[TheWizardParticipant]

Prediction- Record: 36-46 (11th place in the Eastern Conference)

Overview:

This offseason, the Sixers really reshaped their team with getting rid of veteran Dalembert and bringing in young talent with Evan Turner, Craig Brackins and Spencer Hawes. Going into the offseason, one of the Sixers’ goals was to deal Dalembert’s one-year contract to a team for a player who could help their team win in the future. This goal was achieved by acquiring up-and-coming center Spencer Hawes from the Sacramento, who is known for his great passing ability and post moves, with the addition of 6’8 veteran forward Andres Nocioni. On the other hand, with the Sixers’ claim to fame over the past few years being defense with the focus on Dalembert in the paint to contest shots at the rim, in the 2010-2011 season, it is definitely going to be exciting how their defensive sets turn out. One question the coaches will be faced with this season is the playing time of 2nd overall draft pick, Evan Turner. Since the team had already had Lou Williams, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodola, and Thaddeus Young, many wondered why they didn’t take Demarcus Cousins, a rare combination of skill for a 285 lb. bigman, which don’t come very often. This year, I see the Sixers being on a learning curve. They may sneak on many teams to get the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference, but in order for this to happen, Doug Collins would have to build his team to receive the most out of each players’ talents on his team.

Offense:

On offense this year, the Sixers are definitely far and improved from last year. Even though Dalembert was a defensive beast, besides in the pick and roll, on the offensive end he was quite a liability. Watching Hawes for three years now at King’s games, I have gotten pretty familar with his offensive tools. Hawes functions best when he has a one-on-one matchup in the post where he can pull off a quick hookshot, fade-away, or dish it out to the wings if double-teamed. Spencer Hawes reminds me of most of a Chris Kaman type player. The one aspect of his game that is over-looked by most of the leauge is his long-range shot. Spencer Hawes is a great player, but his inconsistency and injuries over his short career have stopped him from having a breakout season. One positive to adding Evan Turner is that they now have the possibility to play small-ball with Holiday, Turner, Iguodala, Young, and Speights/Brand/Hawes. Though I do not expect a rookie of the year season for Turner with their deep backcourt, I do expect him to become a great foul drawer and slasher off the bench. Depending on Holiday’s improvement this year after a promising Summer League turnout, Turner could have less or more playing time because of it. Because of last year, I do not expect Brand or Speights to have great seasons, but if either of them does, it could really add great depth to their back court. Seldomly mentioned forward Craig Brackins was a very good pickup for the Sixers after the draft. It may take him a few years to develop an NBA ready game and body, but I can see his great shooting range coming to use in Philadelphia with the minutes he is given. As recent years Iguodala will still lead his team on the offensive end with his elite athleticism and finishing ability. If he is not trade to another team before the trade deadline, I see similar stats for him as past years. Finally, Thadeus Young has become a great team player for the Sixers. I sure hope he has a bounce back season and begins to get more rebounds and becomes a more efficent scorer. In the likelihood of Iguodala being traded, Young could become the main player for the Sixers.

Defense:

Already being in the bottom half of the NBA in defense, the Sixers are going to have even tougher of a time this year without Dalembert. The Sixers really do not have any players that excel in defence except Andre Iguodola. Jrue Holiday has the potential to becoming good on the defensive end with his speed and wingspan, but is far from becoming a lockdown defender at the PG position. I can definitely see Thadeus Young becoming a great defender at the SF position because of his strength and size, but if he is placed at the PF, I think he will be to easily pushed around in the paint. The main sore spot when it comes to the defensive end starts at the C position and ends with the bench. Hawes does block a few shots here and there, but by no means a formidable defender. The Sixers bench mainly consists of offensive firepower with players such as Kapono, Williams, and Brackins. Nocioni is definitely a good step in the right direction when it comes to defense because of his tenacity. I remember seeing him while at a Kings game trying his best to defend Lebron James while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers. Though Nocioni was constantly on him and having his handd in Lebron’s face, he was only able to hold Lebron to 52 points. Sometimes super-star players get on their game and it is almost impossible to defend them, but this example just shows how even though he puts in his best effort, he is simply not the most talented defender. One hopes that Nocioni’s drive and focus compells other players on his team to put in as much effort on the defensive end. Rookie Evan Turner is a bit of a wildcard player on the defensive end. With many expectations still to live up to, the one part of Turner’s game that could help his team win and get himself more time on the court would be his defense. At 6’7, Turner could use his size and underated athelticism to stop his man from driving past him or shooting over him. The Sixers have put together a good team this year, but with many holes in their defence still remaining in addition to the loss of Dalembert, the Sixers may not be able to close out a majority of teams in the NBA, causing them to just miss the Playoffs.

Created by Reke_DMC

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Great Post!!!

I said they should select Cousins after the 76’ers got the 2nd pick..Turner will become a gret player..But he does some of the same things Iggy does..

Dalembert’s presence made players thought twice about going into the lane..Now with him gone Philly will miss that..Hawes & Brand don’t scare anyone…

Everywhere Collins has coached he’s always done the same thing..thats put the ball in the hands of his best player and have him drive the lane..if he doesnt have a shot..he kicks it out to 1 of the outside shooters

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 i AGREE with most of what you said you were dead on.

But Jrue Holiday will be a lock down defender this year.  He showed signs of it last year.  After holding among others Russell Westbrook to a 1-11 shooting night.  Jrue Holiday will be one of the best on ball defenders in the league.

And The Sixers really need Evan Turner to become the go to man.  If they are going to have any success it is gonna because Turner will come into his own.  Collins wants to bring him off the bench to lead the second unit because Williams is a scorer and not at his best when running a team.  Turner is at his best when running the team.  But he’s the second pick and we haven’t really being winning too much lately so they might as well let him RUN THE TEAM.

Collins is gonna have a lot of pressure on him to play Turner and start him at the 2 guard spot to justify them not taking Cousins who everybody really wanted.

[TheWizardParticipant]

Thanks guys for the positive feedback. With the help of you guys, what are some teams you guys want me to write about next? I am going to try and do as many teams as possible before tip-off starts.  

[Mr. 19134Participant]

The Wizards, Clippers, Rockets, Hornets and Timberwolves are some interesting scenarios to me.

[Author]

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