Here is a bit of Sixers-related news…
Samuel Dalembert has apparently been booted from the Canadian National Team.
Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert was released from the team after Tuesday’s defeat to Slovenia.
“Without going into too much detail, it’s a situation that we decided to move forward with the players who have the passion and desire to play for Canada,” Head coach Leo Rautins said.
“It’s disappointing for sure, but I think you have to have players who are a 100% committed to it.
“If not, it’s not going to happen for us.” – athens2008.fiba.com
“Everybody that’s here now wants to be here, and wants to be a part of this team, and that’s it,” said Rautins. “Everybody here is playing for each other, and playing for Canada, and if that’s not your agenda, you’re not here.”
Rautins said Dalembert’s relations with the team have been strained for some time.
“Something like this doesn’t just happen in one game, or overnight,” said Rautins, who wouldn’t say whether Dalembert left on his own or was kicked off the team. “It’s kind of something that’s been brewing a little bit.
“At this point, our focus is not that. Our focus is the guys that are here, the guys that are sacrificing and giving up everything for each other, and that’s the way it is.” – TSN.ca
I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the Slammin’ Sammy D that Philadelphia 76ers fans have come to know. This past season Dalembert was on record saying he wasn’t happy and was unsure of his role. Those comments came during the stretch when the Sixers were winning a lot of games and playing the best basketball we’ve seen in a few years. Just adding to the ongoing confusion that is Samuel Dalembert’s mindset.
This particular story doesn’t bother me all that much – now. As long as he doesn’t bring a crappy, unmotivated attitude to the Sixers this season and every season he remains on this team, I am fine with his production.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Sam, he is. Rautins probably requested iPod ‘buds’ be removed from ear while scrimmaging. Sam then probably replied, “No music, no try, mon.”
Oy. If Sammy would rather spend the summer getting high, why did he act like he wanted the job last summer?
its just Sammy being Sammy
I’m thrilled. I think anytime guys play competitively in international play during the summer, it just takes more wear and tear on their body for the NBA season, resulting in fatigue during March – May and a greater chance for injury. A fresher, more healthy Dalembert throughout the regular season is fine by me.
Like Dannie said, I don’t give a crap what shinnanigans Sammy D pulled with Canada as long as he checks it at the door come Sixers time.
Dave, agree about the wear and tear but I still can!t picture him holding a championship trophy in the N.B.A. , he would probably drop it.
Great call Suede haha.
If he didn’t drop the trophy, he’d probably commit two fouls in thirty seconds on David Stern, forcing Mo to only give him 25 mpg, and leading to Sammy not understanding his role with the team anymore.
what sammy acting like mid-level exception??! . leo acting like a mid-level exception too?? what is the games coming too ??. Anyone willing to be coached by leo rauntin on such a big stage should be awarded a f aux gold medal that when you wind it plays ooh Canada
We may never know what actually happened, but there must be some reason why only one of the current four Canadian NBA players has chosen to play for Canada. That one player is a bench player for Miami.
Did Rautins think Sammy was Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol or something? What did they expect? SD is a good rebounding, defensive center who has a decent, but inconsistant short range jumper.