| Sixers Looking Like Lottery Lock Authored by David Mintz - December 10, 2006 - 11:44 pm
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The Sixers lost to the Chicago Bulls last week in a game that was never contested. The Sixers trailed 39-16 after one quarter and the Bulls never looked back. Iverson left the game with back spasms, which ignited the controversy that would cause Iverson to ask to be traded.
According to ESPN, Iverson’s back spasms caused him to miss practice. However, the team asked that if he needed to sit out of practice that he sit out of the game as well. Iverson did not agree with their position.
It would be difficult to believe that Iverson would ask to be traded over such a small conflict. The truth of the matter is that Iverson knows his career is coming down toward the end and he would like to play for a winner. The Sixers are not going to be competitive any time soon, and so the best move for both parties would be for the Sixers to trade Iverson to a competitive team.
Since the Chicago game, the Sixers have shown some flickers of hope in their games against Washington and Orlando. The Sixers led Washington by 20 in the second quarter before running out of gas and eventually losing by 15. But the fact that they led a team by 20 in the first half shows that the team has potential. Getting out to a considerable first half lead has not been uncommon for the Sixers this season. They have blown several double-digit first half leads. Against Orlando, the Sixers had a chance to win but Kevin Ollie’s attempt to beat the buzzer was blocked by Jameer Nelson.
Chris Webber played two of his better games of the season despite him being a shadow of his former self. He cannot run and jump like he used to, but Webber can still pass very well. Webber can help this team by getting the basketball where it needs to be in a possession. While not a great defender, Webber can be used against some of the stockier power forwards.
Samuel Dalembert also stepped up his game and recorded several blocks while shooting a high percentage as well. The Sixers need inspired play by Dalembert and backup center Steven Hunter to be competitive. Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver, and Willie Green have all played well in Iverson’s absence.
The Sixers problem right now is depth. If they are going to trade Iverson, they need to do so as soon as possible so this team can replace Kevin Ollie with a respectable starting point guard. Ollie would not be a backup on most NBA teams, however he is starting for the Sixers.
Coach Mo Cheeks needs to continue developing forward Rodney Carney as well as Iguodala and Korver. It is paramount that the Sixers get production from their shooting guard and small forward positions since they are unlikely to get much production from their point guard or center.
Sixer fans can look forward to the 2007 lottery, where the Sixers will likely have a very high pick at this rate. The other struggling teams in the NBA, such as Boston, Memphis, and Charlotte, have much more talent on their rosters than the Sixers. When Gasol returns to the lineup for Memphis, they will be more successful on the court. What this means is more lottery balls for the Sixers and a chance to get a great power forward in the draft. |
