Chances are the Sixers will stand pat. I think there are just too many questions about this roster, team direction, overall philosophy and a lot of question as to what tradeable assets they really have to offer.
Dalembert could help another team defensively, but his contract is prohibitive.
No one knows if Elton Brand can return to form or will be Cris Webber 2.0. I know there are people that hate when anyone compares the two, but the situation is what it is. We brought in a big that was supposed to be the answer, and we don’t know if he can play at all after the first year of his big deal. Time will tell but my optimism is depleted.
Andre Miller is keeping the Sixers afloat now. Trade him for a young point guard and that certainly should help the long term future of the team. But chances are the team will struggle to adjust and adding another young player to the mix will likely add to the inconsistency of this team earlier on. Besides that, does anyone even want Miller? His age makes him better suited for a team ready to win now. But Miller wouldn’t be an upgrade for most of them. Furthermore would Stefanski trade him for a player other than a point guard? With the thinking that the team will not have a single starting point guard on the roster, the Sixers will start losing a lot more and their already being a ton of money invested. I don’t think Stefanski would do that to his job security.
The young players all have value but only to the other team in a trade. Their salaries aren’t large enough to net the Sixers a non-rookie contract, impact player in straight up deals. I’d love to swap Louis Williams for another young guys (Ramon Sessions, Mike Conley, Sergio or Bayless), but if GMs think like we do, why would they do a deal like that?
What about the veteran role players? Theo, Marshall, Ivey, Reggie, Willie and Rush. What can we realistically get for them? Second round draft picks? Late first rounder at best?
I could go on and on, but I’d rather just turn it over to you guys.
I feel like something needs to be done because I just am not confident in this roster at all. Whether that means trading a veteran and a good young player we like to get a much better/proven talent still in his prime, stockpiling draft picks and going the Portland team building route or positioning for better cap flexibility. Standing pat will only prolong the Sixers mediocrity. I said this to Pete this morning:
I don’t know how many times I have to say it. Just because the Sixers go on a run doesn’t make them good. It just means they are on the positive side of their inconsistency.
With that said, here is the new and improved NBA Trade Machine. Make your best trade proposals in the comments all day today. But please try to avoid trades just to make trades. Focus on real benefits for the Sixers, rather than “I hate this player I am making a trade just to get rid of him.” You can go back to this post and check out all the trades that have already been proposed. Maybe there is one there already that you really like.
Have at it.
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{ 112 comments… read them below or add one }
“Standing pat will only prolong the Sixers mediocrity. I said this to Pete this morning:”
Dannie, regrettably I agree with you. I think Ed had a vision this summer when he added Brand where he thought the team could peak in the next two years. At this point it looks more like the team is still treading water at .500 for the next year or two given their extreme youth, lack of shooters and post scorers.
Since Thad and Speights still seem at least a couple of years away (and Lou maybe never), they probably need to be willing to take a step back. I don’t know what that means for Brand (probably justtry and make the best of an unfortunate signing), but Miller at this point is just a band aid, although an effective one.
As I said in the other post, Miller has effectively masked this teams problems and kept them at around .500 since he arrived after AI. But if his expiring/skills has a good market value they would be shortsighted to keep him around or even extend him. Moreso with Sam if a deal for a shooter or expirings surfaces. They need to look to the future and not some glorified mediocre goal like fighting for the 4 seed while being .500 another few years.
Here’s the trade they should make:
Reading this:
Even though I’m not a huge Hinrich fan, I would strongly consider:
Miller/Green for Hinrich/Thabo.
This wold be a stronger play than Minny, because it gives the expiring up front. They could probably make an even sweeter deal to Chicago in a 3 way deal that sends Miller to somewhere actually needed like Portland.
Hinrich is 4 years younger, a career 38% 3 pt shooter w/ an nearly 3:1 A:TO. He can defend both guard positions. He has a declining contract, making 27M over the next 3 years.
Hinrich lacks true PG management skills like Miller, and can’t run the pick and roll as well as you’d like. Ideally, having Iguodala and Lou would help lessen the loss of a true floor master. And let Lou run the pick and Roll, with Hinrich spotted up (I know, everyone is hating Lou, but he can run the pick and roll and hopefully be an asset next to a good shooting combo guard like Hinrich.)
Look to next season. Trade Miller within next 3 hrs. for #1 pick, if possible. ONLY if that can be accomplished, swap Dalembert, Williams & Smith to Timberwolves for Cardinal, Collins, McCants & Telfair (NBA Trade Machine approved).
2nd one isn’t a sexy trade but Sixers get 2 bodies (to be dumped eventually), a young SG and a young PG with question marks but some intriguing potential – audition them the rest of season, determine their value and fit. Timberwolves get a center to help Jefferson & Love, a young big guy with injury question and contributing potential, a young SG with question marks and some potential. Might kick start both teams to better future. When on a treadmill, new scenery is good. I like McCants and Telfair some; maybe one blossoms here. Unloading Sam & Lou would be addition by subtraction. At very least, truth that this team is going nowhere is faced and acknowledged – a launchpad for continued growth.
Final note: Won’t happen as it would require Stefanski to publically admit just half a year past that signing Lou for 50 mil was a poor business decision.
I would like to see a Miller/Hinrich straight up. He shoots the ball and distributes well, and he just turned 28 so it makes us younger but gives us experience. I am really not a huge fan of his contract, but I could live with it.
Now that the buls have Salmons, they are loaded in the back, and I know they would like a little cushion to re-sign Gordon.
JJG - McCants just got traded to the Kings.
Interesting. Thanks, Dannie. My GM career is off to a stumbling start!
TK76…Nice posts. I’d like to go over some of what you said.
“Miller at this point is just a band aid”…..OK, so the question is do we try to get it over quickly, rip the band-aid off, and absorb the accompanying shock, or do we try to peel it off slowly in an effort to minimize any major trauma? I’m leaning toward the latter because you finished this sentence by saying, “although an effective one.” This cannot be discounted, IMO.
If we can’t get a deal done for a Hinrich-level player or better, I think we need to keep Miller around a while longer because you also said, “Miller has effectively masked this teams problems.”, and I agree. We all saw what happened last night. When Miller left the floor (Iguodala was out too, but it was still mostly due to Miller’s absence), our problems were unmasked, and it wasn’t pretty. Several of the guys we have playing significant minutes cannot create for themselves. Hopefully that will change, but it’s going to take a little while for that. For now, they need someone to set them up in good spots where they can either simply catch and shoot or finish.
If we can’t bring in another PG who can immediately step onto the floor and at least keep us where we are (make us better would be preferable), then I think we need to look at getting our PG of the not-too-distant future (2 years, 3 years max) via the draft or a lesser trade. Then over the course of the next couple years, Miller’s minutes gradually decrease while our future PG’s minutes gradually increase as he takes on the full-time role.
There are benefits to this approach. Our future PG won’t be thrown into the fire immediately and he can learn a lot of the nuances and subtleties of the game from Miller, among other things.
This from the ongoing Chad Ford Chat. I will continue to post these in the comments as I see Sixers-related stuff.
At practice waiting for word on Miller’s calf MRI. Have a tentative conference call with Stefanski after the 3 p.m. deadline passes (assuming no deal, which appears likely).
Good/funny quote from Chad Ford’s chat thats going on now.
Its funny Billy King was on NBA gametime last night and he said he has mixed emotions (resent) towards the organization because he said ” I feel I did a good job and still deserve to be there.” – Thats pretty funny too.
Tom – Why do you feel ES is so reluctant to make a move? Is he completely content with mediocrity, his personality doesn’t suggest it. After the last two games, and the inconsistency so far this season, his apparent decision to stand pat it has me wondering.
Sorry D, i didnt see you doing that until after I posted, ddint mean to beat you to it.
All good Ryan
I think Stefanski only wants to do something if it’s going to help the Sixers on the court. He’d like to get a shooter, but so would eight other GMs. Even if Miller doesn’t want to stay beyond this season, he could get more money in a sign-and-trade in July, which would allow the Sixers to get something in return. There’s also the big unknown of Brand when he comes back in the fall.
King: Good at courtside phone chats. Shaved his head well. Mumbled gibberish with the best. Brought us DC, Big Dog, C-Webb and Sam for dollars on the penny. A pure dynamo!
MRI showed nothing more than they already knew — Miller has a strained right calf. He’s listed as day-to-day, meaning he could play Saturday in Miami.
Much ado about nothing. Miller’s been driving Cavs, Clips, Nuggets, Sixers for a long time – and nowhere fast. Can’t believe the hulabaloo over that guy, like he’s a top-tier player. Guess it’s relative, and Philly is famished for talent that knows how to play.
Good news about Miller and understood about Stefanski.
I would just like to see SOMETHING happen. I am not fooling myself anymore into thinking this team is going to be more than a mid-pack/first-round wash even with Elton back. I would like to see him at least say he is working on something instead of acting like our team is holding all the cards ( he’s listening as he says) and we don’t need some help somehow. We have 3 young decent to solid “promising” players and an expiring contract, you would think that would be enough to dangle and get someone to bite, and get something beneficial in return.
I am just concerned that 3pm will come and pass with nothing to look forward to but losing 4 in a row and then winning 4, and then getting our assess handed to us in the playoffs. It puts a huge frown on my face to think that we will have the same exact team going into the off season, and maybe into the next. It just sounds horrible. ughh
I’ve been going through the other teams in the trade machine and it just doesn’t look like the sixers have a good match with anyone. The problem is Miller is worth more to us as our PG than he would be to another team as an expiring contract. We have large investments in Brand, Dala, and Sammy that most teams aren’t interested in unless it’s a real bargain.
Most of the players who are on the market are wing players which isn’t what we need (Vince Carter Richard Jeff etc.) If we make a trade it should be for a PG or a C.
We could benefit from a C with more of a back to the basket offense that would seem to mesh better with Brand’s FT line/elbow game. He seems like he isn’t comfortable on the low block but is better in the high post. But we would need to trade Sammy if we get a C and as Chad Ford said..not happening.
So that leaves us with a PG to target. But who? The only scenario that makes sense is if we trade miller for a young PG on a team that wants to get over the hump. Portland? but they don’t seem inclined to give up Bayless. We would have to find a deal like the Mavs and Nets did last year. Trade a vet for an up and coming PG. It worked out well for the nets…bet the Mavs would like Harris back. Unfortunately for us there doesn’t seem to be another team willing to do this type of deal.
Where would trade deadlines be without the NY Knicks:
According to ESPN, the Knicks would acquire Larry Hughes from the Bulls for Tim Thomas and Jerome James. Also, the Knicks would acquire Chris Wilcox from the Thunder for Malik Rose!
I wonder if Vince Carter will be traded? That way we can just focus on Devin Harris and Brook Lopez come next Monday at the Meadowlands.
But, no surprise, all is quiet in Sixerville in terms of trade rumors. Hopefully, guys on our squad can get their acts together and jockey for a better playoff seed because the last two games seemed out of sorts for our team from an energy standpoint. At Indiana, the starters weren’t bringing it in the 1st quarter, but the bench had the energy. Against Denver, it was the other way around and Sammy was something energy wise in that first half. Also, we MUST convert those point-blank range baskets and MAKE our Free Throws!! Again, MENTAL TOUGHNESS!!
Go Sixers!!
Maybe we could get Felton the Bobcats…if Larry Brown is still running the show there (not sure if he’s still with them) I remember LB didn’t like Felton so maybe he’d trade him.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cmuq6c
This would get us PG insurance in case Miller won’t re-sign. Felton could be the PG of the future- high assists. And we get rid of Lou and Reggie’s contract. We get a back up SG to take Lou’s place that can play D and hit 3 pointers
For the Bobcats Reggie seems like the type of player LB would like. He might trade a better player like Felton, whom he doesn’t like for a worse player that fits in his system.
Still doubtful that the Bobcats would go for this one, but we could sweeten the deal.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cfafl3
We get a younger PG of the future. (if we can re-sign him) And we get Raja who can be a good role player on a championship team. (not that the sixers are)
From the Bobcats perspective: Who doesn’t like expiring contracts?
Bulls/Knicks: Just traded Larry “any shot is a good shot” Hughes to NYC for Tim Thomas, Jerome James, Anthony Roberson. Paxson may have made a lot of questionable moves (and non-moves) over the past few years…but in the last few days, he has done the following, and is a great beginning to cleaning up that mess:
-Got rid of Nocioni (overpaid, underachieving), D Gooden (good player, but injured, and not quite good enough to be a regular starter, but feels he should be), Larry Hughes (nuff said). All who make $8-13 million a year and were total misfits with the team.
-Acquired John Salmons, a very good defender and very versatile offensive player at a very good price tag ($6 million).
-Cap space when Brad Miller’s $11 million deal comes off the books, and in the short term he helps solidify the C position, helping them make a run for the playoffs, while being able to teach the young bigs some tricks and professionalism.
Cleared up insane logjams: the backcourts and frontcourts had about 4-5 players capable of starting or logging major minutes with no true star. Now things are more clearly drawn…starting lineup = D Rose, Gordon, Deng, T Thomas, B Miller. Bench = Hinrich, Thabo, Salmons, T Thomas, J Noah.
-And he managed to retain the whole friggin young core of the team: Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, T Thomas, J Noah.
Phenominal job. And they still have pieces they can move this summer in Hinrich, J Noah, or even Salmons again…or could keep them for one of the best benches in the NBA. They could also resign Brad Mille at a lower price tag and keep him as the grizzled vet to mentor the bigs…great stuff Pax.
Rob: Sorry didnt see you were posting about the same subject while I was typing. That 2nd mini trade of Malik Rose for Wilcox gives the Bulls more great depth, and another contract soon off the books. Pax…on fire!
Dave T– you mean the Knicks more depth. Pax on fire, that’s a bit exaggerated. For the Bulls, it all depends on Brad Miller and Johnny “Summerleague” Salmons, the second coming of MJ!!
But so far, the trades made thus far have been cost cutting ones! This economy is certainly making an impact!
However, Pax in terms of the long-term has a chance to make a bid in the 2010 race. LeBron playing in the same stadium Jordan played, that could happen, maybe not!
And of course the Bulls and the Knicks have been making so many trades with each other over the years!! Their numbers are on speed-dial!
Shawn Bradley, Matt Geiger, Mutumbo, Chris Webber, Elton Brand….
76ers’ haven’t had good luck with big men, at least lately…
Rob: Haha indeed, the Bulls/Knicks definitely have each other in their “Fave Five”. I don’t think Chicago is going to land any of the major free agents in 2010 though (I see a repeat of the years when they bombed on landing T-Mac, Duncan, G-Hill and Kidd), and in fact I think a lot of team’s are lining themselves up for that year unnecessarily.
I can’t see Bron switching from one midwest team to another…if he’s going anywhere, it’s NYC. Even though D-Wade is from Chicago, and a Derrick Rose/D-Wade backcourt would be, well, unstoppable…I can’t see D-Wade leaving the nice weather of Miami, and where he won his ring.
I think the Bulls best shot would be to land Amare, because he might be real tired of Phoenix’s situation by then, Nash will be old, etc. I think Golden State will make a play for him as well to have a Stoudamire/Biedrins frontcourt…they could get him outright or come up with a Brandon Wright/A Randolph/Bellinelli package, something crazy.
Some predictions for ‘10:
Miami Heat will = Dwyane Wade + Chris Bosh, with a cheaply resigned J’Oneal after this year to play the C position as the still effective, but no longer all star caliber, veteran.
G-State Warriors = A Randolph/Amare/Biedrins as the 3/4/5 frontcourt, with two of the current 50 small, athletic, shoot first versatile guards they have rounding out the lineup.
Orlando/Houston/Memphis: Magic get Rafer Alston, Houston gets Lowry, Memphis gets a pick and Brian Cook’s contract.
Looks like the Grizzlies have ended their PG debate: Conley Jr./Mayo is their backcourt for the next decade.
Sixers & Portland were talking, David Aldridge reports: (from NBA.com).
“Elsewhere, a source indicated that a potential trade of 76ers point guard Andre Miller to Portland still had a faint heartbeat Thursday afternoon. The deal would involve the expiring contract of Blazers center Raef LaFrentz and another Portland guard in exchange for Miller and forward Reggie Evans. The problem is that Philly wants Portland rookie guard Jerryd Bayless, and the Blazers have made Bayless next to untouchable. Portland would be more amenable, the source said, to include a guard like Steve Blake or Sergio Rodriguez, but the Sixers aren’t currently interested.”
Looks like what many of us here were discussing about a Portland trade actually was being discussed on the professional level.
Looks like nothing happened. Have a conference call with Stefanski in three minutes.
Lou Williams on Andre Miller’s status for Saturday’s game: “You don’t know Andre Miller like I do. I’m not getting excited about possibly having my first start. We call him ‘The Terminator’ in the locker room. I’m sure he’ll be ready (for the Heat).”
Miller didn’t speak to the media.
Officially, Sixers didn’t make a trade. Am on conference call right now.
It’s funny because I proposed that same damn trade about 2 months ago. Miller and evans for bayless and lafrenz. This stinks, terrible job Eddie. You couldn’t make one stinkin trade? Can’t wait for Lou’s first start, over/under on his turnovers is 7. And on his shots taken its 21.
Greek: From what Aldridge reported (my last post), it sounds like Bayless was the sticking point. And, IMO, understandably from Portland’s end, given that he’s such a high level talent. And the Sixers would have had to settle for the expiring contract of Raef and Sergio Rodriguez, a player whose future may be bright and starting PG worthy, but is much more of a question mark and unknown at this point.
I don’t think ES should be totally fillet-ed for this one…as Dannie said, only contending teams would really have a need for A-Miller, and most high caliber playoff teams already have a PG in place, would not mess up their chemistry, or would not see it as worth it to take on a high level PG with the chance of him leaving.
We were in a bad situation to trade. I think ES could be blamed for lack of creativity, because I’m sure some kind of three way trade could have been worked out where the key pieces would be them landing A-Miller, we land Bayless, and they get another young player from team Z as compensation for losing Bayless. In fact Aldridge did report Memphis almost did send us Lowry in a three-way with Portland…which I wouldn’t have liked, as I feel he’s a bit overrated.
If the choice was holding out for the golden nugget trade (Bayless + Lafrentz for A-Miller and Evans), vs. making a lesser trade (Sergio and Raef) or not trading at all, I think ES made the correct decision for that particular deal.
Dave T, thank you thank you thank you, I was starving for any Sixers trade rumor, I was bored out of my mind! And that was a good one! And frankly, this team is really boring w/o the Elton Brand experiment, and, for me personally, w/o Jason Smith coming in this season and surprising everyone with his development. You know Sam’s gonna mentally check in and out of games, you know Thad’s either gonna be blisteringly hot or ice cold, you know Iguodala’s gonna try and do everything he can for the team, but it spreads him out so thin that he hasn’t learned to be good at one particular thing, etc.
Another topic: you’ve called him some not-too-kind words before, but Hollinger is pretty high on Marreese Speights. Apparently, his PER is ridiculously high, like it makes him the 4th-5th best PF in the league, and 20th overall. This is supposed to bode well for us, as in: don’t be surprised if he’s an All-Star in a couple of years, because everyone who’s put up these PER numbers before hasn’t disappointed. I hope the Sixers’ stat-geek guys have noticed this, and push the coaching staff and management to play Speights more. Let’s poke and prod this guy, and find his limits. Do you realize that right now, because of his athleticism, all of his shots, of which he has many different kinds, are unblockable?
But given how much Lou gets to play, I would actually be surprised if they had a stat-geek guy. I wish Stefanski would try someone in the D-League, or like someone said previously (I forgot who) give Rush a shot, who couldn’t possibly do worse.
Willie and Lou have been having a “whose box score is worse” competition the past couple games. However, the end result is a push.
As for the trade deadline, form a business standpoint, I can’t blame ES for not making a move. Any trade of Miller would have been a step back this season. From a basketball standpoint, I think we should have been more active in getting something in exchange for Miller. Now, barring some rabbit out of a hat trick trade this summer, I think ES’ plan must be to resign Miller, find a SG at the MLE and pray that Brand is not really a dud.
Dave T, agree with comment 34 completely. Maybe the team can start playing ball again.
Zack: About Hollinger, I don’t have beef with “him” persay…I just tend to think basketball is a much more “judge by the eye” sport then people give credit for. Hollinger’s analysis of the game and players itself is great, and I think his trying to come up with a better statistical system to rate a player’s efficiency is great.
That said, I think +/- and PER, with their strengths, also have huge weaknesses, just as many as the normal stats we go by, and always need to be combined with a huge amount of actually watching players. Check out the Bill Simmons / Hollinger podcast for a decent discussion on the issue. Hollinger’s a good guy, but if it comes to the two camps, I’m more intuitive by approach and less a statman.
I was very pleased to hear Hollinger himself say that statistics to keep track of defense are horrible, and that “shots contested” should be a huge stat that is being kept by coaches, but not by the league itself, which to me is a very important “team” stat, although for individuals it means less.
Some highlights from conference call:
Stefanski said he didn’t come close to making a deal. He called Miller after the 3 p.m. deadline to tell him he was still here. He also said teams were very interested in the Sixers’ young players (Speights, Young, Williams, Iguodala and Smith).
He wouldn’t say he’s optimistic he’ll be able to re-sign Miller, but said there was no basketball offer worth moving him. He said the struggling economy could have an impact on negotiations, what with the cap and luxury tap possibly being LOWERED from this year to next.
Sfw: Thanks! And I’m with you on the “let’s just play ball” now thing…although kinda be hard to pumped for what is a 1st round exit playoff team without Elton Brand.
I was listening to a WIP interview with Fred “Mad Dog” Carter and Glen Macnow/Ant. Gargano, and Mad Dog made a good point that I agree with: Like it or not, Elton Brand is the best player on the 76ers right now. I think we have to keep this in mind, and I just don’t buy the fact that because he had a piss poor 15 games coming off a major injury, this means he is washed up, CWebb 2.0, or doesnt fit our system.
Our options are to:
a. Resign A-Miller at 3 years/$24 million and draft a young PG to groom
b. Sign-trade A-Miller for a young PG and bench talent
c. Let him walk, have the cap space, throw the young PG we draft into the fire and have him split time with Ivey.
A-Miller is a #8-10 best PG in the NBA…that has proven he is a workhorse and durable. I don’t see the downside of keeping a nice vet like him around for 3 years while bringing up a youngin under his wings in the draft. It’s not like we are in the hung for a major FA come 09 or ‘10. Let’s maximize our starting lineup that we have and see what the A-Miller/Iguodala/Thad/Brand/Sammy thing can do.
My biggest fear is using Thad as trade bait to land a legit SG that can hit threes…only to have Thad in another 1-2 years being a 19 ppg scorer that can play both SF/PF, that can regularly knock down 3’s himself.
The Sixers will have no available cap space if they let Miller walk. They are more than $10 mill over the cap. If he leaves not in a sign-and-trade, the Sixers get nothing in return and cannot use that money on a player. They would just have the mid-level exception ($5.5 mill or so), trades and the draft.
Dave, I can understand on why Portland didn’t make the trade. But Ed could have done something besides sit on his butt. Oh whats that Ed there was interest in Lou W? Good thing that you kept him, can’t beat having a monopoly on undersizes sg’s who can’t hit three’s and don’t defend. Pathetic
Hey who has 77 turnovers and 16 assist on the season? Sam I am a Moron Dalembeart!
Don’t people realize that when you make a non lob pass to Sammy “The Malaka” that only bad things can happen?
Cold feet = drafty arena; GM mistake #4 imo. Shooting matters.
As does defense, in contrast to overplay ballhawking (the quick fix) and headless running. Sixers with ALL personnel on floor are short in both respects. Opportunity missed.
WOW!! At the Trade Deadline Buzzer, the Magic are on the verge of pulling out a three team deal with the Rockets and the Grizzlies that could make one’s jaw drop.
The Magic could be acquiring Rafer Alston from the Rockets, while the Rockets get Brian Cook from the Magic and Kyle Lowry from the Grizzlies, and some minimum salary players yet to be named. The Grizzlies get a first round draft pick from the Magic. That is quite a steal for the Magic. One man’s injury is a GMs opportunity to steal a quality player. This could be this year’s Pau Gasol robbery!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3919268
Michael Donnelly– If you’re talking about the OFFENSIVE end for Brand, that is a question mark and the bugaboo thus far, in terms of field goal percentage. On the defensive end, on the boards, and being a team guy, he is far better than those other guys you mentioned. He fits with the Sixers defensively and on the boards, the offensive end is what we are really questioning. The answer to that is wait next season because that shoulder injury was a freak accident. If he goes through the procedure and the treatment properly, who knows, but the guy is more committed than the other Sixer guys you mentioned.
The way we have been missing those layups and those point blank range shots, I’m sure a healthy and acclimated Brand could have helped us there. Reggie Evans and the basket–I love his effort on the offensive end, but yikes! Dalembert cannot post up and when he tries, he travels! There are going to be ugly games and that is where Brand can come in and step it up offensively. For instance, the win at Houston would not have been possible had he not scored with three guys on him and with Battier tugging his jersey. In those ugly, slow paced games, he can be a great advantage, when healthy. So far so true, in the playoffs games are played more at a slow paced and at half-court offense/defense.
Defensively, Brand is more undercontrol and Speights has a long way to go in that department. Brand, Ratliff, and Dalembert, are perhaps our best one-on-one defenders. Those 6 Blocks set the tempo in that Houston game and he had the strength to match up with Artest and the strength to bother Yao on some possessions. Once our team realizes every one’s responsibilities on the defensive end, we could focus more on the other guys defending the perimeter chasing guys off three point lines with ease without overhelping. But, he, Evans, and Ivey are perhaps the most effective at double-teams.
This is why talking trades is a waste of time, were jabbering it up while Stefanksi’s playing Call of Duty online probably not even knowing that the deadline passed.
Agreed JJg, opportunity missed. Big time. It’s so frustrating rooting for a team that strives to be average. LOL at all the attention that Stefanski recieved when he got here. He is just another hack gm in a long line of hack gm’s that we have had. Good job Eddie, your worse at your job then local news 12 sports reporter “Hidious George Falkowski.”
Stefanski on the chances of re-signing Miller in July:
“We’re high on Andre Miller. He can go out and see what the best situation is for Andre Miller and his family. We’ll do what’s best for the organization. There’s no animosity — we like each other. We’ll go forward in the summer. We’re in uncharted waters (due to the economy, which could result in a lower cap figure and luxury tax threshold).”
Williams is tough to trade this season — the first after he re-signed — because he’s base year, meaning the Sixers can only take back half of his 2008-09 salary in a deal.
Tom, thanks for all of the inside info. Great point on Lou.
my spin for what it’s worth.
The Sixers could not risk going backwards. With the economy as it is, if they stay competitive(playoff team), they will put some people in the seats towards the end of the regular season. If they traded for cap space or potential and became a non playoff contender, their progress as an organization could be set back dramatically. They’d get no one in the seats at seasons end except for us sixers geeks on this blog.
Ed is gambling that with the veteran guidance/leadership(Andre M, Reggie, Theo & Donyell), the young players will develop to a level which will put us in constant playoff contention and with a skilled/lucky move or 2 going forward hopefully title contention. If not, he can go back to scouting or to work in the financial field.
of course Stefanski is going to say teams were very interested in the Sixers’ young talent.
sfw: Well put about Stefanki’s options
Tom, a question; If A.Miller is an unrestricted free agent how can we do a sign and trade ? I thought you had to be restricted for the team to somehow benefit. I would have like to seen a minor trade done using Theo [Orlando,San Antonio,Utah?] getting a player that may be stuck on his current teams roster [M.Almond,Udoka, or a 2nd rounder]. But I guess Theo ha value here with Elton out. We have to hope our young guys raise their value during our playoff run to benefit our team in either an expanded role or part of a trade package.
Morty, thanks but I wish Ed had more options. Not a good time right now.
Need a young guy to step up big time! Don’t see it in any one of them right now. Lou in particular has been very disappointing. Not in love with Iggy’s griping. Speights has lessons to learn. Also, I’d like to see Thad become more than a jump shooter. Let’s provide him with more opportunities in the 1/2 court. frustrating………..
Now that the deadline has passed, this is our team now! We better get Kareem Rush and Donyell Marshall some quality minutes down this tough stretch.
I’m supposed to be on ESPN 950 AM at 8:05 to talk Sixers.
I believe unrestricted free agents can be dealt as part of a sign-and-trade, as long as it’s for at least three years.
If Rush and Marshall get anything other than garbage minutes for the rest of the season I will no longer be a Sixers fan…maybe not, but I’d be pissed.
Suede: That’s a real interesting trade proposal…I like well thought out tweak trades like that. And while I am a HUGE Ratliff fan, and feel he is one of the best veteran backup centers in the game, a Ratliff for Udoka deal would certainly be in both team’s interests. Pops would love Theo…he’s smart, professional, does what he’s told, knows his limits, and still has plenty left in the tank for 15-18 mpg. And Udoka has a nice 3 point shot, and he has great shot selection, sets great picks and plays good defense.
Suede, you also mentioned one of my favorite players that I still think is an undiscovered gem at Utah: Morris Almond. His senior year at Rice was amazing…veteran, well rounded offensive game. Comes off picks well, can slash nicely, improved his passing every year, great bball IQ…and most importantly, can shoot the HELL out of the ball from 3 point range. Only reason he hasn’t played is he’s behind the pecking order in Utah for SG/SF’s (Brewer, Kirilenko, Miles/Harpring). Plus Sloan, like LB and Riley, likes bringingup rookies slowly.
Rob: I’m 100% with your Brand comments. I do NOT feel this is C-Webb 2.0 in the slightest…and I think people need to remember this shoulder injury is completely separate from the Achilles deal. Because it’s a shoulder injury means Brand can some into the season 110% in shape from doing cardio, and give his leg even more time to heal so he can completely trust it.
I think the Brand we saw for 15 games (which is squadoosh in the long term) is not the real Elton Brand we will be getting. I think everyone is going to be pleasantly surprised next year when he returns and provides a great spark for defense, rebounding, and yes, a presence in the post when he will hopefully have his quickness back. He will also be hungry as hell to prove the doubters wrong, and like we are saying about Thad Young, is one hell of an offseason worker.
Dannie recently posted an article from Truehoop about players listing “My worst defensive player nightmare”. I think it is important to note that numerous top NBA power forwards (KG, Dirk, Gasol, Boozer, J Oneal), during Brand’s Clipper years from 03-06, all have previously listed Brand in past interviews as one of the top frontcourt defenders they most hated playing against, a guy that even with his shorter size, gave them fits for four quarters and left them drained at the end of the night.
DaveT, would have loved for the Sixers to have had Brand 3-5 years ago (just being sarcastic, but he would have fit well with AI.) Now I’m not so sure.
I apologize for being such a wet blanket today, and I was not expecting any major moves. Just am worried about this teams direction. I’m glad Ed held onto the young core, but I wonder how long that continues.
Iguodala is in his prime. They want to extend Miller. Ed sold Comcast on a win it now stragy when they invested in Brand last summer (which admittedly seemed a non-brainer/coup at the time.) The upshot of this is that Ed wants to win now. At some point that leads to them moving a young piece for someone who can really shoot/score.
We’ve been discussing this at RealGM, with regards to Mike Misinelli’s conjecture about trading away Young this summer. I’m completely against this (umless its a KG type move where you become a real contender.) But I can definitely see Ed at some point deciding to sacrifice Young (who at this stage is replaceable) for a 30+ year old stud G or PG. Someone like a VC. This way the team makes a run with Brand/Iguodala/Miller and the new piece while iller and Brand are still near their prime.
Again, I’m completely opposed to this, since i don’t think it makes them anything more than what Houston and Denver where last year. Collections over overpaid vets who won a lot of games without ever being legit contenders, and with a limitted shelf life… But in getting Brand (and possibly extending Miller) Ed has told Comcast they are paying to be in win now mode. At some point that means sacrificing the future- and that probably means trading away Thad.
To be fair to Ed, with the Brand signing I think he was hoping to win oth now and build a core for the future. I’m just concerned that if they do end up re signing Miller to a big deal that at some point Ed will be on the hot seat, where he has to start winning now whatever the costs.
I guess in the Sixers favor, the bad economy might help them sign Miller to a cap friendly 3 year deal.
tk76, I have been trying to come up with the best case scenerio for over the summer and all I can say is I hope their opinion of Thad and Marreese is higher than their opinion of L.Will.. The best I could come up with is drafting a p.g. [Lawson,Maynor, Collison] to back up our resigned A.Miller, than trading L.Will. and a future #1 if necessary for a Raja Bell, J.R. Smith type and acquiring a 2nd round pick to draft a young 2 guard [J. McNeal, M.Thornton, L.Hudson]. Using our midlevel on a 2 guard limits our options to guys like A.Parker [old] and Mc Cants[ knucklehead]. I also do not want to lose Thad unless a Gordon of some sort comes back in a trade. So my best case roster for next year; Sam, Jason; Elton,Marreese,Reggie; Iggy,Thad; J.R.Smith,J.McNeal,Willie; A.Miller,T.Lawson,Royal; That is the best I can come up with but I!m sure E.S. can be more creative.
I guess you never know. Its going to be hard for Ed to know what to do because who really knows how a line-up of Miller/Iguodala/Thad/Brand/Sam (or Speights) will do next year. Last fall was a dissaster, but I’m sure they hope the second time will be the charm.
They are in a tough spot where re-signing Miller probably means no MLE signing at all (up against the tax) and the specter of a locked in to a capped out roster that may only be good for 50 or less wins for years to come.
Tk76: Your last three paragraphs in post #59 is right on the money and well explained. The reasons you listed is exactly why our Sixers team has one of the most odd rosters in the NBA. We are in the top 3 most under-talked about dysfunctional rosters on the national scale…not that it’s “bad” persay, but in how little manueverability we have.
Suede: I swear to god if we take Darren Collison as our 1st round selection I am throwing a brick at my window. He is the perfect example of someone with good skills that will make an excellent backup PG in the NBA. We need someone that can back up A-Miller effectively, but that can eventually take the reigns as a full time starter.
For the other players you mentioned as bench guys…Lester Hudson can flat out BALL, he’s a sick talent, I like him as well. Marcus Thornton guns it up way too much for my taste, he has the ballhog gene and crap shot selection. Jerry McNeal is a guy I find very intriguing; I think he is automatic 1st round material, if he slides to the 2nd, a team will have a gem on their hands. I’ve watched Marquette probably the most out of any BE team the past three years, he could very well be this year’s underrated SG of the year that could slide to the PG effectively, a la Mario Chalmers. At the very least, he’ll be a Delonte West type combo guard with good offensive punch off the bench.
The one thing I disagree with is the “Anthony Parker is too old,” comment. On the right team, that guy has a potential to be one of the best glue guys in the league. His bball IQ is a solid 10 of 10, does every little thing that will never make the stat book, hits the three, wonderful passer, nice handle, can drive, find openings, sets great picks, total professional, and is extremely unselfish. You put him on a contending team, he’d have a James Posey effect, regardless of age.
DaveT., I like Parker for all the reasons you mentioned but my only fear is having to give him, along with A.Miller a 3 year deal, it will really lock our cap situation up. tk76 has said a few times that the luxury tax threshold could be an issue after we sign A.Miller and to quote E.S. ,” if the right guy is available, we will go over that threshold”, I don!t know if that remains the case unless we get better attendence the rest of the year. As far as Thornton, if L.Will. is moved we will need a guy that wants to take the BIG shot in the coming years and he along with Hudson intrigue me as a possible Stuckey type, hopefully they defend better, and I hope that someday we can uncover another A.Toney from a small school somewhere.
Like Willie Green?
suede, Not to dash your hopes, but due to modern technology chances of quiet Toney-like discoveries have been diminished. NAIA colleges, Europe, Africa, South America, China … next frontier: Main Line summer basketball camps, Appalachian YMCAs and Greenland.
Sixers, or the Wachovia Kiddie Corps, ruddered by ”Pops” Miller (who turns 33 next month), featuring Andre “The Tomahawking Tatooer” Iguodala, Sam “Doozie” Dalembert and Willie “I Do It For Morty” Green, have a stern test tomorrow in Miami (Heat rested and coming off a disappointing loss to Timberwolves).
Business vs. pleasure yesterday. The business of Ed’s earned caution, continued theme and questionable optimism in time’s dividends vs. the fan’s pleasure of his acquiring some needed talent (shooter, young PG). Business won in a rout.
About Anthony Parker, just know that a Greek team was trying to buy him out of his contract with toronto this year and was ready to offer him 7 million a year. I would be shocke4d if he didn’t get that same offer this summer when he is an UFA.
Brand is done, he will be the next C Webb. The rest of his career he’ll be a 15pt 7Rb guy, there is no more 20/10 consistently, his limited athleticism is gone and he is too small to be effective if he cannot rise properly. Everyone is acting like he came into camp 60 lbs over weight. The guy was in shape, he played what 25 games not to mention all the practices? I don’t see how anyone thinks another year older and out of the game is going to help him. I mean I appreciate the optimism from the home team crowd, but we have to face it. It was a horrible signing, that will damage us for 4 1/2 more years.
I think if that report from David Aldridge was accurate Stefanski should of tried to pull the trigger on getting Blake and not moving Reggie. Maybe throw in Lou and J Smith. Blake isnt as young as Bayless, but hes only 28 (soon to turn 29) and is a carreer .389 3pt shooter and almost 3:1 ast/tov ratio.
As Hollinger said yesterday, sometimes GM’s fall in love with their young “promising” talent, and ES maybe could of done a deal with one to address a much needed void in our roster.
Ryan, Agree on Brand. His re-emergence as an All-Star player, wishful thinking. 2 serious injuries, 2 years off, 1 dreadful assimilation attempt
already - and they’re counting on that?!?
Brass appears be ”head over heels” for Thad “Engineering A Rebound Not My Strong Suit” Young, Lou “Watch Me Bust A Move” Williams, Jason “4.5 & 3″ Smith and Marreese “Strong Out Of The Gate But Hardly Bankable” Speights. Love hurts.
80 million + 80 million + 50 million. 210 million (nice allowance!).
Brand + Iguodala + Williams.
A former All-Star + a not-yet All-Star + a not-nearly-yet All-Star.
With that massive budget, ya gotta net 3 better players.
GM grade so far: D+ (credit for Cheeks removal)
There is a family friend who plays in the NFL ruptured his achilles tendon a few years ago. He came back and still plays at a high level. So to say it can’t happen or Brands done would be premature. Although the football player did say his ability to get on his toes is different on his one foot than his other. So Brands jumping was probably compromised some. I would be more concerned with Brands shoulder he does shoot right handed.
“I think if that report from David Aldridge was accurate Stefanski should of tried to pull the trigger on getting Blake and not moving Reggie. Maybe throw in Lou and J Smith. Blake isnt as young as Bayless, but hes only 28 (soon to turn 29) and is a carreer .389 3pt shooter and almost 3:1 ast/tov ratio.”
Ryan: Do you have a link to this? From the sound of it, I definitely hope Ed would have strongly considered something like this. If he didn’t, I’m quite sad.
Here it is…
“The deal would involve the expiring contract of Blazers center Raef LaFrentz and another Portland guard in exchange for Miller and forward Reggie Evans. The problem is that Philly wants Portland rookie guard Jerryd Bayless, and the Blazers have made Bayless next to untouchable. Portland would be more amenable, the source said, to include a guard like Steve Blake or Sergio Rodriguez, but the Sixers aren’t currently interested.
However, the trade still might be resurrected if a third team — believed to be Memphis –could get involved, sending guard Kyle Lowry to Philadelphia. The 76ers have long coveted Lowry, who starred locally at Villanova.”
Hmmm… Miller and Evans for Raef and Blake. I think I would have done that. We’d have basically sacrificed the chance of finishing fourth or fifth in the East this year (which probably won’t happen anyway), but we’d give ourselves a shitload of money to try to find a legit shooting guard. Miller/Green or Blake/legit shooting guard. Which is preferrable?
jjg: the perpetual sarcasm is appreciated. for laughs, its money.
need I remind everyone that at least 75% of us thought the Brand signing was a coup. while we were all tepid bout the injury, we hoped and thought this would be a homerun. It just didnt work out thats all. Ed doesnt have the luxury of hindsight. no need to go blaming him for that one.
for the LW contract, bad mistake. they should have strung him for another year like they did Iguodala. wonder if he’s really a bust. i cant be so quick to judge.
While Iguodala’s contract is humongous, i think he is worth a whole lot more to us than to any other team. that said bidding against ourselves was even more dumb. heck billy king was actually smarter on that one.
RRose, Interesting anecdote. Age matters in a recuperative issue. Just wondering, how old was your family friend at time of injury & rehab? And was his “high level” of play as high as before his going down?
looks like Ed is trying to make a steal. GOOD LUCK! lol.
u know what,that may not be such a bad way to go. this team needs a saviour.
Ryan and Ed: Blake is a decent backup PG, that’s why Stefanksi didn’t do it. That deal is Miller for LaFrentz (a wash contract-wise and a loss on the court) and Evans for Blake (passable reserve for passable reserve with a 1 year less on his contract). In sum, it doesn’t really help our cap and doesn’t help our play. Eh.
Wishing on Brand may be just that, but at the moment it’s the best chance. That and, to paraphrase Stefanksi from the paper today, the young guys getting older. Lastly, trading Igoudala and Williams (who has a mere 25 mil contract, jjg) will be much easier next year because of the “base year contract” rules. So if Stefanksi wants to go down that path he will have more options. And if Brand returns to form, he will be eminently tradable as well.
Now, Miller and Evans for LaFrentz and Fernandez would have been a winner in my eyes.
Heck yeah, Morty… that was THE trade I was hoping for all along. Portland must recognize what they have in him. What’s funny is that they seemed completely unwilling to part with any of the top tier guards (Roy, Fernandez, or Bayless)… which is probably why they didn’t wind up doing anything signficant (just Diogu for Ruffin or whatever).
Morty, I sit corrected. Was thinking of the cumulative number of his bad shots and turnovers in 3 years. Can now be less miffed, though even 25 is Hummer money for a Chevy Corvair Monza.
jjg: That said, what’s 25 mil among friends? Lou’s play has been such a disappointment this season. Both he and Thad are having sophomore slumps, big time.
One more thing about potential trades next season: Dalembert will only have 2 years remaining on his contract. That’s right, the light at the end of the tunnel is within shouting distance.
Ed Trucks: I think ES absolutely made the right decision not to do the A-Miller & R Evans for Blake & Raef trade. For several reasons:
1. Say we resign Andre to a 3 year deal. Andre Miller from ages 33-36, will be far more effective and of a higher talent level than a 29-32 year old Steve Blake. Steve Blake, as another posted said, is a backup PG. A good one, but nothing amazing. Andre is a top 10 PG in the league, and often holds this team together. He’s proven himself to be very durable for his age, and is not injury prone.
2. Raef’s contract coming off our books would not give us, as you say, “A sh*tload of money to sign a real SG.” It would put us around $4-6 million under the cap. If we were at or slightly over the cap, we’d already have the midlevel excemption, which is roughly the same price, so that’s a bit of a wash.
3. The problem with our roster, is that we can’t just sign some great SG. First of all, there really won’t be any out there except Ben Gordon, who 90% goes back to the Bulls. But more importantly…we have Iguodala that needs 38+ minutes a game at SG/SF…and Thad, which ES clearly thinks is headed for huge things, at 35+ mpg at SG/SF. Where exactly does that leave room for our major SG coup to play? Hence the problem…even if there was a player available, and even if we were able to sign them, we would have to give up Iggy or Thad to make enough PT available for the new comer.
This is why I think a guy getting about 20 mpg off the bench that can hit 3’s is ideal…that can also play defense (a M. Barnes, K. Azubuke, or I. Udoka type, although those particular three are not available) or is versatile on offense (Chase Budinger via draft).
Morty, Great reminder. As “Dandy” Don Meredith used to sing in the booth with Howie & Frank, “the party’s [almost] oh-verrrr” for SD. Whatever occurs, I think ‘big drink o’ water’ Sammy’ll make do.
By the way, jkay, thanks for the nod. On the satire continuum, it’s safe to say I’m somewhere between Jonathan Swift and Stromile Swift.
jjg:
He was younger than Brand at the time of the injury so his recovery prowess may have sped up because of his age. But still this is high level of play both NBA and NFL . Those guys are much more physically gifted then the average guy. He was franchised again as a player so his play didn’t detoriate over the next couple years. So that’s saying its possible to be just as good depending on the person and work ethic. My whole point is it can be done.
RRose, Thanks for replying. I agree with your point, but remain a serious skeptic on Brand as he’s up there in years (and treadwear), and is more plowhorse than thoroughbred (though others may balk at that characterization). Judging from this season, what off-spot quickness and lift (and correlative confidence) he had are gone.
Sadly, at this point, Brand is guilty until proven innocent. But give him a healthy 1/2 season to prove whether or not he irretrievably lost his “explosiveness.”
Miller didn’t practice today, but said, ‘I’m playing tomorrow.’
Dalembert opened a few eyes by saying he asked agent Marc Cornstein to call Ed Stefanski earlier this season to see if a trade might be the best thing for all concerned. “I just asked them if they don’t want to utilize me, then try to get the best deals for the teams. It was a brief conversation. I guess both parties felt like they were going to look into that. My agent’s job is to look for the best for me.”
He said he likes his teammates, but answered a question about wondering if he’d have been happy to be traded by saying, “It’s a tough one.”
Morty….The first half of next season might be all the time Brand gets to prove it, don’t you think? ES obviously wants to keep this team together, even if only for a lack of anything markedly better he could do with it right now, and see if his vision for this year will actually come to fruition next year. If not, we could see a major shakeup by next year’s deadline. Agree?
I asked Stefanski if he initiated trade talks involving Dalembert. His answer: “We spoke to all teams, which is normal, and about all sort of discussions about numerous players. I don’t want to classify who initiated calls about certain players.”
Remember Wade had that shoulder injury? When he returned, people thought we was washed up when he returned immediately after his timetable after surgery. Look at him now, just about 95% back to the Wade people know and that opponent’s want to forget about.
Luckily, for this team and for Brand, we have frontcourt depth. Offensively it isn’t pretty for the frontcourt, but they do step up nicely.
And Jameer Nelson did the right thing by getting shoulder surgery as well. Now Magic fans have to excited with the point guard depth they now have with Alston, Johnson, and Lue. But, fans have to be patient with Nelson once he recovers.
But when healthy, the possibilities for the Sixers are there and PERHAPS they could be one of the top four teams in the East.
Is it just me or is there an injury bug going around the NBA? Brand, Bynum, Nelson, Ginobili, Granger, Dunleavy, McGrady, Chandler, Amare, and now KG! Sometimes we forget how long an NBA season is. And what is a season like without injuries? This final third of the NBA season is all about adversity and mental toughness. The door is open for many to obtain a playoff spot or to jump to a higher seed, especially in the East. And others that are eliminated are playing loosely and want to play spoilers, those teams are the most dangerous!
bski: Agreed. Do you know what, if any, reasonably well rounded SG’s are free agents this summer?
Tom: So Sammy wanted out, but Stefanksi wouldn’t dump him for cap space? You have to believe that he could had gotten Sammy subbed in for Chandler with OKC, right?
I really don’t know Morty, and I’m not sure where to find it either. For baseball, mlbtraderumors.com has a link on their site that lists who the upcoming free agents are. I don’t know if any pro basketball site has this info though.
Does anyone know where we can find a list of players that will be free agents after this season?
Guys, I believe when we signed him it was brought up that Dominique Wilkins came back strong from achiles surgery and his was a more in the clouds kinda game. I look at it this way, as bad as he looked this year he was getting 16 pts.,10 reb., and almost 2 blocks a game with a team that couldn!t hit a jumper and was playing terribly. Who was our last p.f. to get 16 and 10, Barkley probably. He doesn!t have to get that much more effective to be a top 5 p.f. .Morty, A.Parker is unrestricted, McCants is restricted and another possible target,R.Sessions is restricted also.
Bski, Real G.M. com has G.M. Resources column that gives you options that players have. Draft Express [features] has all expiring contracts listed but not if they are restricted or not.
Sounds like Stefanski talked with the Hornets about Chandler. That would’ve been interesting — they have similar contracts, Chandler is a better basketball player, but Dalembert is healthier.
Stefanski confirmed that Dalembert’s agent did ask him to look into a trade, but said “never was there any blame for losses pointed at Sam by the coach and/or the organization.”
Tom, great job on this Your going to write an article on this right? This is a huge deal, especially to us Dalembeart haters!
Yes, I filed my story for Saturday already. You can check out my stuff at: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/sports/sixers.html
blogs are on the right.
Thanks for the info, Suede.
That’s slim pickings. Looks like a trade or a sign-and-trade might be a better route.
I know we’ve talked about Parker before. I like him, but I wonder if he will be available. Colangelo has stated that he wants to keep him. After the Raptors got Marion, I read quotes from Colangelo to the effect that he thinks they can sign Marion to a cheaper deal and in doing that they will have the money to also keep Parker.
Parker has been very valuable to the Raptors this season. Calderon has been in and out of the lineup and Parker has really stepped into the void at PG as well as playing his more traditional SG and he’s been logging major minutes for them. He’s a solid contributor and a great insurance policy for when the injury bug hits, all for a reasonable contract.
Morty & Bski: Sounds like we’re in the same boat with Brand, namely: “Let’s give the guy half of an entire season…40 games…to determine just how capable he is of performing at a high level, and how he meshes with our team, before throwing our roster all akimbo. After those 40 games are up, we can make a decision from there”.
Bski: Agree 100% with A. Parker. He’s that old guy in pick up games that won’t be faster or more athletic than anyone else, but knows all the little tricks to get things done and will outsmart you. Versatile as hell, a true pro, and plays the game the way it should be played. He’s picked up every single positive aspect of how European’s versus Americans play…a lot of “athlete only” type players could take huge lessons from his game. aka: 3/4’s of the NBA. Him mentoring Thad and Iguodala would be amazing…don’t see him leaving the Raps though unless it’s to go back to Israel.
Tom: “Chandler is the better basketball player, Dalembert the healthier player.” After all my ranting in a previous thread, glad to hear at least one person agrees with me in their comparative skill level!
Minor offseason deal with G-State? I love Kelenna Azuibuke. Good three point stroke, athletic, plays tough, can D up. All traits we need and that would fit into our uptempo system. Because G-State has a clear abundance, truly a ridiculous amount, of guards/swingmen: M. Ellis, S. Jackson, J. Crawford, C. Maggette, K . Azubuke, M. Bellinelli, CJ Watson…and that Ellis, Jackson, Crawford, and Maggette in particular are all desperately hungry for 30+ mpg, and Nelson will probably want to slowly give Belinneli more minutes…
…I’m wondering if we could swing a deal for Kelenna? Off the top of my head, I think his contract is very fair for his talent…4 years at $16 million, 3 years at $12 million, something like that. I’m wondering how high their interest might be in any of our role players.
Larry Miller, Jazz owner, just passed away. This is a real shame, he has been the consummate team owner and professional throughout his career. Wonderful guy, old school mentality, took a tough no nonsense approach to his coaches and players, always honest, and a great heart. I’d recommend checking out Gene Wojnarowski’s article about him driving in L Miller’s car during a Jazz playoff game, which Larry would not watch because of his Mormon faith, over at ESPN.
DaveT., Azubuike seems to be a Nelson favorite, he has been playing the 3 position in their small lineup this year alot. Two other unrestricted free agents are Almond and V.Wafer. Wafer is very athletic but not sure he isn!t a one year wonder. Almond,according to Hollinger has major turnover issues and seems to be bulking up [225 lbs.]. Maybe it is from lack of playing. Bski, a sign and trade is probably our best option but if they love L.Will. then who do we give up ?
Guys I would offer L.Will. for are C.Brewer [42% 3pt. this year],B.Rush [to me a perfect fit here], and J.R.Smith [ a bit of a wacko but we have a good group here and one apple shouldn!t spoil the whole barrel]. L.Will. is consistantly inconsistant. He had a 20 game stretch this year when he averaged 18 ppg. on 50% shooting but now can!t throw it in the ocean, I thought we got rid of F. Carter!!!
Suede: Any of those players would be nice additions, but it sounds like you’re thinking about trades only from the Sixers perspective, as if these guys are easy to land and available. J.R. Smith has had a nice year for Denver, and I have no idea why they would let him go given his improvement and consistency (relative to the rest of his career, that is).
Bird + Pacers seem to really like Brandon Rush and consider him an important future piece of their team, even though he has gotten sporadic minutes at best (very similar to the Portland/Bayless situation). I sincerely doubt they’d let him go for anyone unless it was an unbelievable deal or package, which clearly we cannot offer.
Corey Brewer played in, what, 10-15 games this year? Any stat with him is hugely misleading, there is no way he is a consistent 40% 3 point shooter at this point in his career. IMO, he was an overrated offensive player at Florida, and has really struggled big time against NBA defenses. That said, he is young, athletic, plays steller defense, works hard, and I’d trade Lou Williams for him in a heartbeat. But, again, why would the T-Wolves give away a young player with plenty of room for growth?
Lou Williams’ stock is not high right now, e xcept for teams that could really use some sort of backcourt scoring punch, and would be willing to gamble on the fact he’s having an off year and maybe needs a change of scenery. I would not be surprised if the Hornets have been eyeing Lou, he’d be a perfect fit there. And Rasual Butler, a Philly guy that can hit threes and plays anywhere from “ok” to pretty good individual defense, would be a welcome addition for the Sixers. But even with the Hornets having Peja/Posey at the SG/SF spots to stretch the floor, I’m sure they’d much rather hang onto Rasual, and have Mo-Pete be the odd man out.
As pitiful as Lou has been this year, and as much as I have knocked him during the 07-08 season and laughed at people saying he can be a PG…I DO still think he can be an excellent 6th man type, and am looking for him to show some signs of life during the last third of the season. If we draft a young PG in the coming draft, we will need to make a choice between Willie Green and Lou Williams as the guy to keep for the future.
I am for signing Anthony Parker. In fact, we should look overseas for players that are NBA ready and can slash, score, and be a defensive pest-an Argentinian or a Spainard. Chicago found Nocioni overseas and Portland found Fernandez overseas.
Rob: Unfortunately, Ed Snider has passed out a memo to any Sixers management that says, and I quote…”Be Xenophobic. Do not get near a foreign player. Don’t let them breathe on you. And certainly do not sign them to be a 76er.”
We are, without the fail, the team that has least utilized any international basketball in the entire NBA.
Here’s a link to my Saturday story on Dalembert: http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/117/2009/february/21/sixers-dalembert-asked-for-trade-earlier-this-season.html
Thanks Tom, I am about to enjoy this article with a venti hot coffee.
For all the Supporters of Sammy Idiot, there you go. He doesn’t even want to be here. It’s too bad that our hack GM coudn’t get it done.
Ah, how soon we forget. International players? Slovenian Marko Milic dunked over automobiles with the best of ‘em. Manute Bol loosened up many practice sessions with typical Sudanese wit. Index fingers came back in vogue due to Congonesian Dikembe Mutombo. A welcoming “Hallo mein Riese” was offered to “nicht so gut” German Christian Welp. Egyptian Alaa Abdelnaby was a lane tourist attraction, briefly. Grecian Efthemios Rentzias’ formula didn’t work for long. Peppy Argentinian Pepe Sanchez added some PG spice. Leo Rautins and Todd MacCulloch brought Canadian understatement to our consciousness. And last but not least, “The Haitian Sensation”, Sam Dalembert brought his exotic game and quixotic mind to this city.
And need I remind you that we once unfurled the ultimate international player, WORLD B. FREE.