This will be the shortest after-game post because the Sixers don’t deserve my effort right now after what I just watched and the effort they gave.
Sixers vs. Boston Game Notes
- Elton Brand played very well with 18 points, 8 boards and no turnovers in 31 minutes.
- The Sixers (unofficially) gave up 15 uncontested half-court shots through three quarters. I stopped counting because I was only half paying attention to the game in the 4th quarter.
- Starting backcourt had 9 total turnovers (5 for Miller and 4 for Iguodala).
- Louis Williams made a couple jumpers and had 6 assists – granted much of this came in garbage time against the second/third unit of Boston.
- 12-21 from the line, terrible. Iguodala was 1-4; I have no clue what is up with his free throw shooting this season.
- Andre Miller can’t defend anyone. Rondo cut his ass up all night, and I expect Derrick Rose to do the same in the next TWO games.
- The Sixers forgot Ray Allen is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
- Marreese Speight look good again. Then he tried to single handedly start the rivalry back up by blatantly pushing Brian Scalabrine in the back. He got ejected, but at least he showed some nastiness in him.
Honestly I am really not all that mad about this game. I fully expected them to get blasted, but I thought they would play harder than that. Third straight loss. 7-9 and in the basement in the Atlantic division.
Changes will start coming soon I assume. I would start Ivey, Iguodala, Thad, Brand and Speights next game and go from there.
Next game: Sunday home against Chicago
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{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
It is official I now hate Andre Iguodala, he has no intensity this year and is straight dogging it. Did you see the look on his face after he touch fouled Garnett on his monster jam to give him and and 1. He just looked like oh well whatever. He got his money and has no intensity this year. He is just sloppy all over the court leading the break he often looks outta control, he has started missing layup’s like against Orlando. Iguodala needs to be shipped outta here he is def better than he has been playing he is just ill equipped to play the 2 guard. It drives me crazy when he misses his free throws also. There isn’t one shot that he has taken all year that I expect to go in, if it goes in its a surprise. That includes his free throws.
This team is terrible right now with Brand, Sammy D, Thad, and Iggy they should be playing lockdown defense. They are not playing good D at all and getting lit up by teams like the Bobcats. I had no faith in the team to win this game either, I don’t even get upset anymore watching this team.
I was flipping the channel and watching Little Man on FX thats how bad this game was.
i guess its actaully good for us that Millers game has gone to shit this year rather then us resigning him then him coming up lame.
As much as we all want changes to the starting lineup its probably not going to happen based on what cheeks has done through the years. It took him 40 games to start thad last year. And remember his loyalty to willie greene last year? Ed, the honeymoon is over bud.
Mo’s loyalty to willie green has gone on way too long and is one of numerous reasons to get him fired – it’s perfectly justfiiable to me, in fact Ed not doing it last year seemed odd to me – you reward a guy for a sub 500 record? New GMs fire coaches, everyone knows that, I’m not sure why Ed didn’t do it last year.
Miller should have been traded probably 1 1/2 years ago – but in typical sixers fashion – they held onto him too long until his worth plummets beyond any reasonable value.
And there’s no way Mo starts Speights over Sam this early – Mo has some really weird ideas about how to coach a team.
Dannie, I!ve seen enough, this game was probably not winnable going in but it was the first real good defence we faced, and look how clueless we looked. I am tired of stupid basketball. I will say it again, we need “basketball” players added to this team, not more “athletes”. After work today I am going to tell E.S. what I would do before our 5 year window goes up in flames. Sam has REGRESSED with a post player next to him. How does a center NOT take advantage of the openings Brand allows. A.Miller can!t be sat, he has to go now. And Iggy, being a B.Y.C. player is not going anywhere, so they have to find the best way to use his talents to the max. I will give my PLAN tonight after further thought, have a good day guys.
The Sixers’ feckless exhibition against Celtics last night raises many questions:
1) Is there enough basketball intelligence and poise on the roster to combat the better teams in league?
2) Are the players on the same game-plan page, with a shared vision and goals each game?
3) Do the purchased leaders lead? Are professional examples being set by the team’s nominal stars?
4) Is erratic play a result of bench coaching decisions, system design, incapable players, careless players or a combination thereof?
5) Are the players too comfortable with the head coach (& his staff)?
6) Would a head coaching change effect a team culture change if no roster moves accompanied it?
7) Is a “lights-out” shooting guard the one missing ingredient that, if
acquired, would grease offense and solve chemistry problems?
8) Is the team’s poor overall shooting due to a basic incapacity or role confusion?
9) Is the team’s high turnover rate a cause of individual struggle or an effect of deeper teamwide blight?
10) Do the players that constitute the roster have enough belief (in themselves and each other) and heart to win?
Interesting quote: Kate Fagen, Inky beat writer (before Celtics game): “Perhaps I didn’t watch EB enough in L.A., my only issue so far has been his relentess complaining to referees. It seems a lot of folks on the Sixers are complaining to the ref. I think right now they need to focus their energy on the game.”
spelling correction of beat writer surname: Fagan
Two quick points:
Speights fouling Carrot-Top: Loved that. Dannie, I thought the “nastiness” word you used was perfect. As a collective team, we need to show a whole lot more of it. Was nice to see our youngin showing some intensity in the 4th quarter. I wish our starting unit had that type of fire in the 1st quarter of games, where STILL we are coming out lethargic.
Andre Miller’s on the ball defense: Ok, I know he’s older, and not the 21 year old that scored a triple double for Utah and led them deep in the NCAA tourney. And I know Rajon Rando is one hell of a lightning quick player to guard. But am I the only one that thought A-Miller shouldn’t have been burned quite this badly?
He’s never been a steller defender, but throughout his career he’s always been solid, and sometimes very good. It seems to me that this year there’s been a huge dip in his defense, and being able to contain guys off the dribble. This does not bode well if he is going to pull a Jason Kidd and start to go from “good” to “inept” in the span of a season and a half. I’m being a bit extreme there, but still, disconcerting to see what should be our savvy veteran floor leader just getting taken to school by these young athletes.
Dannie Strongly disagree with you on Brand having played “very well”. 18 & 8 with no TOs is a decent line – on the surface. But he’s getting paid (and has been advertised) as more than that. [I recall your post which spoke to reducing expectations on him; can't do that if he's the roster centerpiece, the presumptive game-changer.] He’s like an island unto himself out there. His typical scoring on Js in 1st half, noticed. Rebounds by virtue of station on court, noticed. His numbers are deceiving though. He’ll get ‘em, but the more important matters are, does he dent opponent’s morale/create fear or doubt (or extend himself in attempts) or help buck up struggling teammates
with encouraging communication and TEAM-focused intensity like Garnett? Or does he play in his box, his rigid EB comfort zone? Where was his veteran leadership, his shaking teammates out their intimidated stupor – through word, demonstrated spirit and court deeds - in first half before things got out of hand? He got his ‘no-matter’ numbers, but no player, especially a central one, on a team down by 20-some from 2nd quarter on, deserves the post-game
approbation of having played well, let alone very well. I’m looking for numbers and “big shoulders” from him. So far, no good.
Keep Brand, Thad, and Speights. The rest of the roster is expendable. Dannie, can you please tell of about what happens if we let Andre Miller walk after the year. How much money will we have free, I know it wont be the 10 million that would be coming off the books.
Humble words from Glenn Rivers, but we sure have long ways to go!
hahah, Greek – It’s sad we are talking about the off-season and haven’t even played 20 games yet. Have you given up on this season entirely already?
It’s hard to believe that it’s still November!
JJG – That is fair. There are very high expectations and no one on this team is meeting them right now.
In my opinion Brand had a very good game considering the level of defense he was up against, the disaster of an offense he was playing in and little assistance he received from his teammates. Also, even though the game was a blow out he still did his damage against Boston’s first team. It certainly was no D-Wade 43 point explosion, but he did a fine job with the touches he was able to get and the situation he was in.
As far as the leadership I think he can do a better job. As far as getting fired up and showing it externally in an attempt to spread it throughout his team, I think he can do a better job. But my expectations are and have been lower for Brand. Just me. He is the centerpiece of this less-talented team, but is obviously not an upper echelon centerpiece like a KG, Kobe, Duncan, LeBron or even a Wade. Comparing him to those players is pointless.
The Sixers still need one of those guys. The mistake was bending over for Iguodala when that money should have been spent/saved for the guy you are asking for. Brand has never won anything because Brand is not one of those guys and has never been paired with one of those guys. He is in my opinion a fantastic guy next to Kobe, Wade, LeBron etc.
The Sixers are in a bad spot right now it’s up to a coach to maximize this teams talent and Stefanski to retool if we want to compete with Boston and the likes.
Dannie, what do you think of Eddie Jordan? Stefanski certainly has connections with him in New Jersey.
Someone to put in Stefanski’s pocket just in case things get worse!
Rob – I think the coach depends on what Stefanski thinks about the roster. Eddie Jordan is a good option that is clearly available.
Dear E.S., Sammy has to go, he is hurting every player down the offensive end. His man floats just outside the lane with his eyes on everybody but Sam. Thad is becoming a stand still jumpshooter partly because the weakside rebounding lanes are being clogged by Sam or his defender. The other night he posted up 3 ft. from Elton and allowed his man to double the ball when Elton recieved it. Call Sacramento and inquire about Brad Miller, he of the 13 ppg.,8 reb.,5 ass., and 45% 3pt. perc.; he has 2 years left,Sam has 3, on a contract that gives Marreese and Jason another year to mature before taking over. He sets Ruland like screens, passes well, can shoot the rock, and has a mean streak that this team is lacking with Reggies! minutes dwindling. You only need 28 min. a night from him and I wouldn!t of given this a thought if Marreese hadn!t developed so quickly. Sacramento is in need of defense, we are in need of everything he has to offer, and Jason couldn!t have a better teacher. Next, call Dallas, a team that I!ve read would like to clear cap space for the 2009 and 2010 free agents. Offer the A.Miller expiring 10 mill. deal and whatever else is needed [Rush,Green, future swap of #1 !s] for J.Terry. Or Chicago for Hinrich. Terry is what I hope L.Will. could be, his highest possible upside. Again, a class act who could mentor L.Will. and allow our subs to play similar roles to our starters, avoiding confusion with mixing and matching lineups. Now Iggy;[ JJG., don!t cringe with this next suggestion]. Iggy turns the ball over for the most part when he trys to either go baseline and get caught in the air or trys to drive between 2 guys. I get him off the wing and put him up top to run the offense. His size and passing skills, to me, are used best if he becomes a faccilitator, and less of a scorer. P.Pressey would put up lines of 10 pts. and 7 ass. nightly for those Bucks teams and Iggy!s current numbers, with 1 less turnover and 5 less shots a night could actually help this team by allowing Terry or Hinrich to play opposite of Thad on the wing. We have 2 sp[ots to add shooters, the 1 and the 5 because Thad, Elton and Iggy are not going anywhere. Jason comes in for Miller; Marreese for Elton; Rush for Thad ;Rush for Iggy and L.Will. for Terry [Hinrich]. Now there is less confusion and everybody will have a defined role and hopefully an Iggy/L.Will. backcourt down the road can pay dividends.
I meant Royal comes in for Iggy. Blski and Dave T., I don!t know how you guys do those long posts!!!
Dannie I have given up on any hope of winning a title this year for sure. Unless Eddy S. pulls off a blockbuster it’s just not going to happen. The nest step in this process will be when we trade Miller rigth at the deadline. Where is Kyle Korver when you need him!
Can I just say that people praising Speights for his idiotic unthinking move have got to get a grip – that’s not toughness, that’s not heart, that’s a punk ass bitch move that I’m writing off (hopefully) to him being a rookie…it’s pathetic to praise a move like that
Dannie, with back to backs against D.Rose wouldn!t mind seeing Ivey get a start at the point. Wonder how A.Miller would take it? I did not like the Spieghts push either, a hard foul going for the ball I have no problem with.
Suede - I could care less how Andre Miller takes it. Not starting Miller is extreme, but Mo needs to start playing other guys when the core rotation guys are not getting the job done. So tonight if Miller can’t stay in front of Rose straight up or makes little effort to fight around screens then sit him down and give someone else an opportunity to show what they can do.
deepsixersuede
I like all your suggested moves I would watch that team. If we could get Brad Miller that would be huge he has a very high basketball IQ and we all know Sammy does not. He is also a great passer and jump shooter. Your moves sound like something that the other teams might have interest in. My only thing would be Dallas taking on A Miller if they did that move they would essentially be throwing in the towel on their season cause they already have an aging point with a questionable jump shot so they would only be doing it for cap reasons.
2one5, An in roster move is probably all we will see for now, I am not the patient type, and if E.S. thinks A.Miller gains value at the deadline than nothing is going to happen. But Portland has a 12 mill. exp.[ Lafrenz] and Szerbiak [14 mill.?] is also out there so don!t know if we have the best piece value wise to move later. We!ll have to see but Sam!s in and out play irks me. Picture him on the Celts, could he roll to the hoop and do the other things Perkins does and watching Theo set screens and give a simple bounce pass into Brand was simple but beautiful.
Theo Van Gogh passed better than Sam in the ol’ Dutch Industrial League.
Suede - Suggestions are meh to me.
Brad Miller = I am not enamored by him at all (31% three point shooter not 45% by the way). 46% from the field (what he’s shot the last three seasons at best) from my center doesn’t sound all that appealing and those who aren’t all that happy that Brand has been primarily a jump shooter can’t possibly like bringing in another jump shooting big.
I’d MUCH rather just toss Speights in the starting lineup immediately, accelerate his development then acquire Miller for a season and a half.
Jason Terry = Pass. I am not trading the expiring contract of my aging point guard for an aging combo guard with marginal defense that is signed through 2012 with an escalating contract going up to over $11M.
Hinrich – Is OK.
But the two BIG questions I have are…
Honestly all I see are moves that add decent players with long contracts. Decent players with long contracts means the Sixers are still a middle of the pack team in years to come.
The Sixers need to add a major impact player OR move a lot of salary (acquire a few big expiring contracts) to aggressively go after a major impact player in free agency to pair with Brand.
I have a bunch of thoughts but I am holding off because it’s too early for major roster moves before making rotation/roster moves internally first to shake things up.
Dannie, it is a shame that an A.Miller,Sam and L.Will. or #1 pick package couldn!t bring us that player this season but our last 2 drafts are encouraging and adding a third consecutive possible starter in this next draft would help.
Guys, if you take our 4 starters [Sam,Elton,Iggy and Thad] and give them the best possible p. g. [Paul,Williams or Rose] could they win a title?
Suede – Last two drafts have been good and the judge is still out on them. Thad and Speights still have a lot of development and proving to do. But I still don’t see either of them as a leader or a dominant player.
You need a top 10 pick at least to get one through the draft AND be very very lucky that they pan out to be a great player or find one a little bit later – think 1996 draft with Kobe 13 and Nash at 15.
You know the crazy part we currently have the #1 and #8 pick from the 1999 NBA draft in our starting line up.
No one will win a title starting Sam Dalembert at center