JRUE: QUICK AIN’T FAIR

Posted by: C. Smith
05/14/13 12:56 pm EST

You can debate whether or not you think Jrue Holiday is an all-star caliber point guard, but what you cannot deny is that Jrue’s “star” is rising around the Association.

Players and coaches in the NBA commented on it frequently this past season. We certainly noticed his rise in skills and popularity here at Philadunkia during 2012-13. Now it seems adidas is finally jumping on the Jrue Holiday bandwagon.

Holiday has been an adidas endorser since he entered the League, but now “The Jruth” (as well as John Wall and Damian Lillard) is featured in the shoe company’s latest basketball campaign.

Titled “Quick Ain’t Fair,” the new commercial is for the adidas Crazyquick basketball shoe. In this extended version, Jrue and Lillard give fans a behind the scenes look at the Crazyquick spot.

View Jrue’s new shoe commercial after the jump.

DRAFT 2013: ANTHONY BENNETT FALLING?

Posted by: Jake Fischer
05/08/13 11:33 am EST

Early Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s NBA Draft Insider Chad Ford reported that UNLV freshman forward Anthony Bennett will be out four months after surgery on his rotator cuff in his left shoulder that is expected to go down today.

Agent Jeff Schwartz confirms Bennett will be out up to 4 months.No draft workouts or summer league for Bennett

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 7, 2013

That timetable will sideline him for the NBA Draft Combine and likely all of Summer League as well, but he will be scheduled to return for training camp.

Bennett will now join Nerlens Noel and Alex Len as the crop of talented big men that will enter the 2013 NBA Draft injured. Noel’s torn ACL might have knocked him out of the top pick in the draft and Len’s ankle surgery will also likely hurt his draft stock, too.

So, if Noel, the one-time shoo-in for the No. 1 Overall pick in this year’s draft, can have his stock lowered by a devastating injury, why can’t Bennett’s stock drop as well? Could it drop enough so the 76ers have a chance at drafting him?

WHEELING & DEALING II

Posted by: Steve Toll
05/06/13 10:25 am EST

The other day, I wrote how the 76ers should approach building a real contender by tanking and trading for superior but injured players. Today, we will assume that their are enough parts in place to build something.

Like a hostile takeover of a corporate entity, cutting the dead weight is an obvious first step. From there we will look at some undervalued assets around the league, similar to what was done in (A plan for 13-14).

What to do with “The Enigma”, Evan Turner? It’s quite simple actually. Whomever the GM for the Sixers is, he needs to call ET into his office on a weekday morning. From there, they should ask, “Evan, if we can trade you to another team, is that something you would be interested in?”

The obvious answer will be yes. The next move is to pick up the phone and call every single NBA team. It will certainly be a humbling experience for Mr. Turner. A combination of quick hang ups, laughs and outrageous demands (give us your lottery pick, is Thad coming too, We will give you Beasley/Bargnani/Ellis for ET, we require all the tea in china etc etc) will make it obvious to ET that the NBA truly has no interest in his services at $6,700,000 for the 2013-2014 season.

PHIL (ADELPHIA)

Posted by: C. Smith
05/02/13 11:07 am EST

According to a report over at Yahoo Sports by Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers have received permission to interview Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone as well as Utah Jazz assistant and former Sixer Jeff Hornacek for the franchise’s head-coaching vacancy. According to Woj’s sources, “Malone is considered a serious candidate for the Sixers job. The Sixers have been doing a great deal of research on Malone and getting excellent feedback”

Earlier this week, Dei Lynam of csnphilly.com fame posted a story in which her sources said the 7-6 have “contacted” Pacers’ associate head coach Brian Shaw about their vacant head-coaching position. Obviously the Pacers are currently in the playoffs and hold a 3-2 lead over the Atlanta Hawks in their first round series, so it could be sometime before Shaw will actually interview for the Sixers job opening.

Now, I know the rumor mill is going to churn out a lot of these stories until the opening is filled. Some of them will be accurate and others not so much. And I am happy to see that the Sixers front office is doing their due diligence and interviewing a number of prospects. Lastly, let me just say that I have nothing against giving any of these alleged candidates (so far) a look see.

Still, I have to ask, ‘Has anyone in the Sixers organization even sent Phil Jackson so much as a introductory text message?’

WHEELING & DEALING

Posted by: Steve Toll
04/30/13 9:33 am EST

Few could have imagined the season turned out the way it did. The 76ers were supposed to be this, that and the other thing. What came to pass was the realization that this past summer was one of the uglier summers in NBA history.

Now the Sixers are a team left with holes larger than just the void in the middle cause by Andrew Bynum’s knees. As I have mentioned ad nauseum, the 76ers are in a very bad place going forward with no clear path to anything.

After the jump, are some trade possibilities that can be a change for the better next year or the long run. The premise is to do all of these trades or none at all. Part 1 will be for the future, “Hello, 25% shot at Andrew Wiggins and the return of the Anti-Gravity Treadmill”. Part 2 will assume the future is now

On last note, while the ESPN.com trade machine says the salaries don’t work, once Jrue’s $9.2 million salary kicks in, these trades would work.

NOTES, LINKS & TWEETS

Posted by: C. Smith
04/29/13 2:08 pm EST

On Saturday the 76ers announced that have acquired a D-League franchise and will move it Delaware…Ladies and gentlemen please welcome your Delaware 87ers…Wait, what? It’s not a misprint.

Brian at depressedfan.com is not very excited about the D-League announcement.

A quick “76ers” search on craigslist brings back this signed gem from the 1983 team.

Dei Lynam at csnphilly.com reported that the Sixers have contacted Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw.

nbadraft.net has the Sixers selecting 11th in the 2013 Draft and picking Giannis Adetokoubo who plays in Greece. Check out the video of this 6-9 kid. I’ve seen bigger crowds at Chester vs. Lower Merion district playoff games.

Hoops Habit predicts the Sixers will grab Glenn Robinson III with the 11th pick in 2013.

GENERAL MANAGER CANDIDATES

Posted by: Philadunkia
04/23/13 10:41 am EST

Here at Philadunkia it seems to be a consensus that the first item on the “Honey Do List” for Josh Harris and Adam Aron this off-season should be to find a new General Manager for this franchise.

It’s not that Tony DiLeo has done anything wrong, but it’s apparent that he was hand picked for the job by Doug Collins last year and it’s time to wipe the slate clean from the DC era. Removing DiLeo is especially important if DC is going to have an active “consulting” role in the Sixers front office going forward as we will need a strong willed and independent thinker who can sift through Doug’s input and only use the sensible thoughts.

If the Sixers decide to look for a new general manager, the Philadunkia scribes have some suggestions for Harris and Aron as to who should receive job interviews.

After the jump are a few suggestions for a new 76ers General Manager.

TOP PRIORITY: A GM

Posted by: Jake Fischer
04/22/13 11:17 am EST

If there is anything the eight Game 1s of the 2013 NBA Playoffs taught us, besides that home court actually does matter in the NBA, it’s that whichever team has the better players wins. It’s a simple as that. Thus, it make sense for the 76ers to start their rebuilding process by focusing their attention on getting the best players on the court, right?

Wrong.

This, if anything, the troublesome Sixers ownership and management group must start this off-season by making key off-the-court decisions before they can start looking to solve their on-the-court issues. The Sixers brass must find a smart general manager who can run this franchise correctly.

Recent NBA history has proven this method can be very successful.

GM 80: (B2B W’s) RAPID REACTS

Posted by: Jake Fischer
04/14/13 8:08 pm EST

Cleveland Cavaliers

FinalRecap | Box Score

Philadelphia 76ers

	Thaddeus Young, SF 33 MIN \| 5-11 FG \| 4-6 FT \| 9 REB \| 4 AST \| 3 STL \| 0 BLK \| 2 TO \| 14 PTS \| +22Another game, more hustle and effectiveness out of Thad. This guy just competes every single night and every single play. While he’s undersized at the PF, his heart lets him play like he’s three inches taller. This guy should be a starter in Philadelphia until he retires.
	Evan Turner, SF 31 MIN \| 3-10 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 6 REB \| 4 AST \| 0 STL \| 1 BLK \| 1 TO \| 7 PTS \| +18Turner did a great job rebounding the ball today, but he again put up another dreadful shooting performance. At this point of the season, you would think Turner would be balling out to try and spark a contract extension discussion. But, that’s just not happening.
	Spencer Hawes, C 36 MIN \| 6-11 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 5 REB \| 6 AST \| 2 STL \| 4 BLK \| 2 TO \| 14 PTS \| +20Spence had a solid game offensively, but he was seemingly nowhere to be found on the glass. Of the 76ers’ 39 team rebounds, Hawes only had 5 and he’s by far the tallest on the roster.
	Jrue Holiday, PG 32 MIN \| 6-17 FG \| 1-1 FT \| 5 REB \| 4 AST \| 1 STL \| 0 BLK \| 2 TO \| 14 PTS \| +21Jrue continues to struggle shooting the ball, but I’m giving him an A+ for being the only Sixer to recognize the need to tank! With each missed shot, it’s as if Jrue is screaming, “I need some help! Give me a high pick!”
	Damien Wilkins, SG 30 MIN \| 5-9 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 4 REB \| 2 AST \| 1 STL \| 0 BLK \| 0 TO \| 11 PTS \| +10At 33 years old, for Wilkins to go out and play 30 min, shoot 56.5 percent from the field and hit the glass is phenomenal. We all know this Sixers team needs a veteran locker room presence with their large crop of young players. Adam Aron should really think about retaining this savvy vet.
	Arnett Moultrie, PF 24 MIN \| 5-6 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 6 REB \| 0 AST \| 0 STL \| 0 BLK \| 3 TO \| 10 PTS \| -10With more minutes comes more production from Moultrie. This young man knows how to play around the basket and plays hard. He had three offensive rebounds and also was extremely efficient. But, he does need to keep the turnovers down.
	Dorell Wright, SF 25 MIN \| 6-13 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 2 REB \| 4 AST \| 1 STL \| 1 BLK \| 1 TO \| 15 PTS \| -4Is Wright playing for a new contract? Over his last five games, the sharpshooter is averaging 11.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game — both well above his season averages. This team needs efficient role players and he could potentially be one.
	Lavoy Allen, C 4 MIN \| 0-2 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 1 REB \| 0 AST \| 0 STL \| 1 BLK \| 0 TO \| 0 PTS \| -4He said he didn’t learn anything during his first two seasons under Doug Collins. Maybe he learned something while he was sitting on the bench.
	Justin Holiday, SG 26 MIN \| 2-7 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 1 REB \| 3 AST \| 1 STL \| 2 BLK \| 1 TO \| 6 PTS \| -3Justin went out there and had fun. You can tell he’s trying to make the most of his opportunity with this franchise and he’s bringing great energy. That’s all you could ask for from a guy in his situation.
	Kwame Brown, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| Great hustle out there, big guy!
	Charles Jenkins, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| In a blowout game this late in the season, you would have liked to see Jenkins get some run here. But this is clearly a Holiday town.
	Royal Ivey, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| Ivey has now played 3 minutes in the past 4 games. He’s come along way from throwing the game-ending turnover against Milwaukee back in February.
	Nick Young, SG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| Swaggy P has just dealt with injuries all season long. Hopefully he can get healthy over this summer and prove to another team he’s worthy of a contract.
	Doug Collins He played both Moultrie and Holiday (the younger half) for at least half of the game. He also has handled the pressure and rumors of his fate with this team very well. For that, I’m giving old Collins his first A from me…. ever.

D…C-YA

Posted by: Jake Fischer
04/11/13 1:16 pm EST

According to an online report today, citing multiple league sources, the 76ers organization privately hopes that coach Doug Collins decides not to return for the 2013-14 season and, regardless of his decision, it does not intend to extend his contract – which has one year remaining, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported late Wednesday morning.

Thus, the Sixers are hoping that Collins, who has never lasted more than three seasons at the helm of an NBA franchise, walks away from the organization all on his own.

And, boy, would many dedicated and knowledgeable fans in Philadunkia be more than eager to throw him a retirement party down South Street.

	Thaddeus Young, SF 33 MIN \| 5-11 FG \| 4-6 FT \| 9 REB \| 4 AST \| 3 STL \| 0 BLK \| 2 TO \| 14 PTS \| +22Another game, more hustle and effectiveness out of Thad. This guy just competes every single night and every single play. While he’s undersized at the PF, his heart lets him play like he’s three inches taller. This guy should be a starter in Philadelphia until he retires.
	Evan Turner, SF 31 MIN \| 3-10 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 6 REB \| 4 AST \| 0 STL \| 1 BLK \| 1 TO \| 7 PTS \| +18Turner did a great job rebounding the ball today, but he again put up another dreadful shooting performance. At this point of the season, you would think Turner would be balling out to try and spark a contract extension discussion. But, that’s just not happening.
	Spencer Hawes, C 36 MIN \| 6-11 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 5 REB \| 6 AST \| 2 STL \| 4 BLK \| 2 TO \| 14 PTS \| +20Spence had a solid game offensively, but he was seemingly nowhere to be found on the glass. Of the 76ers’ 39 team rebounds, Hawes only had 5 and he’s by far the tallest on the roster.
	Jrue Holiday, PG 32 MIN \| 6-17 FG \| 1-1 FT \| 5 REB \| 4 AST \| 1 STL \| 0 BLK \| 2 TO \| 14 PTS \| +21Jrue continues to struggle shooting the ball, but I’m giving him an A+ for being the only Sixer to recognize the need to tank! With each missed shot, it’s as if Jrue is screaming, “I need some help! Give me a high pick!”
	Damien Wilkins, SG 30 MIN \| 5-9 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 4 REB \| 2 AST \| 1 STL \| 0 BLK \| 0 TO \| 11 PTS \| +10At 33 years old, for Wilkins to go out and play 30 min, shoot 56.5 percent from the field and hit the glass is phenomenal. We all know this Sixers team needs a veteran locker room presence with their large crop of young players. Adam Aron should really think about retaining this savvy vet.
	Arnett Moultrie, PF 24 MIN \| 5-6 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 6 REB \| 0 AST \| 0 STL \| 0 BLK \| 3 TO \| 10 PTS \| -10With more minutes comes more production from Moultrie. This young man knows how to play around the basket and plays hard. He had three offensive rebounds and also was extremely efficient. But, he does need to keep the turnovers down.
	Dorell Wright, SF 25 MIN \| 6-13 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 2 REB \| 4 AST \| 1 STL \| 1 BLK \| 1 TO \| 15 PTS \| -4Is Wright playing for a new contract? Over his last five games, the sharpshooter is averaging 11.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game — both well above his season averages. This team needs efficient role players and he could potentially be one.
	Lavoy Allen, C 4 MIN \| 0-2 FG \| 0-0 FT \| 1 REB \| 0 AST \| 0 STL \| 1 BLK \| 0 TO \| 0 PTS \| -4He said he didn’t learn anything during his first two seasons under Doug Collins. Maybe he learned something while he was sitting on the bench.
	Justin Holiday, SG 26 MIN \| 2-7 FG \| 1-2 FT \| 1 REB \| 3 AST \| 1 STL \| 2 BLK \| 1 TO \| 6 PTS \| -3Justin went out there and had fun. You can tell he’s trying to make the most of his opportunity with this franchise and he’s bringing great energy. That’s all you could ask for from a guy in his situation.
	Kwame Brown, C DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| Great hustle out there, big guy!
	Charles Jenkins, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| In a blowout game this late in the season, you would have liked to see Jenkins get some run here. But this is clearly a Holiday town.
	Royal Ivey, PG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| Ivey has now played 3 minutes in the past 4 games. He’s come along way from throwing the game-ending turnover against Milwaukee back in February.
	Nick Young, SG DNP COACH’S DECISION MIN \| FG \| FT \| REB \| AST \| STL \| BLK \| TO \| PTS \| Swaggy P has just dealt with injuries all season long. Hopefully he can get healthy over this summer and prove to another team he’s worthy of a contract.
	Doug Collins He played both Moultrie and Holiday (the younger half) for at least half of the game. He also has handled the pressure and rumors of his fate with this team very well. For that, I’m giving old Collins his first A from me…. ever.