2012 DRAFT LINK DUMP

Posted by: C. Smith
06/25/12 9:58 am EST

ESPN.com Insider Chad Ford believes the 7-6 will grab Terrence Jones, a forward out of Kentucky.

Here’s what Ford has to say about Jones.

Draftexpress.com is predicting the Sixers will select Baylor’s Perry Jones II.

Here is draftexpress.com’s lenghty report on Jones III.

Sam Amick at SI.com agrees with Chad Ford and forecasts that Doug Collins will grab Terrence Jones. Amick writes, “Jones could evolve into a long-term frontcourt solution who could play power forward and possibly some small forward (opinions vary there). Jones is a good passer, defender and rebounder…” .

NBAdraft.net has the 76ers choosing Arnett Moultrie from Mississippi State.

LEARNING FROM THE HEAT

Posted by: Jerry Scherwin
06/21/12 9:10 am EST

Being that we are entering Game 5 of the NBA Finals tonight and are on the verge of LeBron’s first championship, let’s play a game. I’m going to list agroup of Finals winners and I want you, the readers, to figure out what they all have in common besides a few diamond encrusted rings.

Here we go:

Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics (I’m starting at 1981 because this could go on forever, 1984, 1986, 2008), Los Angeles Lakers (Again starting at 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009,2010) San Antonio Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007), Miami Heat (2006, 2012*), Chicago Bulls (the entire 6-peat), Detroit Pistons (1989,1990 and arguably 2004)…

If you said each team contained an All-Star, you’d be on the right path. If you said they each had a Hall of Famer; we would be in the same wave length. If you said each one of those teams had at least two elite superstars on their rosters at the same time, you should submit your resume for the Sixers Presidential opening because you are one step ahead of favorite Danny Ferry.

REPORT CARD: LOUIS WILLIAMS

Posted by: Matt Swiman
06/19/12 1:49 pm EST

Oh Sweet Lou, what to do with you?

Your deliver the highest of highs along with the lowest of lows and now you may be on your way out of town.

The Sixers leading scorer (Though he came off the bench.) had arguably the best season of his career and finished second behind James Harden for the 2011-2012 6^th Man of the Year Award. He provided instant offense for the scoring challenged 7-6, played point guard for Doug Collins when needed and hit a some big shots over the course of the season.

So one would think that Louis Williams would be getting at least a grade of “A” from the scribes here at Philadunkia for his performance in the 2011-12 season.

After the jump, you’ll learn why that’s not going to happen.

POWER FORWARDS: COLLEGE PROSPECTS

Posted by: C. Smith
06/15/12 10:04 am EST

Yesterday we looked at a list of NBA power forwards from which Doug Collins could chose to add a player to the 76ers roster this summer via the free agent signing route. Today here at Philadunkia we will examine the crop of college prospects who appear to have the game and mental makeup to step into the Sixers power forward spot and really contribute in 2012-13

Obviously the three elite power forward prospects in this Draft — Anthony Davis (Kentucky), Thomas Robinson (Kansas) and John Henson (UNC) — will not be around when the 7-6 select at #15 in June. However, if the Sixers decide to go with a power forward at #15, there will be four very talented college players still on the board when the Sixers turn comes up. In theory, any one of these kids could help fill the second biggest hole on the Sixers roster.

Obviously the key for Collins (should the Sixers choose to go the PF route) is to sort through all that information as well as the game tapes and grab the best mid-first round power forward available.

After the jump you’ll see that choosing between the prospects will not be easy.

JOB OPENING??

Posted by: Jerry Scherwin
06/12/12 2:52 pm EST

There seems to be a little shake up in the works for the 76ers organization and it’s not coming in the form of trades, free agents or draft picks. News broke today that the Philadelphia front office is interviewing eventual and potential replacements for the 71-year old Sixers President, Rod Thorn, who will be entering the final year of his 3-year contract at the end of the 2012-2013 season.

Based on the article Bob Cooney wrote today, the Sixers interview party will consist of owner Josh Harris, CEO Adam Aron, Doug Collins and Thorn himself.

Yes, Thorn will be selecting his soon to be replacement as he did with the New Jersey Nets in 2010 because of a provision in the contract former chairmen Ed Snider gave him in the same year. No matter the outcome, Thorn will have a part-time consultant job with the Sixers for 5-years after his presidential contract expires. Presumably, he will be offering an “All-State” helping hand to whichever prospect the “brain trust” brings in.

The article also stated that a “source” said that the process could take up to a year, but if the right candidate came along within the next few months, Thorn would then assume his part time role “immediately”.

So what names are being highlighted in bright neon yellow marker?

Let’s take a look at the list “sources close to the situation” are throwing out there:

NOT WITHOUT BLAME

Posted by: Michael Kaskey-Blomain
06/08/12 9:21 am EST

Much of the Sixers success this season should be attributed to Coach Collins. He is directly responsible for the team unity and mental toughness that the squad displayed throughout much of the regular season and post season. Collins guided a team with extremely low preseason expectations to within a game of the Eastern Conference Finals; a place the Sixers haven’t even sniffed since the 2001 season.

This feat is especially impressive considering the team’s collective age, playoff experience, and lack of a true superstar and / or scorer, a usual prerequisite to playoff success. However with that being said, after seeing flashes of the team’s potential throughout the playoffs, one can’t help but wonder if Coach Collins could have done more with his team.

While NOT having a true shooter / scorer hurt the team throughout the season and was a big factor in their eventual playoff downfall (We have chronicled this here at Philadunkia extensively.), as the team struggled through one poor shooting performance after another, Collins’ coaching may have had an impact on their exit as well.

SHOOTING GUARDS: COLLEGE PROSPECTS

Posted by: C. Smith
06/05/12 7:11 am EST

Yesterday we looked at a list of NBA shooting guards from which Rod Thorn and Doug Collins could choose to add a scorer to the 76ers roster this summer via the free agent signing route. Today here at Philadunkia we will examine the crop of college prospects who appear to have the game and mental makeup to step into the Sixers shooting guard spot and really contribute in 2012-13.

The two elite, elite shooting guard prospects in this Draft — Bradley Beal (Florida) and Jeremy Lamb (UConn) — will not be around when the 7-6 select at #15 in June. However, if the Sixers decide to go with a shooting guard who can score at #15, there will be some big-time college players still on the board (like Washington Huskie Terrence Ross pictured above) when the Sixers get placed “on the clock”. On paper, any one of these kids we’ll look at today could help fill the glaring hole at SG on the Sixers roster.

Obviously the key for Thorn and Collins is to sort through all the information out there as well as the game tapes and grab the best mid-first round shooting guard available.

After the jump you’ll learn that will not be an easy decision.

GAME 7 PREDICTIONS

Posted by: Philadunkia
05/26/12 8:37 am EST

Alright, NOW tonight is officially the most important game the current roster of 76ers has ever played in.

Win and it’s on to the Eastern Conference Finals, a place no one, not even the most dedicated member of Philadunkia nation believed we could go. Suffer a loss and it’s a lock that tonight is the last time you’ll all be together in the Sixers locker room.

Really there’s not much else left to say.

So just go out and win the damn thing.

Tonight, prove all the “experts” wrong. Go out there and play your asses off; end the hated Boston Celtics season and send “The Big Three” into trade bait mode.

It’s that simple. Now go do it.

Our Game 7 predictions after the jump.

OHH WHAT A NIGHT

Posted by: Jerry Scherwin
05/25/12 10:37 am EST

The 2011-12 Philadelphia 76ers, that it is to say our 7-6, forced a Game 7 with the heavily favored Boston Celtics and I am extremely impressed. Actually, I’m more than impressed; I am stunned. I am Bud Selig after walking into a restaurant and accidentally bumping into Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, and Rafael Palmeiro. I am Stuart Scott during the Top Ten plays on SportsCenter. I am Dwight K. Schrute during a fight between two black bears. I am Tiger Woods on an Arkansas campus tour with Bobby Petrino.

Too soon?

This series has been wild. This series has been close. This series has been a roller coaster of awful offensive possessions, an abundance of mental mistakes and what would be defined as defensive prowess (or, again, terrible offense). But it’s been nothing but exciting for those invested in the two teams and that cannot be argued.

Nobody seems to know, including me, how the Sixers are getting the job done at this stage in the playoffs. One could point out a few things here and there that the 76 have done well; but nothing that you could consistently put your finger on.

But Wednesday night, in a “win or enjoy your summer vacation” moment, you could, which was a sight for sore eyes.

PLAYOFFS, GM 8: RAPID REACTS

Posted by: C. Smith
05/15/12 10:17 am EST

Philadelphia 76ers

FinalRecap | Box Score

Boston Celtics

	Elton Brand, PF 18 MIN \| 3-5 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 4 REB \| 0 AST \| 7 PTS \| -7 For all but an 8 minute stretch of the 3rd Q, the “Ol’ Skool Chevy” was simply terrible. EB was clearly scared to challenge KG on the offensive end and on defense, #42 had no answers either. There is some talk of a shoulder injury and the C’s present some match-up issues for Brand, but we’re not sure those items can fully explain his disappearing act in Games 1 & 2. Still, for one glorious stretch in the 3rd Q Brand simply carried this team when they needed someone to step up in th worst way. EB led the way with 7 points in the Q, including scoring 4 straight points for the Sixers.
	Andre Iguodala, SF 37 MIN \| 5-11 FG \| 2-7 FT \| 6 REB \| 7 AST \| 13 PTS \| +8 A solid all around night for Dre, including a reverse lay-in over KG for an And 1 that is all over SC’s Top 10 plays. His defense on Pierce was absolutely suffocating (2-9 on FGAs). However his FT shooting remains a major issue and his missess from the charity stripe last night almost cost us this game.
	Spencer Hawes, C 27 MIN \| 4-9 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 10 REB \| 0 AST \| 8 PTS \| -12On the offensive end, I’ll take 8 & 10 out of Hawes every night, but his defense on KG is brutal. He simply can not guard #5 on Boston, so why Collins keeps sending out there is beyond me. Every time he comes out on KG, Boston quickly sets up a pick-n-pop for Garnett and it’s an automatic bucket as Hawes can not close out on the jump shot. By my count the “Hawes Hand off” was only run twice last night which is good news for the Sixers.
	Evan Turner, SG 28 MIN \| 4-11 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 6 REB \| 1 AST \| 10 PTS \| -15 I had a very tough time picking a grade for ET as he was a roller coaster in this one. For most of the game I thought Turner was terrible on offense. He took several ill-advised shots including a 3PA on which his feet were not set, had 5 TOs and in general seemed to be out of sync for three Q’s. However he was simply huge in the 4th Q. Obviously he scored two big baskets down the stretch, including a carzy lay-in with 40 ticks remaining, but I thought the key play from ET came with 5 mins. remaining and the score 65-63 Sixers. On a defensive switch, ET got caught on Garnett, so of course KG tried to back him down. Turner did a nice job of holding his ground and when KG spun for the fade-away jumper, ET striped the ball from him. Well done kid!
	Jrue Holiday, PG 41 MIN \| 7-15 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 2 REB \| 3 AST \| 18 PTS \| -7 Another hot start by Holiday as he hit two 3PAs and scored 8 points in the 1st Q. He followed that up with four more points in the 2nd Q. Then he disappeared for a time during that hard-to-watch 3rd Q. But he came out like a man possessed in the 4th. “The Jruth” had two dribble-drives (1 for a bucket; 1 that led to a follow tip by Hawes) to open the 4th that were simply beautiful. Then his 3-ball with just under 2 mins. remaining brought us out of our seats. His defense was solid through out Game 2.
	Lou Williams, PG 39 MIN \| 3-13 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 7 REB \| 3 AST \| 8 PTS \| +17 LW’s struggles continue and last night it was enough to make you throw the remote. He continues to force ill-advised long jumpers or fade-aways or off-balanced runners. The shot he had blocked by Pierce in the 4th had me cursing up a storm. When he was forced to guard Rondo in the 3rd Q, you could actually see Rondo smiling. Louis — watch some game tape and get a clue.
	Thaddeus Young, F 13 MIN \| 0-3 FG \| 4-4 FT \| 4 REB \| 2 AST \| 4 PTS \| +1 When he was inserted into the game in the 1st Q, Thad came out aggressive and went on the attack. Unfortunately his shot was not falling, but he did nail all of his FTA’s. Collins limited his minutes because of “match-up” problems on the perimeter, but Collins must find a way to keep Thad in the game because the Sixers need to get this key member of the “Night Shift” going if they want to win this series.
	Jodie Meeks, G 6 MIN \| 1-2 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 0 REB \| 1 AST \| 4 PTS \| -1 A not so bad effort from Capt. Streaky, but watching him chase (more like trail) Ray Allen all over the court was uncomfortable.
	Lavoy Allen, PF 30 MIN \| 4-7 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 8 REB \| 0 AST \| 10 PTS \| +21 The rookie has been huge in games 1 & 2. Last night, he held KG in check, rebounded the ball, blocked some shots, hit a few buckets and for good measure tossed in a miracle bank shot with 4 mins left in the 4th Q and the shot clock running out.

	Elton Brand, PF 18 MIN \| 3-5 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 4 REB \| 0 AST \| 7 PTS \| -7 For all but an 8 minute stretch of the 3rd Q, the “Ol’ Skool Chevy” was simply terrible. EB was clearly scared to challenge KG on the offensive end and on defense, #42 had no answers either. There is some talk of a shoulder injury and the C’s present some match-up issues for Brand, but we’re not sure those items can fully explain his disappearing act in Games 1 & 2. Still, for one glorious stretch in the 3rd Q Brand simply carried this team when they needed someone to step up in th worst way. EB led the way with 7 points in the Q, including scoring 4 straight points for the Sixers.
	Andre Iguodala, SF 37 MIN \| 5-11 FG \| 2-7 FT \| 6 REB \| 7 AST \| 13 PTS \| +8 A solid all around night for Dre, including a reverse lay-in over KG for an And 1 that is all over SC’s Top 10 plays. His defense on Pierce was absolutely suffocating (2-9 on FGAs). However his FT shooting remains a major issue and his missess from the charity stripe last night almost cost us this game.
	Spencer Hawes, C 27 MIN \| 4-9 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 10 REB \| 0 AST \| 8 PTS \| -12On the offensive end, I’ll take 8 & 10 out of Hawes every night, but his defense on KG is brutal. He simply can not guard #5 on Boston, so why Collins keeps sending out there is beyond me. Every time he comes out on KG, Boston quickly sets up a pick-n-pop for Garnett and it’s an automatic bucket as Hawes can not close out on the jump shot. By my count the “Hawes Hand off” was only run twice last night which is good news for the Sixers.
	Evan Turner, SG 28 MIN \| 4-11 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 6 REB \| 1 AST \| 10 PTS \| -15 I had a very tough time picking a grade for ET as he was a roller coaster in this one. For most of the game I thought Turner was terrible on offense. He took several ill-advised shots including a 3PA on which his feet were not set, had 5 TOs and in general seemed to be out of sync for three Q’s. However he was simply huge in the 4th Q. Obviously he scored two big baskets down the stretch, including a carzy lay-in with 40 ticks remaining, but I thought the key play from ET came with 5 mins. remaining and the score 65-63 Sixers. On a defensive switch, ET got caught on Garnett, so of course KG tried to back him down. Turner did a nice job of holding his ground and when KG spun for the fade-away jumper, ET striped the ball from him. Well done kid!
	Jrue Holiday, PG 41 MIN \| 7-15 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 2 REB \| 3 AST \| 18 PTS \| -7 Another hot start by Holiday as he hit two 3PAs and scored 8 points in the 1st Q. He followed that up with four more points in the 2nd Q. Then he disappeared for a time during that hard-to-watch 3rd Q. But he came out like a man possessed in the 4th. “The Jruth” had two dribble-drives (1 for a bucket; 1 that led to a follow tip by Hawes) to open the 4th that were simply beautiful. Then his 3-ball with just under 2 mins. remaining brought us out of our seats. His defense was solid through out Game 2.
	Lou Williams, PG 39 MIN \| 3-13 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 7 REB \| 3 AST \| 8 PTS \| +17 LW’s struggles continue and last night it was enough to make you throw the remote. He continues to force ill-advised long jumpers or fade-aways or off-balanced runners. The shot he had blocked by Pierce in the 4th had me cursing up a storm. When he was forced to guard Rondo in the 3rd Q, you could actually see Rondo smiling. Louis — watch some game tape and get a clue.
	Thaddeus Young, F 13 MIN \| 0-3 FG \| 4-4 FT \| 4 REB \| 2 AST \| 4 PTS \| +1 When he was inserted into the game in the 1st Q, Thad came out aggressive and went on the attack. Unfortunately his shot was not falling, but he did nail all of his FTA’s. Collins limited his minutes because of “match-up” problems on the perimeter, but Collins must find a way to keep Thad in the game because the Sixers need to get this key member of the “Night Shift” going if they want to win this series.
	Jodie Meeks, G 6 MIN \| 1-2 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 0 REB \| 1 AST \| 4 PTS \| -1 A not so bad effort from Capt. Streaky, but watching him chase (more like trail) Ray Allen all over the court was uncomfortable.
	Lavoy Allen, PF 30 MIN \| 4-7 FG \| 2-2 FT \| 8 REB \| 0 AST \| 10 PTS \| +21 The rookie has been huge in games 1 & 2. Last night, he held KG in check, rebounded the ball, blocked some shots, hit a few buckets and for good measure tossed in a miracle bank shot with 4 mins left in the 4th Q and the shot clock running out.