Reasons for Hope in Philly

[A.E]

I caught this on foxsports.com and thought it was a pretty good take. Excerpt from Youth being served in Philly by Charley Rosen.

Even though Miami is down and just about out, the Sixers' win was a savory one. Philadelphia's record currently stands at 12-16, certainly a respectable early-season mark for a squad whose future depends on so many young players.

And, in fact, the game provided several clues as to what that future might be.

REASONS FOR HOPE

- Although Andre Miller is the most likely to be traded, while he's in town he does a remarkable job of keeping his relatively inexperienced teammates on track. Early in the game, he looked for his shot — 6-9, 12 points — taking the pressure off everybody else until they got comfortable. Late in the agame, he looked to set up his mates — 12 assists. His shot release may be a mite slow and low, but this guy's a winner.

- Andre Iguoudala has a great first-attack-step and can jump and extend when he approaches the hoop. For the game he was 10-18, 28 points — but he shot a bountiful 5-9 from the perimeter. He can also rebound (seven), play with remarkable unselfishness (three assists), and show quick hands on defense (two steals, one block), but he's more of a complimentary than a go-to player — mainly because he lacks an effective pull-and-pop game. Still, he could easily be the second banana on a contending team — a Scottie Pippen to some as yet unknown Michael Jordan.

- Jason Smith had his moments where he ran the floor, made excellent defensive rotations, and attacked the basket. He could very well be a starter in two more years.

- Louis Williams just might be ready to explode. He's a dynamic leaper with a neat right-to-left crossover, and he sees the court. He compiled respectable numbers — 4-11, three assists, and 13 points.

- Samuel Dalembert is more effective without the ball than he is with it. When he moved to open spots under the basket his teammates found him for a pair of dunks. He can also knock down mid-range jumpers and is ordinarily an exceptional shot-blocker. But Shaq put Dalembert in early foul trouble so his numbers were meager — 4-6, two rebounds, nine points.

- Kyle Korver has a lightning shot-release and moves extremely well without the ball — 5-8 for 13 points.

- Calvin Booth is an old pro — 2-4, four rebounds, two assists, four blocks, six points. He can hit mid-range jumpers, get his hands on a surprising number of erstwhile layups, talk on defense and rarely make mistakes. He's a solid backup who deserves more playing time.

- When he gets a clean look, Rodney Carney can fill the basket.

- Overall, the Sixers hustled, looked for each other, and maintained their poise when D-Wade threatened to shoot Miami into a win.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

 

[Pugz]

I do belive they only need a FEW MINOR changes and they will be a good team in the future.
And with the Heat Cavs and Bulls playing so crappy they have a good chance at the playoffs although I would perfer they not make the playoffs so they could get a lottery pick and be even more better next season.

 

[The Young One]

Good article.