Sixers vs. Nuggets: Jordan Likely to Secure 10th Loss in a Row in Iverson’s Debut

Let’s face it – the Sixers suck and are not winning this game.  They’ll be lucky to get out of it without losing by 20.  The Knicks now have more wins than the Sixers, and we are nearing 100% draft talk territory.

That is, once the Iverson hype and excitement falls off and people realize as hard as he is going to play and try to win, we still are going to lose most nights for a variety of reasons.

Before we get to the game, let’s bring to light some disturbing comments by the head jackass.

What the F is Wrong with Eddie Jordan?

In response to Elton Brand’s unhappiness with coming off the bench and limited minutes:

“It doesn’t really affect me,” Jordan said, before smiling and adding, “I think he told Jrue to go up and block the dunk.” ~ Eddie Jordan

Really?  That’s your response to a legit concern of a veteran and key player?  Last I had heard Brand and Jordan have not talked about this directly either.  My god.  This is how a coach is supposed to lead?  He basically said Brand is no longer a starter for the Sixers unless he has no choice due to injuries, and it doesn’t matter how he plays.  “IN FACT, if you play well in your bench role it will only strengthen my decision to keep it this way.  You can not win, Elton, so pipe down.”

About Iguodala’s injury and status for tonight’s game:

“With Willie scoring 26 last night and adding Allen, maybe, into the starting lineup, that’s not a bad fall-back plan.” ~ Eddie Jordan

Yup, that’s a winning fall-back plan if I ever saw one.  Rely on a guy who openly says he isn’t in shape, is rusty and hasn’t really played consistent basketball in how long? 6 months (per Iverson himself)?  And a dude who has been one of the worst starting shooting guards in the NBA the last three seasons.

Some new insight into Eddie Jordan’s master defensive plan.  Jordan asked Iverson if he can play a match-up zone.  Iverson and Jordan’s response:

“He (Iverson) says, ‘Coach, with 14 years in the league I played matchup somewhere I just don’t remember.’ So that’s going to be good for us, too, in that way to help us save his legs a little bit, mix up some man and zone.” ~ Eddie Jordan

Yup, that’s the point of defense.  To rest.  Brilliant!

I think we have no choice but believe that this dude is just stuck on stupid (always has been?).

I can’t even begin to respond to that quote.  “Save his legs?”  Does he think in a zone guys just stand in one spot and never move?  I guess that tells us how HE teaches HIS zone defense.

On top of that, Jordan acknowledged that the Sixers have done a poor job defending the three.  Yet his defensive strategy to combat that is a “you don’t have to move or run around” match-up zone.

That didn’t work against two of the worst three point shooting teams in the league.  Tonight we face the 8th best.  Genius!

This guy really knows how to coach and win basketball games.

Your man is doing a hell of a job, Stefanski, stick with him.  I am pretty sure he can get us to 15 loses in a row – at least – if Detroit and Golden State cooperate.  Next 6 games:

1. Denver
2. Detroit
3. Houston
4. Golden State
5. Cleveland
6. Boston

Sarcasm aside, I don’t think I have been this down on the Sixers ever.

On to the Game

• Jrue (strained right rotator cuff) ran some three-man weave, but didn’t scrimmage at practice and is out again tonight.
• Andre Iguodala (sprained right ankle) didn’t practice, just did some light spot shooting and will be in the starting line-up tonight.
• Iverson is starting for sure, and Jordan said he envisions him starting the rest of the season.  Meaning we will see a backcourt of Lou and A.I. when he returns.

I’ve come to the conclusion that his is the starting line-up for tonight is: Iverson, Dala, Young, Brand and Dalembert.

Eddie Jordan confirmed he would start a backcourt of Iverson and Andre Iguodala. ~ Kate Fagan

That tells me Willie is back where he belongs or he is hurt (sprained right hand) considering he finished the Bobcats game and practiced yesterday I am thinking it’s the former.  And even though Jordan completely dismissed Brand’s displeasure he will get the start tonight.  Has the coach found some sense?

Doubt it.

Allen Iverson

Quick quote:

“I told him for 14 years I heard how you hate coming out of the game. Now they’re telling me you’ve got to get him out if he’s tired. He’s going to tell me. The first time I’m coaching Allen Iverson, I am not taking him out until he tells me.” ~ Eddie Jordan

Hmmm, what is the likelyhood Iverson tugs his shirt to come out of the game?

Anyway.

Can the little guy put this struggling team on his shoulders – again?

Hope so.  Doubt it.  Can’t wait to watch first hand.

One thing I hope doesn’t get lost in all this…

If the Sixers keep losing, don’t forget they were 5-15 before Iverson and losers of 9 straight.

If you want to go back further they are 10-30 in their last 40 games all without Iverson.  That means they have now gone 5-15 under two different coaches.  If you look at the start of last season they were 9-11 in their first 20 so again they were a below average team and had yet another coach.  This team (current cast of scrubs) has NEVER been good.  Don’t forget it.

So don’t blame Iverson if results stay consistent – aka they still suck.

On the flip side, if they improve don’t be so quick to give him all the credit either.  While I am sure he would be a contributing factor, how much would need to be analyzed (tangible and intangible) for proper allocation of credit?

I am heading down to the game.  I’ll be in section 101, row 15 so I will be close to the action and front and center.  I’ll take some photos with my phone and post when I get back tonight.

Enjoy the emotion and excitement prior to the bloodbath (hope I am wrong).

I will.

December 7, 2009