If you want to talk about this game, feel free. I do not.
I will be at the Boston game which won’t mean anything to Boston but the Sixers will be fighting to stay out of the 7 or 8 hole in the standings. The 5th seed is gone. The 6th seed is hanging by a thread. I don’t care about any of that at this point.
I am done with the regular season. The remaining games mean nothing to me. Why should I care when clearly the Sixers stopped caring or at least looking like they care since they secured their 40th win and a guaranteed playoff spot.
I will go into the playoffs as if it is a new season, albeit it short. The question: how short will the Sixers let it be?
At least the Phillies had a nice come from behind win this afternoon.
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I will talk a little about this game. I am confused as to why we have gone into freefall mode. I think about 50% of it is because Thaddeus is injured. But was Thad really that good defensively? We can’t stop anybody. And thats what is frustrating to watch. You can predict the occasional streak where we don’t hit a shot, but usually we counter that streak by getting stops and forcing turnovers. Tonight Iguodala was trying to take over the game and ended up turning it over more than finding teammates. And all though he shot well, he hurt the team in most cases. And what the hell is our team doing complaining all the time. Calls are bad I get it. But stop yelling at the referees after every single play. Hey Sixers! You want some cheese with that wine? (sorry I had to) Usually it’s just Iguodala but tonight it was everybody. It’s not the refs fault you guys have lost a season high 5 in a row.
As sad as it is to say, I think we have a decent shot at winning the Boston game which should/hopefully give us the 7th or 6th seed. But man what a collapse this has turned out to be!
At this point I can’t imagine the Sixers making it out of the first round.
This is a repeat of the end of last season. A major losing streak heading for the playoff. I haven’t seen a Sixer game in weeks. For someone who has I have a question. Have the Sixers quit or are they getting outplayed by better teams? ust curious.
The defense was horrible, thankfully it was one of the weaker rebounding teams in the league and the Sixers shot very well at the free throw line or this game would of been a blow out from the start. Horrible performance the last few games, hopefully it’s because Thad went down and no more. They need to get back to last month’s form in a hurry .
We might as well just start talking about Sixers lose to Boston in the first round. Chicago will definitely pass them, and the way they’re playing, they have no shot of beating Boston.
Ken – THEY QUIT!
Combine that with a lack of talent with all the injuries and it’s hard to see any reason not to just start talking about the draft, off-season and next season at this point.
It was a sloppy game and the Sixers can not hold on to a ball for many possessions. This was another game we lost prior to facing the Celtics. They were overdribbling and taking too many risky plays. The Raptors, with nothing to lose, looked calmer.
When we beat the Raptors twice this season, it was because of two guys: Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. I MISS THEM BOTH!!
Brand would help cut down any of Sammy’s and Evans’ loosy goosey, cutsy, and dicy plays. Plus, he can secure rebounds and block shots accurately like a man!! Once we set him up properly to post on the offensive end, this team will thrive especially when we have to play in the half-court.
Young is Mr. Right Place At The Right Time. His scoring is amazing, yet low on the flashiness, which is great and professional. He makes the game look so simple and without him the game seems complicated for the Sixers. Thad’s rebounding and hustle are the jolt of energy. (And Josh Smith is not a Hawk, but a Swine. And I hope the Heat smack the Hawks left to right!)
Both individuals truly represent what Philadelphia is all about–getting it done without theatrics and whining. Lately, the team has been whining and whining. They look dispirited and frustrated like students the week before school’s out for summer.
But I have to give credit for Dalembert for showing up–keep doing so!!!
This team lacks a KILLER INSTINCT and an IQ as a team meaning they can’t think or run plays on their own when things are not as planned. To be a contender, they must have these things. When you look at the Celtics, they take care of business against the sub 0.500 and do not play to the level of their competition. Teams can generate a lot of wins by beating those teams. With Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young, we were blowing those teams away. Since Brand when down, we were treading or dog paddling along, going nampy pampy in victory margins against the sub-0.500 teams. They need to grow up and grow some.
I’m tired of the regular season and so are the Sixers. However, the Sixers MUST focus on the task at hand like they have done for most of the season. These two remaining games still have some meaning this season. Boston and Cleveland may not think so, but we’re far from what they are this season. Our last couple of games, have been as a result of not playing Sixer basketball. They need momentum heading into the playoffs! The Sixers have to think DUI (Defense, Urgency, and Intensity). Metaphorically speaking that is!
Also, Anthony Parker is a STUD for this team. I want him on the Sixers next season along with Andre Miller resigned, resign Ratliff and Marshall, get a SG from the draft, and if possible find a backup for Iggy with size and length. That is our offseason for 2009. Our small lineups are killing us!
Anyway, our game against Boston is FAN Night. Let’s give them something to cheer for, despite them playing without Garnett and Powe and possibly Allen for elbowing Varajeo in the crotch.
Anyway, GO SIXERS!!
Defense has been abominable. Toronto hit 53.8 percent of their shots.
“We just can’t get in sync defensively with our rotations,” DiLeo said.
Not the best time for that to be happening.
Hello Boston.
Ladies and gentlemen (I don’t know how many of which we have), but I pose to you this question: Who do you want our beloved Sixers to face?
-Orlando
-Boston
-Cleveland
The odds of winning the series against any of those teams would be tough, given our inability to defend the perimeter by double teaming too much. That’s why we watch–to expect and hope for the unexpected.
If Hedo Turkoglu is badly injured with that sprained ankle and Rashard Lewis is bothered by some lingering knee tendinitis, I would perhaps want to play the Magic. Especially if Turkoglu’s injury is big. The Sixers’ frontcourt has done a great job on Dwight Howard and we do have depth. The Sixers’ depth could make a potential difference.
What’s your take?
GO SIXERS!!
Rob - To be completely honest I don’t even look at this question the same way you do. I don’t look at it as winning odds. I look at it as longevity odds. I don’t see the Sixers winning a first round playoff series in any likely scenario against those teams (unlikely scenario – massive injury to key player(s). So for me the question is which of those teams can the Sixers even win a game against before I go any further. They have to win a game before I commit to thinking they can win a series.
I want the Magic
There are health concerns with Turkoglu and Lewis. Experience concerns with Skip to My Lou Alston. And we can take an away game from them if we play smart and go after Howard to get him in foul trouble. The Magic have come a custom to early exits the last few years and they don’t have the experience that the Celtics have. Magic all the way.
im pulling to play the magic. i think we can at least pull a game at home out against them with their live by and die by the 3. they have to come out cold in one game right?
1 year my arce, FIRE ED STEFANSKI NOW. Tell him to take Dileo with him, they are both responsible for this mess. Yes I know about Brand, Smith, and Thads injury. Doesn’t matter, these guys have zero heart. It’s not fun at all rooting for this Thad less team, no defense means bad coaching. Since Dileo are 2 peas in a pod it’s time to the the “Gameno” road.
On second thought don’t fire Dileo, just give him back his old job in the front office. But get rid of Stefanski at all costs.
The Greek–I think you’re too harsh on Stefanski. He really is a major upgrade over Billy King. What they need is either an assistant coach that is a defensive specialist for Tony DiLeo or find another head coach that will preach and emphasize defense, the ultimate spark plug for one’s offense. This team needs maturity, experience, and toughness on all aspects. They need consistency and need time with Elton Brand and Jason Smith. Perhaps Tony DiLeo can put those two in the right places where Mo could not and we need the Andres to get off to better starts this season. Plus, Thad will always work hard and improve his game. But getting rid of Stefanski is simply a panic move made by frustrated fans. We all are angry with this latest slide, but we need to calm down.
I just caught the end of the game [family gettogether]; Dannie, this is how I am looking at it, if we didn!t get the 5 seed than the further down we finish the higher up we will be drafting, it is wrong to think that way but if we are going to lose to one of the big three anyway than give us a chance at the best possible player in the draft.Without Thad ARE we better than Toronto,Charlotte,Indiana, etc..? I!m not sure of that because talent wise it is a fine line this team seems to walk every night.
Greek: Why all the hostility against Ed Stefanski? He signed Brand, arguably the best FA out there to improve the seen…and the jury’s still completely out on the signing. He opted not to trade Thad Young…seems like a good move. Iguodala has had a nice season since the resigning. And he drafted Speights.
He tried to land Jerryd Bayless at the trade deadline, and land Tyson Chandler instead of Sammy D…and opted not to make a trigger happy trade that would have benefited the Sixers in the short, but not long term. Signing Marshall, Ratliff and Ivey as minimum vet salary bench players were all good moves as well.
He’s going to hire a legitimate coach for this team in the offseason (something I’ve ranted about before)…we’ll have healthier guys back, plus an added talent (PG or bench SF that can hit 3’s) through the ‘09 draft. Why all the beef, I’m curious?
Dave T., I hope you are right about the coaching situation because in the past week I read Deleo is coming back if he wants the job, that would disappoint me greatly.
Greek: concerning Ed Stefanski,you are trying to eat your cake and have it. To get something you have to give something equally good up. He WAS shortsighted though believing it could work right away without adding more shooters. Brand being injured and sub par performance have got you doubting. By summer time I’m sure you thought this was a potential steal. sucks that it aint,thats all.
Dannie: you don’t even wanna talk bout this game? – I feel exactly the same.
on Sixers: it appears that they are in free fall mode. thats it. heck it seems even Rob is going sour on them.
on yesterday’s game: watching that stinker convinced me that our big offseason splash should be a coach that can kick some ass!!
jkay, if Jordan goes to Sac. and Saunders goes to Wash. and E.S. wants a new coach I wonder who the top candidates are?
Avery Johnson!! dont get me wrong, not the best fit but if you have achieved so much mediocrity going in one direction, does it not make sense to go ENTIRELY in the OPPOSITE direction?
Laissez-Faire coaches over last 3 yrs- Mo Cheeks aka Mr. Cool, DiLeo aka Mr. Professional. we need a Mr. Tear-it-off-a-your-a** guy!!
contd: Jim O Brien had some fire but he had to go with AI drama.
on Speights: I think he has the best, most natural jump shot on the entire team. like … ever on any Sixers team, bar Korver anyway. Ok he cant start yet but he needs to be on the floor more.
jkay, what scares me is Jordan possibly going to Sac. .He was supposedly E.S.!s guy and if he goes out there does E.S. stay with Deleo? What scares me about our young core is getting them defensive minded. L.B. would sit a guy [L.Hughes?] if he didn!t give effort down that end, if Deleo is brought back I hope he can 1] bring in his own staff 2] bring in a strong perimeter defense teacher similar to how M.Price teaches shooting.
Dannie, do you think this group is to dumb to get it defensively or is it the philosophy or the coaching? Deleo stated when given the job that that was his main focus, I see no improvement this year in that respect.
About the coach:
Flip Saunders is rumored to be in Washington next year along with Sam Cassell as an assistant possibly. (didn’t want him anyway)
Eddie Jordan is rumored to be going to Sacramento (didn’t want him either)
My front runner is….
Not going there – yet. I actually already have a post mostly written about the Sixers coaching situation. Let’s get through these last two games and the playoffs and then worry about the coach, draft and off-season moves. Trust me I know it’s hard but the season “technically” isn’t over yet.
Dannie, tell me if you think I am wrong with their philosophy; they need to run so switch consistantly to try and get in the passing lanes to create turnovers [the A.I. approach] to ignite the fastbreak. Agree or disagree?
“Must win” game (in light of Bulls & Pistons chasing, 4 game slide, final 2 opponents). Iguodala, 10 turnovers!!!!!!!!!! Miller misses first 11 shots!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, we want to build our future on that, say Ed & Tony, resident geniuses. While we’re at at, let’s continue our fantasy (and summer II promotion) that Elton Brand is a premier player (after 2 injuries and 2 years in the stable – and 1 failed 1/3 season integration) while approaching 32, next year’s ultimate difference. Add a bucket of b.s. regarding the continuing growth of “Dancing To His Own Music” Lou and “No D Elbow Grease” Marresse and you’ve got yourself another boondoggle of a basketball team that fans will be cordially invited to embrace next season.
Thad, Willie and Royal are my lone my rooting interests. I wish the front office would clear the deck of the rest – - a combination of the lushly overhyped (Miller, Iguodala, Williams, Speights) and grandfatherly has-beens (Marshall, Ratliff). A new head coach with personal heft and priorities on defense, rebounding and mental toughness is in order. Also, two fresh shooters are needed in the picture.
Iguodala and Miller will occasionally do their ‘Popeye after spinach’ imitation against upcoming biggies, Celts & Cavs. Adrenaline-fueled, playground crap. Like their ‘14 down to 4′ unthinking muscle-flexing of last night that failed to compensate for 45 minutes of flab.
Suede – I was actually reading some Tony Dileo quotes where he talked about defense. The Sixers have been horrendous defensively the last month or two now. Teams are consistently shooting 50% or better against them. Hard to run when you don’t get stops.
Is the team too dumb? As a whole no. Some guys sure. But that can be fixed with the right coach, approach and system.
I have been reading a lot about basketball skill development and coaching because I am toying with the idea of starting a basketball training and skill development business for student-athletes with my brother who is a certified personal trainer with a degree in exercise science.
You have to teach guys the right way to play through multiple progressions and feedback. That first starts with the coach actually knowing the right way to play. The most effective way to coach (aka teach) and provide ample and effective feedback. Does Dileo?
deespsixersuede: actually i dont think they do that intentionally. they really try to avoid it sometimes but just dont know how to fight through screens. With a big shot blocker like Sammy, it doesnt really make sense for them to swtch. i think what you are hinting on is the tendency of some players to do that A LOT e.g. Lou Williams. Andre Iguodala picks his spots sometimes, Miller goes underneath ALWAYS , Thad ALWAYS gets caught up IN the screen and has to have a rotating defender cover his ass, Sammy jumps the screen and stupidly double teams, ditto Reggie Evans.
The only players that play it well are Ivey and Green.
What you have is just a collection of colorful mistakes.
Dannie, to me getting the right defensive gameplan in place next year is as vital as adding more talent, becoming greater than the sum of their parts, so to speak. Does overpaying get a D.Harter or Thibedeox here as an assistant, I don!t know but THAT would be my first priority. What coaching defensively did you recieve at the small college level, because it almost seems like a lot of our players don!t have a good foundation to work off of, even Carney stood straight up as a rookie and coach Cal was supposedly a guy with attention to detail.
jkay, you watch how Theo can hedge and show at a screen and recover and Sam has a chance through filmwork and advice to learn from one of the best. L.Will. seems to be an effort and vision thing, he never sees a screen coming. Hollinger calls him a screen magnet, pretty funny actually. Iggy and Thad can at times be real good but if you watch the Celts they are all on the same page and our guys seem to all have a different agenda.
Suede – Defense isn’t sexy. Everyone wants to shoot it. Dunk it. Make the cool offensive play. Good defense generally lacks proper recognition on the NBA level and in the media. That recognition reinforces the positive behavior you want ingrained in players. Also people tend to think “I will just get it back by scoring next time down court” (think Lou and A. Miller).
You definitely need coaches to help players understand the right way to play defense. But more importantly I think it takes a lot more from the individual player to commit to defense. Inside, their mentality etc. Getting a stop needs to feel as good or better than scoring. And I just don’t think a lot of players play the game like that. It’s sad honestly.
You look around the league and can clearly see what players (Artest, Battier, Duncan, Bowen) and teams (Boston, Houston, San Antonio) have that defensively mentality and natural propensity to get after it and love doing it. The Sixers don’t, so the question become can it be developed internally? Yes and No is my answer.
Yes – because you can put the right system in place. And the right coaching process and teaching progression.
No – because it’s still all on the players to execute. Coaches can only coach. They can try to motivate guys to do what they want them to do and/or punish (bench, scream at etc) for the wrong behavior. But at the end of the day people do what they want and what they are internally motivated to do. If I guy doesn’t think defense is important he won’t play it. If he isn’t mentally tough, he won’t play it hard or long enough to be effective.
Final option: Bring in different (the right) players.
First off I would like to say that I tivoe’ed the game last night and the minute it ended I ran onto this website and vented my Greek ass off.
Anyone with a pulse is better then Billy King.
Like I said Don’t tell me about Brand and Smith being out because that has nothing to do with the effort that these “malakes” are showing.
Dave I was asked the same thing by Dannie the other day and here was my response.
1 He traded away Korver and Carney probably their best 2 3 pt shooters. Hate on Carney all you want but he is a good defender . Yes we needed to make cap space to get Brand, blah blah blah. If the knicks could shed the contracts of Randolph and Crawford then Stefanski could have somehow shed the contracts of Greene and/or Evans. There was no reason to include a number one for someone to take Carney.
2 He spit the bit on Lou Williams. Twice. The first was when he signed him to that contract and the second time was when he didn’t deal him at the deadline when he claimed that there was a lot of interest in him.
3. Should have signed a real head coach such a Eddie Jordan from the get go.
4 He shaped this team, crossed his fingers and hoped that someone would be able to hit an outside shot. For this he is fully responsible.
5. Willie Greene starting comes straight from the top because you sure as hell know that if he told Dileo to bench Willie Beamon then that would happen.
6 Speights has been poorly developed. As I have stated before the dude has a good hook shot with both hands but for some reason whenever he posts up no one on this non Thad piece of crap team gives him the ball and it pisses me off. That’s why he has to go 15-20 feet away from the hoop to get the ball and doesn’t give it up when he gets it. Being that Dileo is Stefanski’s assistant he is ultimately responsible for this.
7 Sammy D, where too start? How about suspending him for his selfishness or just benching him to send a message?
That’s enough for know, I am sure I will think of more things later.
Greek, I try to think how I felt when those things occurred. I like Carney but when it led to Brand I felt good. The 3 signings, I liked the Ivey signing the most but Rush and Marshall I thought would have trouble getting on the court.Korver led to Thad getting on the court more and flexibility to get Brand so again, yes, I thought that was a good move. Losing the #1 we got for Korver did bother me but again, it led to Brand. So if Elton becomes what we hope he can than I will be okay with it all, if not ,well than I will be pissed like you. Dannie, I hope that pride in defense mindset is used on draftday. Guys like Holliday, S.Young,Collison, and McNeal all seem to bring that effort level to that end of the court.
It was just a case of indigestion. Hopefully, we will have the TUMS to relieve this Sixers’ drought and gain some momentum. These next two games are potential playoff previews, although our opponents are probably focusing more on rest. The Magic are even focusing on rest and are playing just as badly as we are. It’s that regular seasonitis. Human nature– gotta hate it sometimes.
But clearly, this team would have been better with a healthy Brand and Thaddeus Young. Thad was the big reason why we were playing so tough on the road, but we have lost four on the road since he went down. Without Brand, the rebounding margin has shrunk and we are not blowing those sub-0.500 teams like we were doing earlier.
So far, no news on Hedo and the Magic.
My second pick for first round opponent would be the Boston Celtics. Here is one silver lining about the Celtics, they are turnover prone, especially their bigs. The Sixers MUST force turnovers and convert them into points in order to make it a series. Unlike Orlando and Cleveland, there is no big threat that they really have to double team. The Sixers really have to contain that backcourt, the real source of our troubles. Also, remember that it took the Celtics two game 7’s to get to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Maybe another year of postseason experience could help the Sixers into becoming a better team next season. Who knows, but I did sour a bit, but not enough to despise them though!
GO SIXERS!!!
Since this has now been posted twice I guess I better speak up now.
The Utah pick was conditional. The condition: Utah retains the pick 1-22. Well this season they will be drafting between 20-22 so we wouldn’t have got the pick anyway. Let’s move on from that.
The Rodney Carney point is nonsense to me. He shot 34.7% and 31.7% from three in Philly. 35% is below league average. If that makes him one of the best 3pt shooters on the Sixers does it even mean much? I think not.
The year he shot 34.7% was on 1 attempt per game (too small sample size) and ranked 2nd on the team of the guys that really that shot them. That doesn’t support him at all. Only says the Sixers were/are the worst three point shooting team in the NBA. He is only shooting 35% from three this season in Minnesota on 3.3 attempts per game. As for his defense. It was spotty. Sometimes he was solid, sometimes he looked clueless just like Speights does now.
Furthermore the reason a #1 draft pick was added to the deal was:
Losing Korver’s shooting hurt but the trade was a means to an end. If you don’t like the “end” speak to that. The deal showed some forethought and was effective in netting them the player they wanted. Again we can debate whether the end result (Brand) was a good idea or not for sure. But the actual deal was positive in that it did get a future #1 (at the time), cap space and opened up room for Thad to play and develop (the same thing you are clamoring for them to do with Speights now) (Greek, of all people I am surprised you (purposely?) neglect to mention this in your argument).
The Knicks/Randolph/Crawford point doesn’t hold at all. I honestly have no idea why you think teams just take sub par players for nothing. The Knicks had to take back salary near what they gave up. It works for the Knicks because that salary had the desired (shorter) length in terms of years.
In the Sixers case they would have had to get completely expiring contracts in exchange for contracts with unfavorable lengths (through 2010/11 season). And as much as Randolph and Crawford are dumb as hell they are still more talented (at least perceived to be) than the players you mentioned (Evans and Green) and in the NBA teams tend to always take risks in terms of salary on players with talent (perceived or real).
I don’t like Lou Williams at all. I think the Sixers have an unhealthy opinion of him that could be detrimental to winning. My question though do you view him the same way as Sam. You would give him away for nothing? We have no clue what “a lot of interest” means when no proposed deals were released. Teams very well could have wanted to get him for slop (less talented player with equally as bad or worse contracts). Also I don’t think selling low would have been the best strategy. Let him get on a roll then look for interest and move him when he is playing well if you want him gone and it supports more winning.
Eddie Jordan isn’t the right coach for this team. His Wizards teams scored, play no defense and didn’t go very far with some talented players. Just like the Sixers do currently. Sign a real head coach when, in the middle of the season? When does that happen? Not that it shouldn’t or couldn’t but what team hired a “real” coach this year with all the firings and coaches available? I am fine with Dileo right now and a new coach next season.
Stefanski brought in two shooters. Rush never saw the floor with Brand and sucks anyway with a poor attitude and work ethic. Bad signing but an attempt to get 3pt shooting. Marshall has made shots (won games) when he got minutes but isn’t the right type of shooter for this team right now. He would fit perfectly on a championship contenting team where he can be a version of Robert Horry in limited but important minutes.
What’s the point of having a coach if the GM is going to coach the team and set player rotations? Willie isn’t great at all. He is a bench player that should be playing limited minutes based on his hot streaks and consistent effort defensively. But the Sixers have no other option right now. Remember Willie didn’t start when Brand was healthy so he was already sent to the bench. That decision was made already for Willie not to start.
Speights is a rookie he will be fine. Should he play more? No. His minutes should be dependent on his effort, defensive improvement and rebounding. Scoring need not be the main driver for him playing because it creates the wrong message. Should he get more low post touches when he is in there? Yes I think so but that is on the coach AND the players around him not the GM and a small thing not to be blown out of proportion at this point.
As for Sam he has been handled. When he doesn’t play well he has been benched. That’s why he is playing 24.9 MPG second lowest of his non-rookie career. Funny thing is he is actually having his best rebounding season (excluding rookie year) in terms of rebounds per 36 and total rebound rate. I still hold to my belief he isn’t as bad as people make him out to be. He is productive. The problem is his role is larger than it should be because his contract dictates it. They tried to trade him and couldn’t. Blame that on BK for making him nearly untradable with the salary and trade kicker.
Dannie– Way to nail it on the head about Stefanski! He is not to blame, the team’s sporadic play on both ends of the floor and the young guys’ immaturities are the suspects. People have to give Elton Brand another chance and the Sixers have to be a “hybrid team”, meaning they can play both styles, like it or not. In the playoffs, teams must play half-court. Examples of great hybrid teams: Spurs, Jazz, Blazers Lakers. Those teams were built for the playoffs (road and home records aside for Utah, but the style is the concept). Also, the Sixers could be the Blazers of the East, where their young guys went through bad stretches then they learned how to grit their teeth and play marvelously in close games without panicking. The Hawks, the same thing, they start to learn from their mistakes and continue playing without hanging their head. I think playoff experience for the young guys is IMPORTANT!!
GO SIXERS!!! MAKE THE REST OF THE SEASON INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING!!! (Frankly, the NBA could use more Sixers and Bobcats (and less Wizards and Suns).)
From what I can see, Speights sucks defensively. I saw yesterday after a couple of easy baskets for the Raptors, Iguodala shrugged his shoulders as to say “who the hell just blew their assignment”. Iguodala looked frustrated the whole game about the defense he was seeing from his team and thats why he tried to take over the game. Andre is not the best defensively but I can see why he was so frustrated because I was the same way while watching the game. There is no way we can come close to the Magic, Celtics, Cavs with that kind of defense. Hopefully Thad comes back completely healthy and we get a break with the next two games with the Celtics and Cavs resting their players.
Practice update: Young participated in a half-court, 3-0n-3 scrimmage after practice and said he hopes to play tomorrow vs. the Celts.
“It’s looking pretty good right now,” Young said. “I still can play. I want to get at least a couple practices and couple games in before we get to the playoffs. I’ve got no pain at all, so that’s a good thing.”
Sixers are 2-5 without him, having lost the last five. But to say his absence is the only reason they’re losing is oversimplified.
Don’t believe everything you hear — I was told Jordan wasn’t and isn’t Stefanski’s guy.
Tom, I for one am happy to here that, thanks for the info.
Ha didnt even know they played yesterday, this is the first game that I missed and didn’t even know it in about 3 years. I guess I really am checked out of this season too bad I had high hopes early and this year has been another full of question marks.
I went to the Cavs game on friday and hadnt been to a game since opening night and was amazed at how cynical I was at the Cavs game and how hopeful I was opening night. Oh well lets see what the offseason brings.
“playoffs, dont talk about playoffs, you kidding me” in Jim Mora voice. I could care less about this team in the playoffs. Last Year I went to both games 3 and 4. I rooted hard for that team since they were over achieving this team has regressed and so has my interest.
Dannie, nice post #35, great fodder for a Devil’s advocate argument…
My biggest beef with what you wrote is that you completely ignore what’s happened this season. No matter what Ed Stefanski was thinking, the end result is a boring, confused mess. He was a freakin’ sheep in the way he was thinking about everything, using some sort of “How to be a good GM” textbook for his moves. Let’s go over a couple of your points.
The Rodney Carney bashing – you have no idea how this season would’ve unfolded if we had kept him. Let’s say we don’t do anything to address our supposed PF problem and had kept him. You can’t deny that at the end of last season, he was starting to hit his threes. I was the biggest Carney basher for the first half of last season (ask suede) because he was in love with that horrible three-point shot of his and Mo was right in that he wasn’t doing enough other winning-basketball things while he was on the floor. But that changed over the course of the season. He became a much more dangerous shooter from 3-point land AND he had started to become a hustle guy who got out on breaks whenever he could and started rebounding more. Also, for a second year player, his defense was okay. But back to his 3-point shooting – you can’t say for sure that he would not have developed into a more dangerous shooter given that most of our half-court offense comes from inside attacks from strong, burly and athletic swingmen. You’re looking for a more complete NBA teams, but what Stefanski did in trying to make that more complete team hasn’t really worked out. He made a choice – stay with the Sixers’ current attack and make it stronger, or take away a little from that type of attack and add another kind of attack. Given that this season is a failure, how can you not say he made the wrong choice?
About the Korver trade showing some forethought – rubbish. It just meant he wasn’t mentally challenged in any way. Any person his age, with those years of wisdom, could’ve brainstormed for an hour or two and figured out that if we give away a player for a draft pick and some expiring money, you would’ve had money to spend on a free agent this summer. Not too much credit should’ve been given for that.
Here’s where Stefanski showed he’s a dumb old fogey – he showed no mental flexibility whatsoever in adapting to what the team did after the Korver trade. The team was horrible before the trade, but there was no pinpointing on exactly why the team was horrible. All of a sudden, after their run, the exact need was figured out – a power forward! Hallelujah! Not. Not, not, and not. He seemed to see that if you add a good NBA power forward, you make this team better. Again – no, no, no and no. The move that sent the Sixers over the top last year was moving Thad to the PF spot, so this year you take that away? Where is the sense in that? Also, consider that he thought the Korver trade would make us worse and put us in the Derrick Rose lottery, but it did just the opposite. Again, it shows that we have a GM with no vision whatsoever.
If Stefanski did have some vision, he could’ve told Mo Cheeks: “Mo, I can see it now… The Sixers are fastbreaking like crazy… with Thad as the PF, streaking down the floor past the other, slower PFs of this league to get easy fastbreak points… But this means you gotta play Korver less… I know that’s crazy, but trust me, I have this vision…”
About giving away players for nothing – that’s not such a bad thing to do nowadays, given there are a hell of a lot of talented players out there rotting away on NBA benches, in Europe, or the D-Leaugue. So let’s say you’re determined to “get something” for Lou or Sam. What can you get that would improve the team? Let’s say you want better versions of both. Hold on – you’re trading these guys for guys who can do the job they’re supposed to be doing better than they can? Nope, no one’s doing that unless they’re a dope. So look for NBA GMs who are dopes.
But let’s say you can’t find any dopes, what then? You trade for equal value. Hmmm… Let’s explore that. You want someone whose production is as good as the player you’re trading, but you’re hoping that because of your team’s environment and makeup is different from the other team’s, the player you’re getting will perform better than than the guy you’re trading. Let’s call that option #2, and I’ll continue from there.
Option #2… Hmmm… So you’re getting a player with a relatively long contract (if you were getting an expiring contract, you’re basically giving Lou away). What if this guy doesn’t work out? Then you’re stuck with his deal. What’s the workaround for that? A simple option #3 – you give Lou Williams away for nothing and try guys that don’t come with long-term deals, like 2nd rounders, D-League players, European guys. What if we had let Lou go and bought a few second-round picks last year? DeAndre Jordan or CDR at the end of the Sixers bench vs. the unholy crap Lou subjects us to game after game? That’s an easy one. I think trying to “get something” for your players is based on the assumption that guys in the NBA deserve to be there, when there are plenty who really don’t.
About the Knicks Randolph/Crawford point – if Stefanski were any good, he would’ve been able to get rid of players that are not in the long-term plan for the Sixers. The Knicks didn’t see Randolph/Crawford in their long-term plans, worked hard to get rid of them, and Donnie Walsh came through. So doesn’t it speak to Stefanski’s ineptitude that he couldn’t get rid of Evans and Green, who are not in the Sixers’ long term-plans? Who do we compare Stefanski to, if not his peers?
Zack- that gas you’re passing is just indigestion from our five game losing streak. I’m with Dannie on this one and Ed Stefanski is not to blame– the players are. Our best hardworkers are on the Reserved List (Brand, Young (will soon be out tomorrow), and Smith.) That is a lot of rebounding and interior scoring there. Having them in the game would eliminated the “goofy” mistakes Sammy and Reggie would make with the ball.
Dannie as much as I don’t like Lou’s game, no I wouldn’t give him away for nothing ala Sammy.
Someone needs to be held accountable for these past couple of weeks and no I am not talking about wins or losses I am talking about the lack of effort.
I have to say again, I was really steaming when I was online last night. I literally went from finishing the game to posting here, and I was pissed. I think this all started when I drove 3 hours to go to the opening game and these guys didn’t even seem to care to show up. And after that Net debacle, heads need to roll.
All I ask if for these guys to hustle, play defense, and show that they care. They consistanly fail in all these categories. Like I said during the nets pre game shoot around the whole team was taking circus shots just plain clowning around. All except for Theo, how does Dileo let this go on? What a joke, Dalambeard doing 360 shots from the free throw line.
In the famous words of Anthony Saprano, someone needs to go.
Rob – if I’m passing gas, then it sounds like you’re ready to make a porno with Mr. Stefanski, where you will eagerly…
Anyway, I concur somewhat – both Stefanski AND the players should be blamed. The coach, also. They make a nice big happy family, but goodness gracious – they’ve made following this team like doing taxes (but unlike doing taxes you don’t get a refund at the end of it all). There are some bright spots if you rub hard enough, though.
Zack - It’s hard for me to respond to your devil advocate post because you are evaluating and talking about this season as if Brand (and Jason Smith for that matter) played enough to accurately come to any conclusion or judgment on what Stefanski has done. We haven’t really seen it have we?
You’re right can’t say for sure. BUT can’t say anything for sure. So you also can’t say he would develop. It’s my opinion Carney was to be an average at best 3pt shooter and okay overall player. Sacrificing that for a higher risk/higher reward move in getting Brand was okay with me.
You believe continuing with Thad at PF would hold up long-term especially considering Thad had openly said he is and wants to play SF? You believe last year was more than just a hot streak that fizzled? I mean the run last year was cute but resulted in what? The same type of losing we have right this moment at the end of the season and a first round exit that wasn’t as close as fans like to believe it was. Continuing with that approach would have resulted in what this season in your opinion?
My opinion: the same situation we have now ~.500 team with the potential to be slightly better if they were to grow up, show some professionalism and maintain the level of concentration necessary to take care of business against weak opponents and avoid losing streaks like this. No guarantee there of course.
IF you can find a taker which is significantly easier said than done from a cap standpoint (there needs to be teams financially capable of doing it – not many) and a willingness standpoint (find a “dope”) especially considering what you’re pitching (Evans/Sam/Green). Lou you could move if you wanted too no problem because he is young and probably has a good perceived value.
I think that is an oversimplification. Is being GM really that easy? I can’t believe it is. That brings up two other points though.
Who do we compare Stefanski to, if not his peers? No one. We judge him by wins and loses in his situation – the Sixers. Not what the Knicks GM did in a completely different situation. So on that point…
It’s funny my biggest beef with what you wrote is exactly the same as what you said about what I wrote:
Aren’t you completely ignoring what’s happened this season? Aren’t you completely ignoring the fact that Stefanski’s big move only played 29 games? And a rotational player in Jason Smith played 0?
So I ask:
Have we really seen Stefanski’s “complete team” enough to make a legit judgment on it?
How can you say it was a wrong choice having not seen his biggest choice (Brand) play much more than a 3rd of a season?
And not know what his second biggest choice (new coach) will be and how that panes out?
Right now I am not praising Stefanski by any means. All I am saying is he doesn’t deserve all of the blame nor should he be run out of town either. If I am the teacher he gets an incomplete in my grade book right now. I need to see his complete team in action for a season and playoffs (hopefully). And I only need to see one season not multiples. If the roster is moderately healthy next season and they are worse or the same (.500 team) then kill him if you want.
My personal belief that GMs get too much of the blame as a whole and I tend to judge them more on their reactive ability more than anything else.
Meaning I tend to give an new GM more time to prove himself.
When they consistently fail – kill ‘em.
Guys who should we be pulling for in this Bulls vs Pistons game? Or does it matter? I think we have the tie breaker on Detroit but I’m not sure about the Bulls.
By the way Dannie, I completely agree with you. We signed Brand to a 5 year contract so we won’t know if it was a mistake until that contract expires. Who’s to say we won’t get increasingly better 4 years from now and who’s to say Brand won’t make a game winning shot to send us to the championship. Then we will know if the trade was worth it. As much as we hate to… we have to wait and see what happens.
And on a side note, the first and only game Dileo coached with Brand in the line-up, he dropped 27 points.
Guest – Root for Chicago if you want to guarantee at least the 7th seed and pray the Sixers win out to hold the 6th seed.
Thad update: He expects to play tomorrow against Boston.
We hold the #1 tiebreaker against Detroit having won the season series. But if they win out, Chicago wins their last game and the Sixers lose out we would finish in 8th. Worst case scenario right there.
If Chicago wins we can’t finish any less than 7th. We split the season series with the Bulls and the next tiebreakers are all dependant on how the final games play out and I really do not care to figure it all out.
Tiebreakers:
Gee am I the only guy that likes Lou Williams? Does he do some ill-advise passes jumping in the air for no reason? yes. Does he pump fake way too often and fade himself away from easier shots? yes. Did he get more money then most of us think he deserves? probably so. But a young kid with true NBA talent shouldn’t be let go for nothing. Now SAMMY? yes, that dude can take the next Peter Pan bus to Boise Idaho. Good riddance and take his little dog Evans too.
I think the problem with Lou is Dileo and this staff gave him Iverson like options. He can go at it with a shoot first mentality. The turnovers and bad defense is a byproduct of this coaching figuring he will score more to make up for all his mistakes so let him go do his thing. With better offensive players on the floor he would have one guard to beat up top over and over which I think he can do. I say the jury is still out on him.
When Ed signed Brand it set the city on Fire. I like a lot of people were thrilled, now I’m just waiting and hoping it works out for the better. Its time to get rid of these bad, fundamentally challenged ball players. Sixers really need to begin searching for basketball junkies. Guys willing to work on their games in the gym every day every night. I read an article years ago that Kobe would take 1000 jump shots a day. Sixers can’t get Kobe at least get someone willing to be like him and work just as hard. Easy I know.
Well at least we won’t face Cleveland in the first round. Derrick Rose bailed us out. Hopefully we can grab the 6th seed back.
RRose– That’s the spirit! Hopefully, Lou will stay aggressive and not settle for jumpshots for the rest of his career. Another trip to Mark Price’s shooting school will work, but now he has to go to Martial Arts Class for some self defense.
Tomorrow, could be a playoff preview against the Celtics. Now, the good thing about facing the Celtics in the first round is that they lack a LeBron James or a Dwight Howard, dominant forces that require numerous double teams. The Sixers really have to focus on the Celtics backcourt, the real threat for them this season. Ray Allen has been the player of the game twice against the Sixers. Rajon Rondo in the second meeting and the first half of the third meeting has been driving to the hoop like crazy. Now, Andre Iguodala does a nice job on Paul Pierce, who has not been much of a factor this season, but you never know given his career against the Sixers.
The Celtics are turnover prone, especially the bigs and the bench. The Sixers thrive on forcing turnovers and playing uptempo. They actually do a better job defending the Celtics from downtown for most part, but it is the 4th quarter when they do most of the damage from beyond the arc. The Sixers must play more one-on-one and deny all passing lanes with less double teaming. This series was built for Reggie Evans and his lunchpailing. Remember, the Celtics had a tough time with the Hawks last season due to their uptempo game. The Sixers must play tough and skirt around the trash talking. I don’t care what Garnett says about a player’s mother, but the Sixers have to shrug it off. Plus, we have some savvy veterans coming off the bench and guys with playoff experience making big plays in their careers (Rush with 6 threes in the WCF against the Wolves as a Laker, Marshall in 2007 against Nets and Pistons, Ratliff in the ECF and clutch shot blocking, Evans with his Game 1 energy in 2008) A Seven Game Series with them would be interesting and perhaps it will help us grow as a team!
The big ticket for the Sixers is questions about “The Big Ticket” himself, Kevin Garnett. How effective will he be? Are the Celtics playing possum to the league?
Just as long as the Sixers don’t face the Cavaliers in the 1st round, I’m cool with the Magic or the Celtics.
GO SIXERS!!! GO FANS!!! IT’S OUR NIGHT TOMORROW!!
One stat that stood out to me about the Raptor game Ivey 3-4 3pt. Williams 0-5 3pt.
Tom Thibodeau
2one5: this team has NOT regressed. they are just basically where they were again last year.
Zack: your case seems to be propagated on hindsight, if you could get a miror and look back at the ‘what if’ scenario and undo all that had been done, i guarantee you, you wont like that one either.
RRose: congratulations on not joining the Lou Williams bashing bandwagon. Unfortunately my own beef is beyond that. his attitude and effort on the court have won me over completely. Let him put up Kobe numbers for all I care , I want him gone period.
Yo Thad, easy on that ankle, no sudden movements kay? We’re gonna need you for when we upset the Magic in 7 games. YEAH thats right ppl ! Am back with some newfound (who knows where from) hope. Sixers win their last 2 games and Bulls lose. Clinch 6th seed and upset Orlando! GO SIXERS!!
Zach, your spot on my friend.
Let’s real folks, even Billy King would have been able to sign Elton Brand. It’s a good debate though, one that could go on for a long time.
I am glad to see that many more people are jumping on my give Sammy away for free bandwagon. To me being able to start over with this money would be the best scenario. Even Mr. Tom Moore thought that Stefanski would do it in a heart beat.
But like I said, this Stefanski issue is highly debatable. But the end result is that his seat is getting hotter. BTW wtf was he doing at the trade deadline?
How many people believe this statement to be true? Raise your hand please.
Now all of a sudden we are giving Billy King credit for something because it kind of, not really, supports your argument. Give me a break.
First we have to assume King would have signed Iguodala and Lou for the same money Stefanski did last summer (and it was a lot already in the mind of many).
Considering his track record in situations like that do you think that would have happened? (sorry I can’t even consider him signing them for less – at all) Isn’t it more likely he signs Iguodala and Lou for more money? Everyone that bitches about Dalembert (Greek) I think this answer is pretty simple for you.
That in of itself makes the above statement far fetched in my mind since the Sixers had to scrape a few extra ducats to finalize the deal and Brand still signed for less than he could have in LA. Not to mention doing so completely under the radar of the league and Clipper brass.
Now we believe King is capable of pulling that off? Seriously?
The Greek– I seriously doubt Billy King would ever get Brand his way! Stefanski does it under the radar and with little hoopla. King is TOO quiet, yet uneffective. Give Stefanski some time, after all, it is only his first full season.
Also, I would consider Tom Thibodeau for head coach if possible. If the Sixers can maintain their uptempo offense and keep Stefanski and DiLeo’s blueprint, all Thibodeau has to do is focus more on the defense. (An inverse example of Rick Adelman and the Rockets when succeeding Jeff Van Gundy. Van Gundy’s defense is there, but Yao and the Rockets look a little more comfortable offensively.) Plus, it makes the Sixers-Celtics rivalry a little more interesting for many seasons.
Mike Brown was an assistant coach to Greg Popavich and Rick Carlisle before he became head coach of the Cavaliers. It took some time and now the Cavaliers are buying in to playing defense and the team looks more and more like Mike Brown’s team.
Defense is a thing of motivation. It is about making the extra commitment and sometimes it doesn’t require overhustling, but playing actual defense. The Celtics, Cavaliers, and Magic were not great defensive teams to begin with, they worked on it and harped on it. The players on those teams are not great individual defenders, but they worked on it and showed progress and improvement. The Celtics won last year, due to a commitment of defense. It is all about taking the next step. I think a healthy Young, Brand, and Smith can make a difference. Add a starting SG (like Anthony Parker) who can play on both ends of the floor and defensive principles to live by, then the Sixers will be better. They have and showed effort, but let’s see if that can go to the next level!
GO SIXERS!!! BEAT THE CELTICS!!
Yes, Billy King the worst GM of all time would have signed Elton Brand. Don’t forget that King and Brand have the Duke ties. The deals that Stefanski made to shed salary were pathetic in my eyes, and as bad as King was I am sure that if he made trades too shed salary in order to get Brand then the net result(korver,Carney, and a number 1) would have been better then what Stefanski gave away.
Like I said, somone needs to pay for what happened this season. Sure give Stefanski another year, but the honeymoon is over. This season aside from Thads development has been an utter failure.
I’m not optimistic that it’s going to work out with Brand here. He just doesn’t seem to fit what they’re looking for — and the Sixers don’t have shooters to surround him that he needs.
I’m not sure about King giving Iguodala more money than he got. King was very surprised that Iguodala turned down a $57 million extension over five years on Oct. 31, 2007.
Said at the time and still say it would’ve been more prudent to let Iguodala play for the $3.8 million qualifying offer and see this summer. The Sixers still could’ve paid more than anybody and, with the cap and luxury tax going down, nobody would’ve offered him anything close to what he signed for (six year, $80 mill).
Good conversation going on here. I can’t blame Stefanski for Brand. The theory was good. In doing so he was going to kill 2 birds with one stone, the vacant holes at PF and SG (Evans and Green, who by the way no one can tell they are easily traded – no way).
Now, multiple things conspired to sabotage that plan, Igoudala not improving his jumper and stinking it up for the 1st month, Thad taking time to develop further, Brand not having his “explosiveness” (will it return?) and Miller just stinking it up the 1st month of the season. Add to that Mo’s inability to “coach,” and then of course Brand had a freak injury and goes out for the season.
Given those circumstances, it’s hard for me to kill ES just yet. If Brand is the same player we saw earlier this season then I think Stefanski’s days will be numbered. I, for one, saw hope in one of Brand’s last games of the season at Houston where he was instrumental in a tough road win against a top team, hitting tough shots in crunch time. I think we got a glimpse of what ES envisioned that night.
Going forward, I do think there are lessons to be learned form t he first part of the year. Mainly, if you want to play Brand, Yound and Igoudala, the PG needs to be to shoot the 3 at an above average clip. Meaning, Miller has to be replaced.
That’s a good point Tom, totally forgot about that.
A lot of of are losing/have lost faith in Stefanski.
This is what I expect out of Ed this off season.
He will overpay to re sign Andre Miller while at the same time also giving him too many years.
He will not make any trades, thus ensuring a 2010 roster that still has Evans, Greene, Miller, and Sam.
Willie Greene will be our starting sg once again next season.
Going forward, I do think there are lessons to be learned form t he first part of the year. Mainly, if you want to play Brand, Yound and Igoudala, the PG needs to be to shoot the 3 at an above average clip. Meaning, Miller has to be replaced.
Morty I have been saying the same thing all season. If stefanski brings back miller then it’s a death wish on our future seasons.
Greek: Yes, I will not approve of a Miller resigning. As I said the other day, building around Igoudala, Young and Speights over the next 2-3 years is the plan, not going all-in on Brand and Miller.
Morty – You saw the post I wrote about Stefanski saying they want to resign him at the right price (whatever that is) – right? And Miller seeming more so than ever that he is definitely open for coming back – right?
Bad news for you. I agree. I think Miller needs to walk. I give the core of Brand, Iguodala and Thad one full year and a playoff series before I start blowing it up completely.
For those talking this Billy King nonsense:
And you are bashing Stefanski after one injury filled season?
This is just for laughs in the mist of a late season collapse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8ux4eO8WEA
Dannie– Right on!
I can’t believe many want Stefanski gone, that’s crazy talk. At least, Stefanski made an offseason interesting. This offseason, there might not be a lot of movement, but you never know with Stefanski who has made bold, quiet moves in such strategic ways. He stole Vince Carter from the Raptors and stole Elton Brand from the Clippers.
I am looking forward to next season to see our core players of Miller, Iguodala, Young, Brand, and Dalembert. The team just needs a year in it’s belt.
Stefanski knows his goals and has a shopping list. Last season, he did a great job on checking his shopping list of. Believe me, in the postseason, you need half-court offense to be effective and that is where Elton Brand helps. A Brand-Young combination down low could really be interesting with some interior passing.
So, let’s cut the harsh words for Stefanski and Brand. But for now, let’s march on this season!!
GO SIXERS!!
Don’t worry about Thad, Brand, and Smith! They are work horses and will be ultra motivated for next season. And everybody will be there on FAN Night (unlike 2006!)
GO SIXERS!!! MAKE FAN NIGHT SPECTACULAR (and impress the Chuckster somehow)!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugp-UXwn41I&feature=related
Dannie: I did that post, and yes I am concerned. However, Stefanski is leaving a lot of wiggle room, because, as you note, what is the right price? I hope this season has been an antidote for the Andre Miller Kool Aid he has drunk. Also, thanks for the reminder run down on how BK ran down the Sixers … ugh. I am scared of Brand and Miller being the next generation of weight to carry.
That said, I will also give Brand (and Stefanski) the benefit of the doubt for another year, and, maybe not popular, I will also give Lou another year before writing him off as a rich man’s Willie Green.
“Rich man’s” is usually a phrase used in a figurative sense. That meaning to be one of breeding and culture and refinement and some accomplishment in the area of discussion. Yes, Morty, still-wet-behind-the-ears Louis was handed $25 million by a drooling, decidedly non-scoring GM. In order for Louis to fit the concept of being Willie’s superior, he’d first have to attain a much better than 3/2 assist-to-turnover ratio, improve his FG shooting beyond 39%, raise his 3 pt shooting all the way to, say, 30%, and find a clue along with some guts at the defensive end. I will concede that he’s one of the top in the league at smilin’ like a careless multi-millionaire and snappin’ his fingers as he warms to his next foray. He is definitely not from the Hank Iba or Pete Newell school of fundamental basketball. And, no doubt, he is mired in a Senior year slump.