Suspense. Drama. Excitement. WIN. Everything I could have asked for in the Spectrum’s last Sixers game.
The atmosphere was great. It was dim in some areas and flat out dark in others. Had a home feel to it. Personal space was at a premium unlike the much more spacious Wachovia center. It was tight in that joint – everywhere. Coming in the front door – tight. Walk around the building to my seat – tight. Waiting at the concession stand to get my pizza, soda and popcorn – tight. I had a dude sitting next to me eating peanuts with his elbows bumping up against mine while dropping peanut shells on my shoe. Go into the restroom and guys are only taking every other stall because there is only like an inch and a half between them. After the short culture shot guys just start squeezing in, shoulder-to-shoulder to let out all the beer they inhaled during the game. If I was a player I would have loved to play in that building with a packed house. It’s like a college gym where it feels like all the fans are just on top of you.
The jumbotron was hilarious. It was like watching someone play ATARI.
Getting a chance to hear the voice of Dave Zinkoff introduce the former players “From! The University Of Mazzachushetts, at six-six, number six, Julius… The Doctor… Errrrrrrrrrving” was awesome even if it was a recording. They had his voice calling the time outs during the game as well “Chicago calls TIME.”
Great, great night and the Sixers pulled out a close game to boot.
Sixers vs. Bulls Game Notes
This game was weird because it felt like the Sixers were scoring at will and shooting the ball very well from the field but the game finished so close. When I got to see the boxscore that feeling was confirmed. 53.6% from the field and 78.6% from the line are numbers we rarely see from the Sixers you would think it would have been a easy win for them. But the same things continue to happen.
It was one stretch in the fourth quarter as soon as Andre Miller left the game with 9 minutes left and the Sixers up 11 that the game started turning the wrong way. The Bulls went on a 13-2 run in about a minute and 44 seconds to tie the game at 88-88 and I was like “Oh Crap.” The Bulls literally went to pick and roll with Rose and Brad Miller every single time down court and the Sixers couldn’t figure out the right way to defend it.
- They first tried fighting over the top but Rose was hitting jumpers and getting to the rim.
- Then they started to either trap or have the big show very high not allowing Rose to turn the corner, but he simply dumped it off to Miller who consistently made the right decision to either go to the rim or kick it out to an open three point shooter.
That stretch got the Bulls back into the game with Ben Gordon on the bench having been locked up by Willie Green all game.
This game was not won with the Sixers hot shooting it was won doing something they haven’t been able to do all season. Get critical stops at the end of close games. The first was Andre Iguodala’s block on Gordon in the corner. Then Sammy stepped up HUGE with a block on Derrick Rose to cover Andre Iguodala’s ass for missing that free throw.
4 Quick Points
- Sam looks to be extremely motivated right now and the players and coaches need to do whatever it takes to keep him in that stat of mind. They can’t win without him playing well down the stretch or in the playoffs. 19 boards, 4 blocks and 8 points for Sam. Strong game. NO I WOULDN’T TRADE HIM FOR A 2ND ROUND PICK. Dumb idea like I said last time it was asked.
- Thad had back to back fantastic scoring games and if you’ve noticed a lot of it is coming with him playing the small forward and often times when Iguodala is out of the game. The Sixers are looking more to him on offense when Dala is out and Miller has done a good job the last two games finding him. I’ve said it before my issue with Thad has always been his aggression. He is too passive. Well the last two games he has looked for his shot more. Hopefully it continues.
- Perfect Andre Miller game. 13 points, 13 dimes and 2 steals. Sure he can score a lot when he wants but I think the coaches should have him focusing on getting other guys the ball and less pounding and guys watching. It’s a better long-term strategy for the Sixers on offense. He is perfectly capable of playing that way and hopefully we see more of it down the stretch with more of Millers shots going to Thad and Speights.
- Lou Williams still stinks and it continues to boggle my mind that he plays 20+ minutes. I just don’t get it. Stefanski and Dileo always talk about shit making basketball sense. Well how do you explain this one? Because it damn sure doesn’t make basketball sense to keep Lou on the court running around turning the ball over, not defending and taking bad shots. Kirk Hinrich was absolutely in his ASS all game. I was extremely impressed with Hinrich’s man-to-man defense last night, on a quicker player no less. He did a great job crowding Lou and funneling him exactly where the Bulls wanted him to go. Considering Hinrich and Rose both had strong games it would have made more sense for Ivey to get at least 10 more of Lou’s minutes.
Very important win for the Sixers and they are right back at it against Wade and the Heat tomorrow. I will be in attendance for tomorrow’s 1PM afternoon game. Should be another good one.
Dannie, I found it curious that Deleo postgame was very hesitant to praise Sammy when asked about his performance yet Iggy when interviewed right after the buzzer pumped him full of praise. Usually an organization gets a feel for how to motivate a player either with praise or tough love and that approach, if I!m running this team should be reiterated to the top players so they can “feed the fire”, so to speak. It almost seems personal in some way, maybe Tony, years ago had a descenting opinion when Sam was drafted or something. The reason I bring this up is earlier in the year I agreed when Sam was sat for long stretches because it looked like the team played better alot when he was sitting but that has not been the case recently so why was he not brought back in? Maybe it is his practice habits or something but the idea is to win games, isn!t it?
Dannie, I have to disagree with Thad playing well mostly when Iguodala was out of the game. In the first half where both of them played basically the whole 24 minutes, Iguodala had 14 and Thad had 12. (thats from memory). I think it was all Miller and Iguodala giving him the rock and letting him go to work. Im thinking Iguodala and Thaddeus can co-exist in the same line-up and put up these kinds of numbers. Obviously they aren’t going to shoot it as well as they did tonight every game. But the more those two play together, the better they get together, and the less energy Miller has to use carrying the team’s offense for stretches of the game. If we get Iguodala, Young, and Miller all playing games like these, we won’t lose many of them.
As far as the pick and roll defense… Either you can guard it, or you can’t. The only thing you can do is switch up how your playing it, and try and give the young PG different looks and try to force him into bad decisions. Unfortunetly for us, that didn’t happen. Rose is going to be a star. Simple as that. When they tried to trap off the pick and roll, I would have liked to seen more Reggie Evans. He is probably one of the best at trapping and getting into the opponents face. He is not afraid to get rough like some of the other players.
Overall, a great, exciting win for the Sixers! We have to beat the Heat!
Dumb Idea, cmon Dannie thats a little harsh don’t you think?
Enterprising Sixers’ organization and cloying, parasitic media milked that one for all it was worth for about a week. Imitation of dead Zinkoff … exploitative, tacky. I’m surprised they didn’t exhume his body or locate his ashes for “reverent” corridor display. A “wayback” night of cheap thrills, maudlin reminiscences, distortive accountings of history (Barkann: “the great Earl Cureton”) and ringin’ the register … yeech. From my vantage point, the lone representative of the real pinnacle of Sixers’ achievement history, Wali Jones, would’ve been more interesting to listen to than the always willing, graciously pontifical and overcelebrated Julius Erving. I respect Andrew Toney for always sticking to his guns and staying away.
As for the game, Willie Green was key in stifling Gordon and Thad was groovin’ solo all night long at fiery Ed Snider’s send-off house party – nice job, both players. Reality brings Heat tomorrow and then a Left Coast trip that’s bound to be a roller coaster … and maybe a wipeout.
Without adrenaline fuel of ‘OK Corral’ embarrassment and last night’s gala, will the extensive focus/thinking and work requirement shrink Sam as usual? I suspect so.
I’m thoroughly convinced that Sammy reads this site, when he isn’t reading comic books or chucking up half court bombs in practice. I just want to say that although I despise Sammy the player I do respect Sammy the person for all the good he has done in his homeland. Were all entitled to our opinions, and I still think shedding his salary for a 2nd rounder is GENIUS. And I’m pretty sure that the majority of sixer fans would agree with me.
Suede - I didn’t get to see the post game comments but to me it makes no sense not to praise Sam when he plays well and I don’t understand why he wouldn’t. Also when Sam does struggle I don’t know if the tough love approach is the most effective but one can only know by trying it and watching the responses and we aren’t close enough to know. Moses Malone has been around the team for the last couple years trying to work with Sam. He gave some encouraging words and Sam has played well in two straight games. I just don’t see how that approach could hurt. Some guys just respond better that way. A good coach knows that and figures out what buttons to push.
Guest – I think you missed my point. When Iguodala is out of the game most if not all of the time Thad is on the floor is at the small forward position and he has had the opportunity to utilized both his inside and outside game. When he is at the four that limits him to the perimeter because he isn’t posting up legit bigs in this league. Also, I think Iguodala plays too many minutes and Thad’s offensive emergence could be a way to give Dala a bit more rest if Dileo chooses to do so.
I still think the best line up is with Speights at the 4 and Dala and Thad on the wins with Miller being 100% a facilitators and opportunistic scorer.
Sammy D: Wow…wait…so, DiLeo…you’re telling me that when you PLAY Dalembert the 30+ mpg he should have been playing this whole season…he will…wait, you mean he’ll actually put up great numbers and tend to be a nice defensive presence inside? What an interesting idea DiLeo!!!
The unstoppable Syracuse freight train: I know you guys have heard me preach Johnny Flynn as one of the top PGs in the country since the beginning of the season, but here I am babbling about it again. I really hope people have gotten to see the recent Syracuse run with two wins in SEVEN OVERTIMES in the last two days to see why I want him as our automatic mid 1st round pick in June. I just freaking love this kid’s game. If we pass up on Flynn this draft there are going to be so many holes in my apt. wall my neighbors will be frightened.
JJG: Great call with the shout out to Willie Green. His defense was freaking awesome…gotta give props when they’re due.
Dannie: I’m with you on Lou. I mean, I understand he’s a young kid and they don’t want to mess with his confidence, and they want to send a message that says, “Hey Lou, don’t worry, we believe in you, we have your back.” But, uhhh…you’ve kind of been given a chance to prove yourself in SIXTY games this season, and when you haven’t, have been shooting terribly, making horrible decisions, playing mediocre defense at best and really offering nothing on the offensive end except a low FG%…perhaps it’s @!#$ing time to start giving Ivey, who has been nothing but rock steady at running the offense, plays amazing defense, has great height, and has good experience running PG as a starter from the year in Atlanta…some of Lou’s minutes?
The only thing I can think of is that they want to give Lou minutes, so that finally he can hit his stride, meaning his stocks goes up, so that other teams would actually be interested in trading for him.
Greek - To answer your question in one word – NO. I hold to my opinion that Sam helps this team play the way they want to play and simply giving him away isn’t positive or addition by subtraction situation.
And I will continue to contend that Sam isn’t one of the 2 or 3 major problems this team has yet he is criticized and given far more blame for their mediocrity that he should receive.
You strongly don’t like him as evidenced by you calling him names at every opportunity. I don’t dislike or love him. But I think for the most part he has helped the Sixers and allows them to play the style they want to play.
As to the majority of Sixers fans agreeing with you. Depends on the type of fans you are talking about.
Dannie, I did miss your point. My fault. I thought you were saying that Thaddeus played a ton better when Iguodala was not on the floor. That I would disagree with. But you are right, Thaddeus can utilize his post play and his outside game at the same time when he is at the 3. Did you see Dileo’s postgame quote I posted on the other Bulls/Sixers post? It was about Dileo saying it doesn’t matter whether Thad plays the 3 or 4. I strongly disagree and we probably wont see Speights in the starting 5 because apparently Dileo doesn’t think Thad being at the 4 is a bad thing.
By the way, the Heat are in the middle of a 3OT game vs the Jazz. I wonder if they will be tired for the Sixers game tomorrow. Its an early game starting at 1:00 so they might be a little worn down. We need to jump all over them.
I liked Conklin as Zinkoff introducing the former Sixers, including Julius ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-VING, but it was a bit much to keep talking in that voice.
I don’t think there’s much doubt that Stefanski would like to trade Dalembert, even with the way he’s played the last two games — though he’s going to have a hard time getting what he wants in return.
So your type – whatever that represents – is correct or superior in evaluation, Dannie? That seems to be the implication.
Greek: I don’t disagree with some of your anti-Sammy stuff. I mean, that guys got weaknesses. But I don’t see how you could think our team would be improved by just giving him away. Who would you want starting in place of him at center? Speights…who is far too young, and not a defensive presence in the slightest? Reggie Evans…far too short, obviously. Jason Smith, completely overrated and whose only asset is a jumpshot?
All of us might have some problems with Sammy’s game, but when he gets minutes the guy flat out makes us a better defensive team. He alters shots, when he wants to is a double digit rebounding guy, and is athletic and can run the floor. Even with all his negatives, he has the above GOOD traits. And if we just took away those good traits…we’d have a huge gaping hole at center, that our few extra dollars saved would not be able to fill.
Name me a single FA replacement in the summer of 09 that would adequately fill the hole at center were we to let Sammy go? We need Brand and Sammy together. If they click, that is a monster defensive tandem.
The Heat beat the Jazz in 3OT 140-129 today, so the Sixers MUST put the heat on Miami tomorrow and wear them out!! Jump on them quickly before they regain their legs!
Good update, Rob. Sixers would seem to be in the catbird seat for tomorrow then. Heat will be draggin’, as much mentally as physically.
Sixers, flat or Wade, Superman (unlikely after extending today): only routes to a L as I see it.
Greek, its hard to look at players without seeing what they make or where they were drafted and in their defense it is not their fault, somebody out there paid them or used a pick on them. If Shawn Bradley was the 45th pick in the draft he wouldn!t have been crucified for being a 10 pt., 8 reb. player and if Sam was making 5 mill. I would have less of a problem with his “issues”. He can be a factor when motivated and playing within his limitations and like A.Miller, until we get a replacement for him he probably is not going anywhere.
As to the majority of Sixers fans agreeing with you. Depends on the type of fans you are talking about.
Im talking about knowledgeable fans who want to root for players who play the right way just like myself. Why do yo think that I have been defending Thad as if he was my son for the whole time that I have been on your blog, because he plays the right way.
Suede, I agree with you that he probably is going anywhere. Which means that for 2 years niether are we.
Dave, available bigs available in the offseason that I would prefer over Sam
Varejao ETO
Ilgauskas Player option
David Lee(restricted)
It’s not much, but it is what is is.
suede, I disagree. What they make ”is not their fault”? Whose fault is it? Santa Claus’s. Greedy owners AND greedy players have created these
“luxurious” mega-arenas, exorbitant ticket prices & high cable bills. I can’t believe people give ‘em an EZ-pass. Iguodala, at 80 million dollars plus incentives is way, way out of whack. Or jus’ plain whack. One example. You take that kind of money, you better be ready for public scrutiny and criticism, comes with the territory. Dalembert at 60 million for 6 pts & 8 rbs? Pathetic. “He can be a factor when motivated“ … insulting, to a laughable extent. Dalembert deserves negative feedback at full volume. He may show a Peace Corps heart for Haiti countrymen (good for them) but he’s ripped off Philadelphian fans (bad for us), as far as I’m concerned. What those two make for what they do is a joke. No logical defense exists. They do mock-serious post-game interviews and laugh all the way home.
bski – yup, we were both in the Spectrum that night. Our seats were right about where the above picture was taken from. I couldn’t stand Mike Gminski, but loved Ron Anderson and Derek Smith. I think that was the most talent Barkeley got to play with while he was here.
I’m looking at that team’s stats now, and it’s funny how what I remember kind of meshes with those numbers. For example, Barkeley was a very efficient scorer, Derek Smith was our best bench guy, Ron Anderson had seen better days but was still effective, we could’ve done better than Scotty Brooks for a 3-point specialist, and Hawkins was a better-than-average shooting guard.
JJG - Meaning knowledgeable fans and fans who actually understand the game and form their opinion based on that. I personally don’t think all fans fit int that category do you?
I think there is a segment of fans whose opinion is 100% shaped by what they hear and read because they know less about the game. So if someone says Sammy is an idiot, that becomes their opinion of him. For the most part people that understand the game acknowledge both what he brings to the team in terms of positives as well as being frustrated with his lack of consistency.
Furthermore I think some fans get too emotional about a player one way or another and it becomes a “do no wrong” or “do no right” situation when at the end of the day the only thing that should matter is what’s best for the team (what we debate here all day) and whether the team wins or loses.
Greek – Well I know a few knowledgeable fans have already disagreed with your point about giving Sam away on this blog and Depressed Fan. That doesn’t constitute the majority but I think it speaks to the fact that people aren’t as averse to him as you are.
Sam is what he is an athletic kid who got into the game late and has never fully grasped all the fundamentals of the game. His overall potential when he came out of Seton Hall – debatable like everything else.
He got the contract he has because of play like the last two nights. That had to be the expectation right or wrong.
What Sam has done is parlay his athleticism into a good rebounder, strong shot blocker and defender.
The facts are as JJG states Sam is an 8.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 2bpg, 1.5 tov, 52.5% from the field and 68.7% from the line in 26.5 mpg.
Those numbers also translate into 11.1ppg, 11rpg, 2.7bpg, and 2.1tov if given 36mpg. I am cool with those numbers right there out of my starting center. He is fulfilling a role. They committed to Elton Brand to fulfill the front court scoring role primarily, maintain a high level of defense and rebounding he needs to deliver. They committed to Iguodala to a big contract to at least be a 20, 5, 5, 1.5 guy. He needs to get there – efficiently and stay their consistently. I think they committed to Lou to be….
Those are the big money commitments. We will see what they do with Andre Miller this summer.
I personally am not convinced these guys are good enough to win a championship but I guess we’ll see.
JJG, I took post 12 the same way. How long before they think that were the same person? lol
But your comment, ““He can be a factor when motivated“ is the factor that has made me just completely disrespect him as a player.
At 60 million I’m sure that most of us would run through a wall for this or any any organization, take out the garbage, and clean the toilets.
As I have stated previously the guy is dead last in the entire league in turnovers to assists. Dannie says that its not important for a center to be a good passer. Once again I strongly disagree. It’s just not about assist its about ball movement. When we dump it down to Sam, its not coming back. Is that good basketball? Isn’t good ball rotation one of the most beautiful things to watch in basketball and a necessity for a team that wants to win? Many times you could actually see the players waving for Sammy to get out of dodge, is that good ball?
I’m just amazed that a plan involving getting rid of this guy at any cost can be called dumb. As far as the type of fan that I am, I have been a 76er fan since 81. I have never rooted for another team I’m my entire life. So yeah I know about BJ Tyler, Christian Welp, Leon Wood, and Kenny “make it rain” Payne. I get my passion from being Greek, I get my toughness(or anger) from being from North Jersey. I’ll be a 76′er fan until the day that I die, that’s the type of fan that I am.
Thats all I have to say Dannie, I hope that we could have debates like this again without calling each others ideas dumb in the future. Im going to make like Rob now and say, LETS GO SIXERS!
Jumpin, my point was at 5 mill. most teams in basketball would take Sam in a heartbeat. I feel what he makes, in the back of most peoples minds, heightens their distaste for him. As far as Iggy, he at least seems to work on his game and has improved each year in some facet. And I actually think he will earn his money when all is said and done. Jumpin, I have been critical of Sam aplenty and he frustrates the hell out of me and I am looking forward to his last year at 12 mill. when he will be VERY valuable to us but until thennnnn.
Greek – I apologize if I offended you by saying the idea was dumb. That’s just my opinion of it. Nothing personal at all. I’ve had many conversations just like this with my buddies where we’ve both called each others ideas dumb at some point. Never anything personal just opinions. You think it’s a good idea I think it’s a really bad one as stated.
I will say this about the idea the same way I did about the Nate Robinson idea. Stuff like that can’t happen in a vacuum. What is the plan? OK giving Sam away is the first part what is the domino effect? I already said I don’t believe it’s an addition by subtraction move but maybe you do. I can’t pull myself to believe that knowing how the Sixers play and how Sam contributes to that. How are you making the Sixers better once you move Sam?
I think you should read what I wrote again. Where exactly did I say “it’s not important for a center to be a good passer?” I can’t seem to find that anywhere.
What I said in short was “Means very little in my opinion in the scope of his responsibilities.“ We are talking about a specific player, on a specific team with a specific role.
I guess I should restate and elaborate so hopefully you clearly get my point…
In an ideal world we want all our players to be able to do everything well. Not going to happen in reality though. Some guys will excel at some things and not at others.
Sam rebounds, defends and blocks shots as part of his strengths. He isn’t a good offensive player and his career 6.3 shot attempts per game reflect that. What I also said was where are assist coming from in Dalembert’s case? You have yet to answer that question. What I said was this…
Tell me if you agree or disagree. Bigs typically get assists by:
I don’t see the Sixers or Sam fitting into any of those situations. Now the first point we know is never going to happen right? What about the second one. Here is where I challenge a point you make above about ball movement…
You said
Hell no that isn’t good basketball. Why the hell would a completely defended perimeter player be waving at a post player who is defended by a single opponent? Shouldn’t they be cutting or moving without the ball? When do we see the Sixers actually do that?
No, it’s about ball AND player movement. Something the Sixers don’t do and have discussed ad nauseam at the start of the season when guys were just standing around with googly eyes when Elton Brand had the ball in the post. So why are you placing all of the blame on Sam?
Yes! The way ball movement works is by first creating some sort of advantage offensively whether it’s dribble penetration, pick and rolls, entering into a post player you know will be double teams etc. Now the defense is forced out of position or must help then the beauty happens. One pass, two passes, third pass wide open shot – splash.
When the ball goes into Sam (we could even start by questioning why the ball is even going in there) what typically happens is this… The defense doesn’t double team so no advantage is created. The perimeter defenders take the passing lanes away. No one cutting, no screening off the ball or players changing positions for the Sixers. Where exactly is he suppose to pass the ball? When a post player gets the ball one-on-one in the post they typically get a shot up right? Again knowing that to be the likely situation why is the ball going into the post in the first place if they absolutely don’t want him shooting?
In the scope of what we want Sam to do (rebound, defend, block shots, run the floor) and what we know about the Sixers offense where are assist really going to come from? That is why in the context of the Sixers and Sam I don’t think assist mean all that much. I never said it’s not important for a center to be a good passer. If you plan to run offense through your center than it’s critical.
When talking about Sam I think it makes more sense to focus solely on how often turns the ball over. He does so 2.7 times per 48 minutes. That is 31st among NBA centers and 11th among “qualified” NBA centers. (To qualify: a player must be on pace to play 70 games or commit 160 turnovers.)
Make sense?
Were cool Dannie, we could hug it out Internet style.
The thing is like most of us here, I bleed for this team. And like JJG said, Sam plays only when he wants to play and it frustrates the Funk out of me. You make good points above, its just that my European roots makes me long for a smart center who can pass the ball. Hopefully Jason Smith can be that player.
My Nate Robinson plan is as follows, and Ed I hope that you are listening just as you were when I proposed the Andre miller and Reggie Evans for lafrenz and bayless trade on this blog 2 months before you proposed it for real. Btw Ed you should have thrown in a # 1 to get it done but anyway.
#1 Let Andre Miller walk.
Explanation: Miller is a wonderful offensive player, but he lacks an outside shot. Our most promising player Is Thad, and sooner then later he will be our SF. That means that our big money guy Iggy needs to be a SG. This is fine as long as the pg can make opposing teams pay from deep, which Miller clearly cannot. Millers on ball defense is below average and amongst the worst in the league, its not for a lack of effort he just isn’t athletic enough. And at 32 he isn’t going to be getting any quicker. And his lack of defense is the sole reason that Steamin Willie Beamon is on the court, and that should be reason enough to ship him out of town.
#2 Sign Nate Robinson, As I have already stated NY cannot afford to pay him. Some gm will take advantage of this situation and be hailed as a genius, why can’t it be us. Before this season I would have never said go get Nate to play the point, but I have been watching him a lot this season, and he has been simply phenomenal probably due to the superior coaching that he has gotten. I love his fiery attitude, he doesn’t back down from anyone. I even saw his stand if front of Shaq in an attempt to draw a charge, and knowing him I’m sure he would do that every single time. I know that his 3pt% is down this season but he is a great shooter, and on open looks he is money. Unlike Willie Green.
#3 Trade Lou Williams, one mans garbage is another mans gold. He doesn’t have a crazy contract and Ed claims that he has value so go and see if you could get a swing man who could come off the bench and provide perimeter shooting. For the sake of this exercise lets just say that player is Raja Bell.
# 4 Draft a PG such as Johnny Flynn, or Calathes
Now step # 5 would be to trade Sammy for Nene which would save Denver 10 million but I will table this discussion for another day.
So under my plan this would be your starting 5
1 Krypto-Nate
2 Iguodala
3 Thad
4 Brand
5 Sammy
Bench
1 Calathes or Flynn
2/3 Raja Bell
4 Speights and Evans
5 Smith and Theo(resigned for another season)
With Nate, Iggy, and Thad our patented fast breaks will be better then ever. When Iggy has the rock he would have Nate, Flynn/Calathes, Bell, and Thad as his wing shooters.
How sexy is this plan?
And it could easily be done as long as Ed feels like it. Dannie I will re-post this tomorrow on your new article because i would love some feedback and also because it took me a while to write a post that would make Dave T proud and My girlfriend angry.
I am amazed at how people get so upset about comments. A blog is a place to express one’s opinions. I agree w/ Dannie that giving Sammy away is a dumb idea. Do we not understand that many other teams want Sammy to be their center? I am one of the most vocal fans on getting rid of Sammy but if Sammy played the way he did the last 2 games, I would be a fool to want to get rid of him. The problem with Sammy is that he is inconsistent and most of the time a big problem (he has cost us 2-3 games this year by turnovers, stupid fouls, etc…).
Anyway, if this blog requires one not to call someone’s ideas dumb, stupid, idiotic, so on, please let me know so I will NEVER post something again here. I like fights and strong discussions. And, btw, I think Lou will come through by the end of the year and win us ATLEAST 2 games. I am waiting for your comments!
Im glad you feel that way Dean because this is the dumbest thing that i have read all day.
“Do we not understand that many other teams want Sammy to be their center”
Like who Dean, your church league? We tried to get Kaman and Chandler and were denied in both instances. Name me one team that came looking to get Sammy from us, you can’t because there isn’t one.
mark cuban loves dalembert. so dallas is one. you seem to be ignoring the fact that his play is crucial to our success. yes he is inconsistent, but when he plays well it greatly increases our chances of winning. our offense is predicated on getting stops and pushing the ball out on the break. that all starts with sam. all it takes is watching 1 game to see how valuable he is to our style of play. sam rebounds & outlets the ball to miller or iguodala who are among the best finishers in the game = we win games.
and nate robinson would hurt us defensively way worse than andre miller. there is literally not 1 player in the league he can guard.
nate is also a very inefficient scorer. before this season the best he shot was 43% from the field.
hey arent we spending too much time bashing and defending one player (sammy), i think Lou Willliams is starting to get jealous.
Dean H: “And, btw, I think Lou will come through by the end of the year and win us ATLEAST 2 games.” – bold statement! i honestly feel the same way, really, but I am having a hard time trying to convince myself that that is not just having faith in a player and no real evidence to back it up. Cos considering his skill set, he would be a real asset if he got it right. What I think anyway, is that he has reached a standstill in his devlopment; teams play him a certain way and he is unable to adjust – getting caught in the air, dribbling around the perimeter when the lane is packed, taking baited open looks from 3 when he isnt a good shooter etc. – he seems to be doing nothing different from last year but with different results. he just isnt using his head.
Greek: Your fantasy GMing looked clumsy but the resulting lineup looked very promising. Intersting. Need I remind you again that Nate Robinson’s very immature personality is a big risk considering you want a player to be consistent (if he is your point guard). He is talented, but will the talent show up every night? or even when you need it to? I dunno. At the point guard position?, I keep seeing nightmares of the EQUALLY TALENTED Stephon Marbury.
yea like 75% of the problem with Lou is that he just isn’t hitting most of the same exact shots he was making last season. i think it’s very reasonable to predict that he could win us a couple games by the end of the season. people forget how well he played last season because of how awful he’s been this year.
Lou’s 3pt stats are 35.9% in ’07-’08, and 27.6% in ’08-’09.
it’s unbelievable that his scoring avg is actually up this season (12.1 ppg/11.5 ppg) with virtually the same playing time (22.9 mpg/23.3 mpg). he’s making more FTs but hitting them at a slightly lower clip.
I still feel the only way L.Will. helps this team is if he is playing the backup p.g. position because if we want Thad and Iggy starting at the 3/2 and L.Will. is our backup 2 guard than I guess we aren!t adding a shooter at all because Iggy will get the backup 3 minutes so to me L.Will. has to be our backup point.Greek, I think L.Will. would be given the p.g. position ahead of Nate if they wanted to go that way, but I don!t think they do.Again, I hope after this year ends we have all our questions answered.
Mike your the guy who one day was upset at any trade talk involving Iggy and then the next day come on and proposed a trade that involved Iggy. Your the guy whose Idea it is for Thad to come off the bench. Don’t think that I don’t know you Mike.
Cuban said some very nice things about Sammy last season, but when Sammy was begging to be sent out of town Cuban was didn’t come knocking so your wrong.
Mike wrote
“ sam rebounds & outlets the ball to miller or iguodala who are among the best finishers in the game = we win games.”
Hey Mike do you really like Sammy’s outlet passes? Mentioning Sammy and outlet passes and not being negative is being naive even for the staunchest of Sammy supporters. Im sure that your one of those guys that got all giddy when Sammy got his look at me Mohawk during the playoffs last year. Just remember that he is averaging 6 points and 8 boards this season and were a 500% team for the second year in a row.
Jkay in what way did it seem clumsy? I laid out the plan step by step, even Raja Bells contract matched up with Lou’s.
It’s very simple let miller walk, sign Nate, trade Lou, and draft a pg. Where did I stumble? That sexy team can me easily had as long as Ed wakes up one day and finds it as interesting as us.
He always shows up to play, that kid loves the game of basketball. Your right about his immaturity but he has made giant strides this season. Like I said jkay, the GM that steals Nate away from NY will be hailed a genuis.
Suede I wish that Lou was a good enough passer to be considered a PG. His passing has seemingly gotten worse this season don’t you agree?
Greek, keep an eye on Houston because they are starting a p.g. with similar game to Nate at the current time [Brooks]. An off the bench scorer at the point is a move some teams are reluctant to make. But defense would be a big factor in a move like that, as we see with L;.Will. being quick doesn!t mean he can defend.
These next two games are big, in the matchup against two quality MVP candidates!! We must bring our BIG STAGE PERFORMANCE on!!
GO THAD!! GO SAM!! KEEP IT CONSISTENT THERE!!
Let’s bring the Heat on– Philly style! GO SIXERS!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPuj_wuq_uY
Hey, the guy doing all the Dave Zinkoff voices WAS Joe Conklin… live. It wasn’t a recording at all.
uhh, The Greek, i have posted maybe twice here in the last month. and neither time was it about iguodala or thad. take it easy big guy. you sound confused.