GM 14: RAPID REACTS

Posted by: C. Smith
11/26/12 11:54 am EST
Phoenix Suns 101 FinalRecap | Box Score 104 Philadelphia 76ers
Lavoy Allen, PF 26 MIN | 5-9 FG | 1-1 FT | 6 REB | 1 AST | 11 PTS | +2

A solid night for LA overall, but his bucket at the 9:24 mark of the 4th was HUGE as it ended an 11-0 run by the Suns and kept the Sixers afloat in this one.
Thaddeus Young, SF 36 MIN | 5-7 FG | 0-2 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 10 PTS | +11

I was expecting a bigger scoring punch from Thad last night, but with Holiday going off it wasn’t really necessary. His defense (along with the rest of this team) is still a work in progress.
Evan Turner, SF 32 MIN | 4-13 FG | 5-6 FT | 9 REB | 3 AST | 16 PTS | +2

Poor overall shooting aside, I thought ET played a very solid game.  I’m not sure I want him shooting so many 3-balls every night (career high three 3PM), but the one he knocked home in the early 4th was big.  Of course he also gave me at heart attack with the missed FT at the end.
Jrue Holiday, PG 39 MIN | 13-21 FG | 6-8 FT | 3 REB | 13 AST | 33 PTS | +11

Only two players in the last 35 years of Sixers basketball have put up numbers like ‘The Jruth” did last night.  The other one was “The Answer” — 38 points and 15 assists against the Orlando Magic on Jan. 26, 2006. – and he’s headed to the HoF…Just sayin’ (More on Jrue’s night later).
Jason Richardson, SG 34 MIN | 3-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 8 PTS | +5

Obviously the Sixers need J-Rich to shoot better, but still a decent night all-around.  His 3PM in the 4th that pushed the Sixers out to a 00-97 lead was clutch.
Arnett Moultrie, PF 7 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 PTS | -6

He was probably so shocked at getting playing time that he didn’t know how to react.
Dorell Wright, SF 20 MIN | 1-4 FG | 5-5 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 8 PTS | -2

Another effort by Wright that should help pull him out of DC’s dog house.  Love that his FT shooting is automatic.
Spencer Hawes, C 20 MIN | 3-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 2 AST | 6 PTS | -3

An okay night from Hawes, but he can not fall off if this team is to succeed without Bynum.  20 mins of play and only 2 boards is unacceptable.
Kwame Brown, C 6 MIN | 1-2 FG | 0-1 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 2 PTS | +2

My favorite stretch took place near the end of the third quarter and than into the 4th Q when Kwame air balled a FT; had his slam attempt blocked at the 3rd Q horn and then got called for an illegal screen to open the 4th (?able call).
Nick Young, SG 12 MIN | 1-4 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 3 PTS | -3

The FG Swaggy P hit in the 3rd Q was huge as it allowed the Sixers to keep pace with PHX.  Other than that, he was a non-factor.

After the Jump, Six Things We Saw


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LIFE WITHOUT BYNUM

Posted by: Tim Parker
11/14/12 9:36 am EST

Here’s the simplistic story of the 76ers in the infancy stages of the 2012-2013 season:

The 76ers brought a shiny new, sleek, trendy and swanky SUV, otherwise known as Andrew Bynum.  While, the SUV was coveted and much desired, it did come with a strong manufacture’s warning.  Despite this, the buyer, a.k.a. the Sixers, still believed that if they made the purchase, they’d have the best set of wheels on the road; or at the very least the best ride they’ve had in nearly 7 years.

Now, two weeks into the NBA season, their much ballyhooed new vehicle will not leave the dealership for at least another month, and once again they are forced to depend on their old, dependable 4 door sedan with dents on the side.  It’s a car that still gets you to and fro; but at the very best of times the ride will ultimately be a bumpy one. 


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GM 7: RAPID REACTS

Posted by: C. Smith
11/13/12 10:45 am EST
Milwaukee Bucks 105 FinalRecap | Box Score 96 Philadelphia 76ers
Lavoy Allen, PF 13 MIN | 0-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 1 AST | 0 PTS | -4

Lavoy is caught in a vicious circle right now.  He’s in a slump, no doubt.  That slump has put him in DC’s doghouse (13 mins last night) which of course makes it hard to shake out of said slump.
Thaddeus Young, SF 35 MIN | 4-6 FG | 3-4 FT | 7 REB | 2 AST | 11 PTS | -5

I would like to have seen Thad’s number called more often last night.  But with how quickly the Sixers were hoisting up jumpers, calling sets was a tough task vs. MIL.  Thad’s hustle-dive-on-the-floor rebound in the 2nd Q was simply awesome.  I feel like he is on the verge of really breaking out if he can just get some more looks.
Evan Turner, SG 25 MIN | 3-8 FG | 2-4 FT | 4 REB | 5 AST | 8 PTS | -16

Two steps forward one step back, but not an awful night for The Kid.  The most disturbing part of last night’s game was that ET was on the bench for almost all of the 4th Q.  Why must DC toy with this guy’s head?  However his lob to Thad for a dunk in the 1st Q showed great court vision.
Jrue Holiday, PG 37 MIN | 10-18 FG | 4-4 FT | 1 REB | 6 AST | 25 PTS | -4

If it wasn’t for the 8 turnovers Holiday would have gotten and A+ and continued his push for elite guard status in this League.  However 8 TO’s from your starting PG is simply unacceptable.  Holiday has to know that and needs to improve in this area.  I was particularly disturbed at the trouble he had with MIL’s trap action.  Even my 9-year old knows you pass out of a trap, you don’t attempt to use the bounce to split it.  It was his fourth straight game of at least seven turnovers.  Still I was very pleased with the way he took the ball to the tin in the 2nd Q and wish more of the Sixers would follow his lead.
Jason Richardson, SG 36 MIN | 8-16 FG | 1-2 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 20 PTS | +12

Jason’s 10 points in the 1st Q was the only thing that kept the 7-6 from getting blown out of this one early.  He also flashed some classic J-Rich hops with his 360 dunk in the same Q that made me leap off the couch.  But he only scored 10 the rest of the way and had zero in the 4th Q when the Sixers offense went MIA.
Dorell Wright, SF 25 MIN | 5-12 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 0 AST | 14 PTS | -17

After every game I become more pleased with his signing.  When Wright caught fire in the late 1st / 2nd Q and helped the Sixers claw back into a game they had no right being in, I thought they might actually pull out a W.  But like all of the Sixers, Wright disappeared in the 4th (zero pts.) and this one got away from the team.  His defense continues to be better then expected and his block on the Sanders lay-in attempt in the 4th was huge.
Spencer Hawes, C 26 MIN | 3-11 FG | 0-0 FT | 5 REB | 1 AST | 6 PTS | +1

I know, his game is in the 12-17 foot range, but right now he’s our only legit big and he needs to give us some sort of an interior presence.  With all the shooters we have on this team, the last thing we need is Hawes jacking up 3PAs.  Spence (along with his mullet and patriotic headband) need to stay closer to the paint, which would help our post scoring and rebounding as well.  FYI…there was a 3 minute stretch last night where Hawes shot an air ball; got called for 3 seconds and then bricked a “hook” shot.  That series reminded me of why Hawes drives me crazy.
Royal Ivey, PG 18 MIN | 2-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 1 AST | 5 PTS | -14

Ivey just brings the lunch pail and goes to work very night.  That’s his role, he knows it and fills it nicely.  But that’s it!  And my back-up PG has to bring more to the table then that if he’s going to see 18 mins a night.  Not signing a more productive back-up for Jrue will haunt this team all year.
Nick Young, SG 24 MIN | 2-6 FG | 2-2 FT | 1 REB | 4 AST | 7 PTS | +2

I’m done on this front.  I knew he was a high volume shooter that took a lot of bad shots, but his low basketball IQ astounds me.  In the 2nd Q, he led a 4-on-1 fast break and took the ball to the rim for a tough finger roll instead finding one of the 3 other open guys for an easy lay-in.  His defense is simply brutal, especially his rotations.  FYI…Swaggy was 0-4 in the 4th Q when the Sixers offense went MIA.  And they were key misses — all 4 of his missed FGAs came with the score tied or the Sixers trailing by 3 or less.
Arnett Moultrie, PF DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | PTS |

He did a great job cheering on the team last night.  Unfortunately that’s all he got to do.  Even though the Sixers were getting murdered on the boards, DC chose not to play this rebounding machine.
Kwame Brown, C DNP LEFT CALF STRAIN MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | PTS |

How long can a calf strain possibly take to recover from?!?
Maalik Wayns, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN | FG | FT | REB | AST | PTS |

I know that DC doesn’t love rookies, but with Jennings simply killing Holiday and Ivey, how could it have possibly hurt to have given Wayns, the quickest guard on the Sixers roster (bar none) a chance to slow down #3 on MIL?  What’s the worst thing that could have happened?  Jennings scores 35 instead of 33.

After the Jump, Six Things We Saw Last Night


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GM 6: (NOT SO) RAPID REACTS

Posted by: Jeff McMenamin
11/12/12 2:41 pm EST
Philadelphia 76ers 93 Final
Recap | Box Score		 83 Toronto Raptors
Lavoy Allen, PF 21 MIN | 0-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 2 AST | 0 PTS | +7I hate to rip on a guy from my Alma Mater, but Lavoy is by far the biggest disappointment on the Sixers team this season.
Dorell Wright, SF 27 MIN | 5-12 FG | 1-1 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 15 PTS | -16@DWRIGHTWAY1 continues to impress both offensively and defensively. When the Raptors climbed back into the game to just a 69-62 Sixers lead at the end of the 3rd, Wright displayed his shooting stroke in the 4th with back to back treys to put the Sixers up 75-63 which set the tone for the rest of the game. Has he proved enough yet to be a full-time starter? It may still be too difficult to tell at this point.
Thaddeus Young, SF 34 MIN | 5-11 FG | 6-6 FT | 8 REB | 2 AST | 16 PTS | +4Thad put on another Thad effort. Efficient from the field, solid on the boards and high energy all game. But…Andrea Bargnani had 23 points for the Raptors. I know you’re trying your hardest on defense Thad, but try harder.
Evan Turner, SF 37 MIN | 2-7 FG | 4-5 FT | 12 REB | 4 AST | 8 PTS | -3There was a play early in the 3rd quarter where Turner drove into the lane, stopped and found a cutting Thad Young for an easy dunk on the baseline. These are the types of plays which makes my Turn-o-meter go towards the green. After easily his best game of the season against the Celtics, Turner played well against the Raptors and nearly got a double-double with 8 points and 12 rebounds. He had the tough assignment of guarding the Raptors best player in Damar DeRozen and was able to keep him to just 6-of-17 shooting from the field. It’s a phrase that’s been used before, but it looks as if Turner is Turn(ing) the corner.
Jrue Holiday, PG 35 MIN | 6-11 FG | 3-5 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 16 PTS | -12Holiday should consider himself extremely lucky. Point guard Kyle Lowry who has been playing the best basketball of his career for the Raptors wasn’t able to suit up due to a sprained ankle, and Holiday found himself against a much easier assignment of Jose Calderon. Yet Calderon nearly single-handily brought the Raptors right back into the game with four second-half three’s, finishing with 14 points while dishing out 11 assists. Holiday finished with 16 points but with just five assists while yet again notching seven turnovers! Yup, Jrue Holiday was outplayed by Jose Calderon and he has to use that as fuel for a stellar performance tonight against Brandon Jennings and the Bucks.
Spencer Hawes, C 23 MIN | 5-10 FG | 2-4 FT | 11 REB | 3 AST | 12 PTS | +14No star-spangled headband? Let me show you how America does things Toronto.’ Spencer Hawes is becoming a legend in Philadelphia because of his personality both on and off the court. He had himself a nice game against the Raptors, notching a double-double in just 23 minutes. I’ve jumped on the Spencer bandwagon and agree that his salary might be a huge steal for the Sixers down the road. As long as Bynum is out, he’s going to have to rebound like this for the Sixers to stay competitive.
Royal Ivey, PG 19 MIN | 3-3 FG | 2-2 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 8 PTS | +22I may have to retract my last comments pertaining to Royal Ivey. Ivey played mistake-free basketball against the Raptors where his counter-part Jrue Holiday nearly cost his team the game. He may not be the flashiest of guards, but as long as he can play efficient basketball while on the court I’m a fan.
Damien Wilkins, SG 11 MIN | 1-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 2 PTS | +911 wasted minutes.
Nick Young, SG 32 MIN | 7-12 FG | 1-2 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 16 PTS | +25Swaggy was the man in the second quarter and now has back to back games of efficient scoring on the offensive end. He shot 7-of-12 for 16 points, including an impressive And-1 in the third to put the Sixers up 67-55. He played a season-high 32 minutes and did his best Lou Williams imitation for the first time this season.

After the jump, Six Things We Saw…

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GM 4: RAPID REACTS

Posted by: Jeff McMenamin
11/08/12 9:08 am EST
Philadelphia 76ers 77 FinalRecap | Box Score 62 New Orleans Hornets
Lavoy Allen, PF 27 MIN | 6-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 0 AST | 12 PTS | +20Allen may have been able to knock down a few jumpers on Wednesday night, but he’s been getting manhandled on the boards this season and just doesn’t look to be playing with the same intensity with which he played in the playoffs last season.  Starting the game as the team’s center, Allen only had four rebounds, lower than teammates Thad Young, Turner, Hawes, Wright and Holiday.  If he hopes to be in the starting lineup when Bynum returns from injury he’s going to have to find a way to be the player who averaged 11 points and nine rebounds in the playoffs for the Sixers last season.
Dorell Wright, SF 25 MIN | 2-10 FG | 1-2 FT | 6 REB | 2 AST | 7 PTS | +9Wright has been as hit or miss as they come this season for the Sixers and last night wasn’t any different.  A disappointing seven points on 2-of-10 from the field, but with a scrappy six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.  Wright’s rebounding average is up at 7.8, more than two rebounds a game higher then his second-highest season average of 5.3.  While Wright’s shots aren’t falling just yet, his stroke is a thing of beauty.  You can tell what he’s capable of when his shots do start to fall.  And, he’s thoroughly impressed me on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball due to his scrappy and high energy play.  Even when Jason Richardson is healthy, Wright has proven to be more than worthy of extra minutes on the court.
Thaddeus Young, SF 37 MIN | 6-8 FG | 0-0 FT | 10 REB | 1 AST | 12 PTS | +16Thad has been “Mr. Consistency” so far this season for the Sixers. He’s scored above 12 points in every contest so far while shooting 56% from the field.  He’s also been able to hit his stride in terms of being a rebounder. He’s had back to back 10 rebound games.  Compare that to last season, where Thad compiled only three games with 10 rebounds or more for the entire season (two of which that were in the playoffs).  If Thad can keep his scoring and rebounding numbers consistent, the Sixers will be a serious match-up problem for foes when Andrew Bynum returns.  Now if only he could play better defense!?!
Evan Turner, SF 36 MIN | 7-15 FG | 0-0 FT | 8 REB | 3 AST | 14 PTS | +12‘No jump shot?  I’ll show you a jump shot.’  Turner had the best game of his 2012-13 campaign Wednesday night shooting the rock.  The difference to me came from the way in which he stepped into his shots rather than going straight up like he had been to start the season.  Turner shot 7-of-15 for 14 points while adding 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal.  One can only hope last night is the start of consistent performances at this level from Turner.  He needs to help fill the void in terms of production that was left behind from Dre’s departure.
Jrue Holiday, PG 39 MIN | 6-14 FG | 2-3 FT | 5 REB | 12 AST | 14 PTS | +18Turnovers are an NBA team’s worst nightmare, especially if they’re coming from the player you’re relying upon the most to create on offense.  Holiday had an awful first half handling the rock, committing six turnovers and giving coach Doug Collins a large migraine into the locker room at halftime.  In the second half (and most likely because of the tirade by coach Collins at halftime), Holiday looked much better protecting the rock as he only committed one turnover the rest of the way.  As bad as he looked in the first half, Holiday finished the game with a season-high 12 assists while adding 14 points and five rebounds.  His no-look dime to Spencer Hawes for a dunk towards the end of the third quarter specifically sticks out as a dazzling pass.  He’s now averaging 9.5 assists per game this season, which is three assists per game higher than his previous highest season average. He has to cut down however on his five turnovers per game average which is tied for highest in the League, along with Kevin Durant, James Harden and Deron Williams.
Arnett Moultrie, PF 2 MIN | 0-0 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 PTS | -4He’s getting the Lavoy Allen/Nikola Vucevic treatment from last season.  Unfortunately, for a guy we gave up a first round pick to get, that’s classic Doug Collins.
Spencer Hawes, C 23 MIN | 5-13 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 11 PTS | +2Spencer Hawes is the rock star of this Sixers team and despite his presidential hopeful Mitt Romney losing the election to Barack Obama, he looked solid on offense and defense last night.  Big Spencer scored 11 points, while adding six rebounds and three blocks and even adding in another shot from beyond the arc.  Hawes now has hit three shots from deep this season, the same amount he hit all of last season.
Maalik Wayns, PG 1 MIN | 0-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 PTS | -4Very confused by his lack of playing time so far this season.  He was one of the bright spots in preseason and it looks as if Royal Ivey who didn’t play one tick in preseason has now taken over his role.  The troubling part of Wayns’ lack of tick is that the Sixers desperately need someone to get to the rim on a nightly basis as they are currently standing around and hoisting way too many jumpers.  Wayns could provide a solution to this issue if given the chance.   It’s hard to be a rookie sometimes and Wayns has surely gotten the rookie treatment by coach Collins.
Royal Ivey, PG 21 MIN | 1-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 3 PTS | +7Where did Royal Ivey’s minutes come from and why?  He looks like the same exact player he was on the Sixers back in the 2008-09 season. He plays solid defense, has a decent stroke and has an above average handle.  However, he’s one of the most boring players you’ll ever see on a basketball court.  He makes watching old clips of Eric Snow playing for the Sixers like watching a new Christopher Nolan film.  That’s saying something.
Nick Young, SG 18 MIN | 1-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 1 AST | 2 PTS | +2Yet another awful game from SwagyP.  He had better looks from the field this game and I was impressed by his ability to drive and kick, but as a scorer his shots have got to start falling.  Just two points on 1-of-7 shooting last night (7-32 in his last 3 gms. = 21%) is not going to be enough for coach Collins.  When Royal Ivey gets more minutes than you, you know you’ve got to improve.

After the Jump, Six Things We Saw Last Night…


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QUESTIONABLE MOVES II

Posted by: Steve Toll
11/07/12 9:27 am EST

Jrue Holiday is getting paid $41 million over the next 4 seasons!

As in the 4th best point guard in the division, is going to be paid $41 million over the next 4 years. Holiday is young and has potential (as if he is the only player who does) while playing the least important position in the NBA.  He was outplayed by Lou Williams by every stretch of the imagination last season and his performance in the playoffs was a mirage based on the defense scheme that Boston played allowing Holiday more freedom as long as they handcuffed other players and getting to play 5 games against CJ Watson.  Based on that premise, the team payed him equal to Rajon Rondo, a guy who absolutely abused Jrue that series.  

The list of point guards who were flat out better than Holiday last season was 25+ players and it’s within the realm of possibility that Evan Turner is a super point guard to the new $41,000,000 man.  This article isn’t about bad moves made by other teams especially considering that making less bad moves isn’t exactly noteworthy.

 
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QUESTIONABLE MOVES

Posted by: Steve Toll
11/03/12 5:17 pm EST

Joshua Harris and his crew should just sell this team right now.  The recent news of the Jrue Holiday extension and the team picking up Evan Turner’s 4th year option becoming a reality, a feeling of darkness should have begun creeping out like zombies at the Eastern State Penitentary. 

This team has absolutely no idea what they are doing and the front office is setting up the fans of the 76ers for many seasons of a Gus Frerotte-like series of  head banging concussions without help in sight.  Further proof of that is the recent news of the 7-6 hiring analytical expert Aaron Barzilai.  Coincidentally, this comes after Dileo and DC spent the offseason lighting the team’s future championship equity on fire and locking the team into a no win salary cap situation.

A day late and a few million dollars short is how to best describe the hiring of the new analytic guy for the 76ers.  Most impressive about the whole thing was Barzilai convincing the front office of his ability to help this cap strapped team in the future. 


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GM 1: (NOT SO) RAPID REACT

Posted by: Tom Sunnergren
11/01/12 4:24 pm EST
Denver Nuggets 75 FinalRecap | Box Score 84 Philadelphia 76ers
Lavoy Allen, PF 17 MIN | 1-5 FG | 1-2 FT | 4 REB | 0 AST | 3 PTS | -1Disappointing start to his sophomore season. After a very solid rookie season and an even better postseason run, LA was invisible for most of Wednesday’s opener.
Thaddeus Young, SF 36 MIN | 6-12 FG | 1-3 FT | 5 REB | 1 AST | 13 PTS | +18Thad, in the starting role he’s been clamoring for, played capably. He stayed around the basket and was, in the context of a game where less than 160 points were scored, a playmaker on the offensive end.
Jrue Holiday, PG 41 MIN | 5-16 FG | 4-5 FT | 6 REB | 11 AST | 14 PTS | +8Jrue, rewarded after the game with a 4-year $41-million contract extension, played capable quarterback against a point guard that many (okay, me) wished the Sixers had drafted ahead of him. He had 11 dimes against just three turnovers and, with the Sixers lead down to 71-70 mid fourth period, made a three-point-pay that bulwarked the Denver charge.
Jason Richardson, SG 37 MIN | 4-13 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 10 PTS | +7While, after a pair of early 3-pointers, his stroke was off, Richardson played sound, surprisingly so, defense.
Evan Turner, SF 28 MIN | 2-7 FG | 1-1 FT | 6 REB | 2 AST | 5 PTS | +10The Kid, in a season where he has a lot on the line, financially and professionally, got off to a dud of a start. He disappeared for stretches, and when he reappeared it didn’t mark an improvement. He was 0-for-5 in shots that he took more than three feet away from the bucket.
Spencer Hawes, PF 31 MIN | 6-11 FG | 2-2 FT | 12 REB | 2 AST | 16 PTS | +10Spence was simply a revelation. Looking like Pau Gasol 2.0, the recently benched big—mullet flowing gloriously behind him (business in the front, Tea Party in the back)—was superb inside and outside. He blocked five shots (!?!), buried a pair of 3-pointers (he’s now one shy of matching last season’s total) and was pinpoint from midrange. Seeing him play alongside Bynum is going to be fun.
Dorell Wright, SF 28 MIN | 3-12 FG | 6-6 FT | 7 REB | 0 AST | 14 PTS | -1I thought he was fantastic. Though his shot tapered off as the game wore on, he got to the line and played great help defense. He also made a fantastic hustle play, stripping Corey Brewer from behind while he galloped toward an unguarded hoop. Rumor has it he was in Collins’ dog house during camp. Looks like Collins’ dog can start sleeping in his own bed again.
Nick Young, SG 19 MIN | 3-9 FG | 2-2 FT | 3 REB | 0 AST | 9 PTS | -6Swaggy P brought a little too much swag and not quite enough P to the floor last night (P stands for “prudence” right?). He was as advertised. Energy: high. Shots: wild. Fro: glorious.

After the jump, Six Things We Saw In the Opener


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2012-13 PHILADUNKIA FORECASTS

Posted by: Philadunkia
10/31/12 3:04 pm EST

We know that in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, for many of you the tip off of another NBA season may not be on your mind right now.  But assuming that all of our readers are physically okay, adapting and moving forward today — the NBA season started last night and that action has our hearts pumping for the 76ers opener tonight.

By now you’ve read or watched what all the national “experts” have predicted for our Philadelphia 76ers in 2012-13.  To be honest, they are all over the place.  Many of them believe that we are in for a replay of the 2010-11 season — .500 ball; make the playoffs; get bounced in the first round.  There are also a few “experts” who are predicting that Philadunkia’s home team will fall flat on its face this season.  Still others see a 50 win season coming up for the Sixers and a nice post-season run.

But as we all know, national “experts” are NOT the best source of information when it comes to the Sixers.  So in an effort to provide educated forecasts on how this year will play out for the Sixers, the scribes here at Philadunkia — people who eat, drink and sleep the 7-6 — have typed up their predictions for 2012-13. 

According to the Philadunkia staff, one thing is for sure, the 2012-13 76ers will be exciting to watch.

 After the jump…Here we go


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CLOSURE ?!?

Posted by: Tim Parker
10/31/12 9:31 am EST

At the start of every new NBA season, there is a renewed of belief, hope, and confidence.  For the Sixers, 2012-2013 is no different.  Even though, the true (unspoken) goal is to just be able stay in the same ballpark of class as the Miami Heat. 

Nonetheless, there is a unique, almost poetic feeling about Wednesday night’s season opener at the Wells Fargo Center.  As the Sixers begin a new chapter of their franchise’s history, they will be forced to look their past dead in the eyes; in the form Andre Iguodala.

As Iguodala brings his Denver Nuggets to Philadelphia, he carries a truckload of baggage with him, including memories (both good and bad), 8 years of frustrations, and a fractured relationship with the 76ers’ faithful. 

Whether he was loved or hated, he was a much maligned, polarizing figure, partly because of his salary, demeanor, skill-set, and lack of team success.

Ironically enough, his final season as a Sixer would be the one where he actually began to be appreciated.  He earned his only All-Star appearance; he led his team to their first playoff series victory in a decade, and nearly took a talent deficient team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

But, by then it was already too late.

 
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