard in the starting line-up in the future?
Dannie said this when talking about the WGQ:
Lou Williams is actually the worst on the team when using this metric. Not surprising – AT ALL.
Tom Moore said this on the previous topic:
At the news conference to announce Williams signing his five-year, $25 mill contract last summer, I asked a Sixers PR guy if that meant Williams was being paid enough to start playing defense. Apparently, the answer is no. But the coaches don’t demand it, so he doesn’t give effort on “D.” He’s quick enough (unlike Miller), but doesn’t move at the defensive end.
In the 29-point Jersey blowout last Sunday, Williams never rotated over on a wide-open baseline shooter, who drained a 3. Iguodala looked at him as if to say, “You know that was your fault.” That happens quite frequently.
Here is what drives me nuts. I watch on NBA League Pass, which means I get the other team’s announcers almost every game. Well, almost every set of announcers says more or less the same thing about Lou. Something along the lines of how he is a potent offensive force off the bench, one of the top 6th men in the league, that he gives the Sixers a real boost when he gets in the game, how he’s a real “scorer”, etc…
First of all, I wish these other guys would watch him some more and then tell me what their opinion of him is. Second, Lou must buy into this and see himself the same way. Third, the Sixers obviously feel the same way, which is very disturbing. Whatever the reason the coaches don’t demand it of him to play D, it’s disappointing and way wrong.
BSki, I too am I on the league pass. Why is is that we almost always get the other teams announcers? I’m thinking the break down is 90 % the other teams announcers. But it is interesting to hear the other teams perspective on us. It seems as if every other teams announcers Love Willie Green. Now if only gm’s could think like them.
I just read an article in which Rod Thorn stated that he wanted to go and get a Moose type player for the nets next year. How about Reggie Evans?
One more thing about Andre Miller and his value. The vet minimum is 1 million so break that in half and I think he is worth 500. 000 on defense. On offense I put his value at around 4 million bringing the total to 4.5 million. That said I’m my eyes I wouldn’t give miller a dollar more then 5 million, consider the 500,000 bonus as a gift. That’s what he is worth, so hopefully someone else is dumb enough to give him 8 million and he will leave. Morty I am with you, and have been saying the same thing for a while. Short term worse, long term better.
Gotta throw in a Lou Williams sucks and now my day is complete!
Greek….I don’t know what the deal is with NBA League Pass and why we almost always get the other teams announcers. I like getting their perspective too because they are not predisposed to wanting to portray our players in a good light, you know? If anything, they have a bias against us (Tommy Heinsohn). If it’s an actual assessment, that’s good. I don’t feel like we get a lot of that though. It seems to me that there must be a packet of information on every team in the league and whenever that team comes to town the announcers simply pull out the packet and read from the script. It has to be more than coincidence that virtually every announcing tandem in the league uses the same snippets and catchphrases to describe the Sixers as a team and their players individually. Most of the time it comes across to me like they are simply regurgitating the same prepackaged material. Anyway, most of them do seem to love some guys (Lou, Willie, Sammy) that you’d think they wouldn’t be too fond of if they watched them 82 times a year.
It will be tough to let your best or second best player go but I feel that is the best option. Dannie, you mentioned the organizations mindset the other day and this is how I would approach it. Unlike the young core Billy King used to tout [Green,Korver and Sam], I really think this young group can be something. In 2 years [Willie,Reggie and Sam [2o mill.] will be coming off the books and our young guys will be ready to blossom. L.Will. by then will either get it or be gone and Jason hopefully can at least become a M.Bonner type of role player, maybe more. Getting a s.g. and p.g. in this years draft would be my focus and the leadership Miller is now providing should come from Elton and Iggy next year. Using cash to get into the back of the first round rather than using a part of our midlevel exemption would allow us to bring in 2 more young pieces [one starter,one bench guy]. L.Will.,Royal and the rookie can battle it out for the starting job at the point and drafting a senior would help in that respect. Iggy has to be the 2 guard next year or Thad has to come off the bench so get a guy that fits next to Iggy and can shoot and defend if possible.
The Sixers just have to REGAIN THEIR FOCUS. It is a long season indeed, but they must not forget about their objective of obtaining the highest seed possible. Now it is certainly the case with the Bulls and the Pistons slowly creeping up from behind.
After winning 6 in a row, the Raptors have lost 4 in a row, including a buzzer beating loss to Caron Butler and the Wizards.
It’s Jurassic Park time and the Sixers have to be the T-Rex and dominate those Raptors. Tony DiLeo has to be the best “Spielberg” to get this team to playing some Award winning basketball heading into the postseason.
In the words of Shaq in his song, “You Know I Got Skillz”, “I’ll treat you like Spielberg, you get your ass kicked in the park,” they must show the Raptors as well as the league that the Sixers still have skills and are a threat in the playoffs. They must move the ball more and get sharper on the defensive end for all four quarters. This is a big test for the Sixers with the Raptors being a great perimeter shooting team and an unbelievable three point shooting streak per game.
Prior to that game, I will certainly keep my eye out on the Celtics-Cavaliers game. That game could determine the mindset of our last two opponents for the rest of this regular season. The Celtics seem to be more interested in resting their key frontcourt players. Right now, the Cavaliers are 1.5 up on the Lakers for the best record in the NBA. This could be an opportunity to win these last three games and you never know what might happen to the Heat, who are getting some injuries in their frontcourt with Udonis Haslem and Jamario Moon. They host the Knicks tomorrow, who beat the Magic last Friday. Then their final two games are against the Hawks in Atlanta (possible playoff preview for them), and their last game will be hosting the Pistons (who are fighting for a higher spot without Iverson and other distractions).
MESSAGE TO SIXERS (FROM US FANS): DON’T GIVE UP!!!
Let’s not forget about the Flyers. They deserve some Philly love as well.
GO SIXERS!!! GO PHILLY!!!!
Tom: Igoudala and Young both averaged 21 PPG for for the month of March. I’d say that regardless of position, and they do play the same position, these 2 can play together. In my eyes, this team’s major needs are better 3 point shooting on the offensive end, and better perimeter defense. Miller is a drag in those critical areas.
Dannie, Per your request, my summation of Green, the player: optimally, a ready bench contributer on a championship-contending team; ideally a 4th guard, 12-20 min. If asked, will provide some scoring, real defense, surehandedness with the ball. Also carries system adaptability and a recessed ego. A “grunt” with a team-first disposition and admirable, low-profile toughness. Could supply more points on present team, if given the encouraged “green light” role now occupied by the ever-permeable Lou Williams. Willie Green, soldier, not headliner.
Willie Green is and was better off coming off the bench. I remember in the start of this season, his shot selection and his efficiency on offense was really there. He was hitting threes more accurately and taking it more to the hoop. Green was really aware of what the team needed coming off the bench, which is the definition of a bench player. Plus, his on the ball defense is not bad.
My candidate for starting SG would be signing Anthony Parker in the offseason (if we do resign Miller). Offer Parker the “Philly Max”. He will give us another auditon tomorrow. Have Parker starting and have Willie either come off the bench or trade him for cash. But that is next season to think about.
(Now in interrogation style): Also, watch out Josh Smith, I’m coming for you, Ezekiel 25:17 style. I’m not through with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRVm_TAE24A
(Now, back to Real Rob):
Anyway, GO SIXERS!! BE THE T-REX OUT THERE!! BE HIGHER IN THE FOOD CHAIN!!
Dannie,
About the Blog Update… Does that mean I have to rename myself? I’ve been going as “guest” for the whole season.
It’s going to be real hard to let go of Andre Miller in the offseason. Andre is a player where you don’t know whatcha got till its gone. I’ve said this before but, the Pistons and Nuggets trade is a perfect example. The Nuggets went from a sub par team in the West, to the 2nd seed with Chaunsey Billups. I think sometimes a PG can be the glue of a team and make it run smoothly. Miller is one of the most underrated PG’s in the league unquestioned. And we may regret letting him go if we do so.
The questions we have to ask ourselves are:
Do we want to win now?
and
Can we replace Andre’s offensive skills with a new PG?
If we want to win now than we need to keep him for at least two more years. If we want to rebuild for the future than we need to get rid of the players that are not going to be with us long term. Sammy, Willie, Miller, Evans, and Lou all need to have their bags packed in case of a trade. We can build around Thad, Dala, Speights, and Brand in my opinion. Try and get a PG in the draft and try to trade for a shooter. And we need to try and get Troy Murphy from the Pacers. He can shoot for a big man and he leads the league in defensive rebounds. I wish we could have him now.
Bski, I agree 100% on what you said. Especially about that quack announcer from Boston!
Suede, there cannot be a plan in which Thad is coming off the bench!
I might be crazy, but if we get good coaches with new ideas this summer and they can make a master plan. They should make individual specialty clinics for Young, Thad, and Williams if they don”t kick him down the road that is. These three need to be develope, there young, they can be molded but only if we get a coach and staff that are first , smart enough and have a pair of balls to tell these players whose running the show and that the fans are sick of how they play.That why they are near the bottom in the league in attendance.We need coaches to go in there and put there foot in some ass and remind whose working for who. Because from my point of view we the fans and ticket holders and fan gear buyers are the real bosses. I really believe if this team would make a few ballsy moves,like get rid of, Dileo, sam, Lou,Green, pick up some needed pieces wake up our good player give them a new leader a new vision and start working on there new system as soon a possible, I don”t want to keep beating these same old horses next year because it don”t do know good. I TRULY BELIEVE IF WE GET A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN THAT CARRIES A BIG STICK AND NOT AFFRAID TO USE IT WE”LL BE ALRIGHT BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR
Guys, if L.Will. is held accountable defensively and can at least become average in that department he could make our second unit scary good if Jason and another sniper are put on the floor with him. He has nobody to kick the ball out to now and therefore tends to force shots up at times. I think A.Miller has taught him all he can and it is time to let the teacher go.Guest, the biggest difference between Billups and Andre is on the defensive end and subtracting A.I. and adding a bunch of defensive role players along with Chauncy is the reason that trade looks so onesided, plus the fact Stuckey is terrible defensively also. That is the only reason we move A.Miller because it will be a step back otherwise.
By the way, there is a young p.g. who just kicked D.William!s ass last night for 38 pts.,7 reb., and 9 ass. who I have mentioned before on here [C.J.Watson] who like Sessions was undrafted and who ,unlike Sessions ,is shooting 42% from 3 for the year. He may be available this summer and though he is playing on a bad team he may be worth a look.
The article in today’s Inky is worth a read. It gives you a look at DiLeo’s, and by extension Stefanski’s, thinking.
Deepsixersued, you are right. Denver has gotten a lot better defensively and that is much of the reason they have the 2nd seed in the West. But I stand by my opinion that Miller does things for this team that goes unnoticed. So I am still worried about him leaving. Im not objecting letting him go, but I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves sometimes. And C.J. Watson is a true NBA D-League story. He would definitely be worth a look because you don’t just drop 38 points on the Jazz, especially in Utah.
Willie G is a bench player, not a starting 2 in this league. Nice player, better than the best D-league player but not a 20-25 minute player. He was part of the young “core” when Billy K drafted him. But his time either as a starter or Sixer has come and gone. I think keeping Miller is a better option then letting him go. With a health Brand, Jason Smith it gives the Sixers two legitimate BIGS that can hit open jumpers and who can finish at the rim.
Guys like Evans, Sammy are terrible at finishing in the lane, catching passes, hitting 10-15 foot jump shots, dribbling and passing to wide open players. The sooner this team rids themselves of one dimensional players the better. This coaching staff has done nothing for Sam’s progress. In fact he’s regressed since L. Brown left the team. How much better would this team be with a Brad Miller, Pau Gasol, Troy Murphy, Okur type center. A healthy Smith could be that type player. He has the skill set. Free Sammy, keep Miller. Just draft his replacement.
Guest and R.Rose, if I was a betting man I would say it is 75% or better that A.Miller will be back. I have no problem with it if they address their defensive philosophy and with Elton and Sam back there allow A.Miller to get after the quicker p.g.!s and not give up the easy jumpers by sagging off so much.We seemed better earlier in the year and Elton hopefully makes that difference.
Like I said yesterday New Jersey is looking for a “moose type player” see if they want Reggie Evans.
Today I read that the mavericks will be looking to make deals in the off season, see if they wand Sammy Dumbo.
Also the sonics or whatever the hell there called now are will also be in search of someone who blocks shots and can rebound, Maybe they would want the Haitian sensation?