Comments on: Sixers vs. Dallas: Can They Make it 8? NO!

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:08:31 +0000

In other news, the Memphis Grizzlies fired Mike Iavaroni! The Sixers should add him as an assistant coach for the team. He is part of the Sixers family,after all, and knows a thing or two regarding the fastbreak offense being an assistant coach for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix. Also, surprisingly, the Grizzlies are looking at Mo Cheeks for the job or former Bucks assistant coach and former Sixer player Lionel Hollins. What a Sixers connection right there! Again, they should be ASSISTANT coaches and nothing but that. Anyway, if Mo gets the job, I wish him the best of luck. It will not be an easy task down there in Memphis.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:02:08 +0000

deepsixersuede– Stefanski has to also look around overseas for some talent. There are some NBA players playing at Europe as of now. Or perhaps, we could sign someone for the minimum from somewhere in the world. I would LOVE to get an Argentinian or Spainard player with skill– those dudes play with passion and intensity. I know Philly would love to have those players on their team. There are many talented guys that would just sign for the minimum and be effective immediately. It is a matter of just looking carefully.

Tomorrow, the rosters for the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge will be announced. Speights and Young BETTER be on their respective rosters. Otherwise that would be as suprising as Robert Downey Jr being nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Tropic Thunder” (funny movie).

By: Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:18:40 +0000

Don’t think so. There’s no dominant personality or great example for everybody to follow like Garnett here. That’s where it all starts in Boston.

By: deepsixersuede

deepsixersuede — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:02:10 +0000

Dannie, I was comparing L.Will. to House and A.Miller to Allen. Until last year none of the Celts were considered real good defensive players and Allen seemed to be average at best throughout his career. Pierce always seemed to give effort on that end but the system they put in along with adding K.G. seems as much the reason for their success as their individual defensive skills. L.Will., being a big time scorer in high school and not being coached in college seems to have no clue how to defend and until that happens will never be more than a spark off the bench, you would think he would recognize and improve his weaknesses. Question, if our roster was given the same coaching and system as the Celtics could we get close to their effectiveness or not ?

By: bski

bski — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:01:44 +0000

jjg….regarding #71, I got it. I thought I understood what you meant in #63. I just kind of went off on a little jaunt. Sorry if I confused things.

By: deepsixersuede

deepsixersuede — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:51:06 +0000

Tom, it will be tough without the 5 seed at least. I wonder if Orlando can make it through the playoffs with such a weak bench, their players seem to log a lot of minutes. I still think Cleveland makes a move before the deadline. Rob, hopefully , by the end of the year our needs will be identified and with an upgraded backcourt through the draft and mid level exemption we may be a threat next year. I personally would like to draft a big euro p.g. that can stay overseas and develop with our 2nd rounder and take the best player on the board with our first pick but that is for another day. Orlando versus Boston tonight, we get to see where we want to be at.

By: Dannie

Dannie — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:44:12 +0000

Suede – You are comparing Miller and Lou to Allen and Pierce? No contest defensively. I am sure you saw Pierce’s defense in the playoffs against the two best offensive players in basketball right? He is sound defensively and always has been. Same with Ray Allen. Last season desperation and career long losing drove their effort.

I don’t think the problem is effort with our guys. I just think they aren’t very good defensively. Lou stinks at it. He can get in the passing lanes sure, so could A.I. and everyone bitched and moaned about him defensively. Lou is no different. When asked to “stop your man” he is inadequate. Miller physically isn’t adequate enough and often lacks effort/concentration on the defensive end.

And BOTH guys lack discipline and tend to roam too much often losing track of their man for open jump shots or easy cuts to the basket for layups.

They aren’t the worse defenders by any means, but when faced with an offense and offensive players that puts pressure on you every possession like the top teams do and have, Miller and Lou haven’t proved good enough in my opinion.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:38:33 +0000

deepsixersuede- Anthony Parker sounds great indeed and perhaps he would be more affordable in the offseason, even if we resign Andre Miller. The other guy I have in mind would be Mike James for the offseason.

Now, a backup for Iggy would be the next interesting piece for the Sixers to take the next step (along with a healthy Brand with a full season under his belt).

Look at Cleveland, last year after the trade, they looked okay. But with enough practice, patience, consistency, and of course stealing Mo Williams, they look great!!

Boston–their success last year was incredible and unheard off. Many changes in the roster, including Garnett and Allen. They are giving up their averages to win a Championship. Pierce and Allen improved tremendously on the defensive end. Now, they are still at a great pace to win another Championship. I think they will get another one!Consistency!!

Orlando–Rashard Lewis is a lot better than last season after signing the giant deal with the Magic. This year, Jameer Nelson is having the best season in his career! Tony Battie is healthy, meaning a couple minutes here and there of rest for Howard. They are the best road team in the NBA under Stan. Consistency!!

LA Lakers–add a healtier Bynum and Ariza. A lot better mentally. They still give up a lot of points to great offensive teams, but they put the hammer early! They are the cream of the crop in the West and will be in the Finals! Consistency!!

Hopefully, the Sixers can follow a formula and a template like that of the Lakers, where the defense converts to offense where the active hands are active. We just need that SG. Unlike the Lakers, we have some guys off the bench with that mental toughness.

By: Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:30:56 +0000

Eastern playoffs will be extremely tough: Boston, Cleveland and Orlando 1-3 (in some order), with Detroit, Atlanta and possibly Sixers (if all goes well) fighting for 4-5. Sixers must finished fifth to have a chance to win a round. Even if they’re playing very well, beating top 3 in seven-game series would be a bear.

By: deepsixersuede

deepsixersuede — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:02:43 +0000

Tom, I like the “leave your ego” at the door locker room mantra and I don!t know if Iggy making the allstar team would be a good thing now, but after some team success hopefully it comes in the future. A.Miller seems to be opening up more this year and I think he likes his situation here. He seems to be a level below the all star types but not too far below. Dannie, after further thought, my question about our club defensively is could we get good enough to win against a good team when our offense sputters in the playoffs. A.Miller and L.Will. hurt us up front but E.House,R.Allen and P.Pierce, to a degree seem to give effort every night which helps even if you are a weak defender to start.