That is the question…we threw out to you the readers yesterday. 

As we mentioned there is no consensus here at the Philadunkia offices as to what approach the 76ers should take for the upcoming 2011-12 season.  From reading comments on this and other Sixers sites, talking to other Sixers fans and listening to sports talk show hosts, there does not seem to be any agreement on “the street” either.

On one side (in our offices and on the street) are those who say Josh Harris and Co. should give Rod Thorn the green light to do whatever it takes in order to assemble the best basketball team possible for this 66-game season and thus build on the success the team had in 2010-11.  On Wednesday, in the first of this two part series, Tom Sunnergren stated his case for why he feels strongly that the 76ers should, “Go For It” during the 2011-12 season.

On the other side of this discussion are those who say that this abbreviated season presents a perfect opportunity for the Sixers and their new owners to hit the “reset button” in order to get a fresh start and establish a brighter future for this franchise.  Today Philadunkia scribe C. Smith lobbies for the 7-6 to take a “competitively indifferent” approach to the 2011-12 season and look to the future right NOW.  

You may choose to call it what it really is, that ugly sports term known as — “Tanking”.

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That is the question…that has been bantered around the Philadunkia.com offices this week regarding what approach the 76ers should take for the lockout shortened 2011-12 NBA season. 

As you can imagine, there is no consensus here at our offices.

Now that the work stoppage has come to an “unofficial” end and pro hoops talk is starting to build some momentum around town, there also appears to be a clear divide among the Philadelphia faithful on what the Sixers  game plan should be for this upcoming season.  

On one side (in our offices and on the street) are those who say Josh Harris and Co. should give  Rod Thorn the green light to do whatever it takes in order to assemble the best basketball team possible for this 66-game season and thus build on the success the team had in 2010-11.  On the other side are those who say that this abbreviated season presents a perfect opportunity for the Sixers and their new owners to hit the “reset button” in order to get a fresh start and establish a brighter future for this franchise. 

Sixer nation is a country divided. 

So, two scribes here a Philadunkia were charged with defending each of the above positions — “Tank” or “Go for It” — in order to help you choose a side.

In the first of a two part series, Tom Sunnergren states his case for why he feels strongly that the 76ers should, “Go For It” during the 2011-12 season.

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Since the “76ers for sale” rumors started flying around the internet this past spring, there’s been only one person  we’ve been waiting to hear from — billionaire Joshua Harris. 

For months we have heard nothing from Harris in the media and our repeated requests for interview time went unanswered. 

Well, yesterday was the big day, as Harris and new 76ers CEO Adam Aron finally stepped into the Philadelphia spotlight.  As the press conference was about to begin I literally had goosebumps.  The 76ers were about to launch a new era in which they will be owned by a billionaire and some of his pals who will be laser focused on the 76ers.  Philadunkia nation was about to get it’s own Mark Cuban or Mikhail Prokhorov.  I was smiling ear to ear as the Sixers would no longer be Ed Snider’s second favorite son.

Then the press conference began and my smile was soon wiped away.

Yes Harris and Aron said all the right things — as most very successful businessmen have been trained to do in a public speaking setting.  And there was some positive news — Ed Stefanski is out.  But let’s be honest — there was no pop, no sizzle, and  overall a lack of any energy behind the whole event.  By the end of the 44+ minute press conference, some of the excitement I had for a new beginning for the 76ers was drained from my soul. 

Obviously this new ownership group is comprised of very smart businessmen who by all accounts will do great things for this organization.  Believe me, here at Philadunkia we are praying very hard that Harris & CO. can make the 7-6 relevant to the Philly sports fan again.  However, in my opinion, the new era sure did get off to a slow start yesterday.

After the jump, are a few of my notes and key quotes from down at The Palestra on Tuesday…

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