<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">1) The Sixers are bigger, more athletic and better defensively in the frontcourt than last season. By all accounts the presence of Samuel Dalembert and Steven Hunter give the Sixers two athletic, defensive-minded C/PF types, but the signing of Deng Gai has been pleasantly surprising. Gai is never going to make people forget about Bill Russell or Hakeem Olajuwan, but he came cheap and by all accounts has a huge upside. The fear was that he was too raw and too much of a project to earn a roster spot, but his preseason has been nearly a revelation. Sure his game needs work, but Sixer management is more than pleased with him. 2) Andre Iguodala and Kyle Korver are studs. Where Andre Iguodala is concerned this is stating the obvious. On the other hand saying this about Kyle Korver may raise more than a few eyebrows. Here's the thing though, in addition to being a gifted 3 point shooter, Korver is also a splendid high post passer that allows those around him to get easy shots. Meanwhile on the defensive end, he really gets after it and goes after rebounds and loose balls with ferocity. 3) Our bench will do some damage. In Lee Nailon, the Sixers have a guy that can give them close to 10pts off the bench. However more important than Nailon's contributions will be the play of John Salmons. Salmons play in the preseason has been brilliant and demands that coach Maurice Cheeks finds between 18-25 mpg for him. Assuming that happens, Salmons will also give us about 10pts from the bench. We can expect an additional 5-7pts per game from the remaining bench players. Penciling in 20-30pts per game from your bench is something most coaches dream about and this could be a reality for the Sixers almost every night. 4) Maurice Cheeks is an underrated coach. Unlike Jim O'Brien, Cheeks doesn't seem to want to be viewed as a basketball genius. His coaching philosophy seems to be a simple one. Find ways to get all the players to play to their strengths while also looking to strengthen the weaker facets of their game. 5) Allen Iverson and Chris Webber will do fine together. I know we haven't seen these two on the court together this preseason, but both are seasoned pros and with Coach Cheeks help, they will find ways to bring out the best in each other and in their teammates. So what does this all mean? Will the Sixers win the NBA title? Highly unlikely. Nonetheless don't be surprised if they somehow sneak into the Eastern Conference finals</div> link:http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_14702.shtml this is another reason to be excited for the season to start. i cant wait! i cant remember when i have ever been this excited for the sixers season to start before.
The 76ers are going to play better than the mediocre expectations everyone has for them, I can definitely assure you that. I can't say nothing know but wait until the season starts. You may not see it at first, but this team WILL come around.
