The Philadelphia 76ers were picked to finish last in the NBA's Atlantic Division by almost every national analyst that covers the league. Almost certainly, they would have one of the worse five records in the league at best. This prognosis was understandable because the Sixers finally gave up on the Allen Iverson experiment, their franchise player for 10 years. They also bought out Chris Webber, a 20 million dollar a year power forward, who refused to play in the paint (That's another story).
The problem is somebody forgot to tell their young guys that they should be challenging for Fred "Mad Dog" Carter's '72 Sixers team's dubious record of 9-73. Instead they are pushing for 5th seed in the playoffs.
We all know the Eastern Conference is like the NIT of the NBA. But you have to be impressed by what the Sixers are doing. Andre Iguodala is one of the most complete players in the league, who might just be a consistent jumpshot away from really being a problem. Sam Dalembert is one of 13 players in the league to average a double - double, and top 5 in blocks per game. Imagine if he understood the nuances of the game? Louis Williams, who's a combo-guard, has made some tremendous strides off the bench and looks like a second-round steal.
Rookie Jason Smith has been making a solid contribution off the bench, and doesn't seem afraid to mix it up down low, in the paint. I'll admit, when the Sixers drafted Thaddeus Young with their first pick in last years draft, I thought King should be run out of Philly. Most certainly It seemed that Al Thorton was their man. In hindsight, It looks like King might of got it right after all.
At 19 years old, Thaddeus Young seems to have more tools than Thorton. The Clippers rookie seems to just jack up shots at will and clearly doesn't have a sense of time and score. When you watch Young play, it's apparent that his basketball IQ is through the roof. He rarely looks lost, or takes a bad shot, and appears to have the game feel of a vet. He's arguably the most talented player the Sixers have.
The Sixers are now 35-34, a lot closer to 40 wins than 20. None of this would be possible without the steady hand of Andre Miller. Right now, he has to be one of the top 6 or 7 point guards in the league. How so, you ask? What Miller doesn't have in athletic ability he makes up in knowledge and experience. Pay attention and you'll see he's simply the smartest player on the court, night-in,night-out.
Sixer great Maurice Cheeks deserves a lot of the credit for staying with the team and keeping these young guys focused. With no Joe Johnson, Michael Redd or Dwyane Wade, they are 1/2 a game out of 5th place and seem to be gaining ground. Say what you will about Billy King, the former GM, who was fired, but he deserves some credit too. If you take a closer look, you'll see King did a great job drafting players. Remarkably he got Willie Geen, Kyle Korver (currently with Utah) and Louis Williams all in the second round. Historically, second round picks are lucky if they get off the bench, let alone see a second season in the league.
After getting rid of Iverson and Webber, along with moving Korver, the Sixers have the cap space to be a big player in the Free Agent market in the off-season. Make no mistake. The Sixers aren't contenders yet. However, they are a surprise team. Just think, with the right free agent additions, along with playing in the eastern conference, this Sixer team appears to be a lot closer than anyone thought to restoring the pride of the 3rd winningest franchise in NBA History.
The sixers are going to be a problem come playoff time. They are going to upset one of the teams in the East
I am taking all the credit
So they don't need me anymore?
HOWEVER!!!! GOOD YOU THINK THE SIXERS ARE THEY WILL GET DESTROYED BY THE PISTONS!!!!!
Coach of the Year
John i like there chances against Cleveland if they can stay in 5th, maybe an outside shot against Orlando. The east is there for the taking if they ever get a inside presence. Elton Brand?? Who knows