Sixers Season Preview

Last year, the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers came out of no where to make their first trip to the playoffs since there trade of Allen Iverson. Lead by the emergence of Andre Iguodala, the steady hand of Andre Miller, and the a young supporting cast of Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams, and Samuel Dalembert, they gave the Detroit Pistons all they could handle before bowing out in 6 games.

This achievement was ahead of schedule, as this past off season was the key part of the rebuilding process. Andre Iguodala and Louis Williams were free agents, and other players like Baron Davis, Elton Brand, and Josh Smith were available for the taking. Armed with the most cap room in the league, they looked at both Elton Brand and Josh Smith. Smith, a young, athletic power forward, was the first to visit. He would have fit perfectly with their team, but would not have fit their biggest need: low post, back to the basket, power forward.

So with that in mind, the Sixers gave the "Philly Max" to Elton Brand. Brand could have taken more money to go else where, but wanted to join this team and help them take the next step. Adding other key pieces like Kareem Rush, Donyell Marshall, Theo Ratliff, and drafting Marreese Speights have made the expections for this season higher then they have been in years. Here is a position by position break down of the team.

PG: Andre Miller, Louis Williams
Miller was the perfect fit for this young team last year, running the team to perfection. He can run, but can also slow it down when needed. He was the veteran hand that this young team needed. Louis Williams finally showed the talent the Sixers banked on when they drafted him right out of high school. While he still needs work on being a true point guard, he can penetrate into the paint and kick it out, or finish.
Grade: B

SG: Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Kareem Rush
Igoudala is a young, athletic player who can finish with the best in the league, can defend any other teams two guard, and can knock down the 3. While he might not be a All Star, number one option on a team, he is a great number two. And with Brand here, he dosn't have to be a number one. Willie Green will be counted on to bring some scoring off the bench, and when players have gone down in the past, he has stepped up. Kareem Rush was brought in to knock down the open 3 and also to provide some spark off the bench.
Grade: B

SF: Thaddeus Young, Royal Ivey
Thaddeus Young, the 12th overall pick in last years draft, came on strong at the end of last season. His defense as well as his ability to finish close to the basket made him a member of the starting line up when the Sixers ended the season. He can drive to the basket, knock down a jumper, and also has a reliable jump hook. Look for him to make a leap this year, with more playing time. Royal Ivey was brought in to provide some defense off the bench, and will start the season with a 3 game suspension from his time with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Grade: C

PF: Elton Brand, Donyell Marshall, Marresse Speights, Reggie Evans, Jason Smith
Elton Brand is one of 4 players to have career averages of 20-10 that are active in the NBA. The othes? Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Shaquile O Neal. While he might not be as dominate as any of them in their prime, the numbers don't lie. Brand will provide a legitmate lost post presence for a team that lacked it desperatly in the playoffs. He is coming off of major knee surgery, but has shown no ill effects from it so far. Marresse Speights is this years draft pick, a young energetic rebounder from Florida. Donyell Marshall has journeyed from team to team in the NBA, but is a big man who can step out and knock down the open jumper. Reggie Evans will provide hustle off the bench, as well as in your face defense. Jason Smith, who showed promise last season, injured his knee in the off season and will miss this entire season.
Grade: A

C: Samuel Dalembert, Theo Ratliff
Dalembert will be asked to score less this season, and focus more on defense and rebounding. However, with Brand now on the team, he should get some better looks at the basket, as well as plenty of oppurtunites for put backs and offensive rebounds. Theo Ratliff was signed to provide limited minutes off the bench, but can still be one of the premier shot blockers in the league, as well as help teach the young players.
Grade: C+

Overall: In yesterdays NBA Preview, I picked the Sixers to finish 4th in the Eastern Conference. They only improved the team from last year that gave the Pistons all they could handle. The additon of Brand, if he can stay healthy, should be able to push them past teams like the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. Even without Brand, players like Iguodala, Young, and Williams will only improve. I think they will get of the first round of the playoffs this year, but I don't seem them being able to beat a team like Boston of Cleveland. However, the overall nucleus of the team is young. Elton Brand is only 29, and he is the oldest starter on the team. So while they will improve this season, it will not be this year that they really threaten for the NBA Championship.