From what I remeber every where I read all I heard is that the Sixers bench is very weak and one of the worst benches in the league. No depht, no nothing. But I think for those who gave our bench no credit(even me) is now eating their/my words. Kevin Ollie, John Salmons, Lee Nailon, John Thomas(I'm still iffy with guy even though he has been doing a little something as of late) Those are the onyl four players we having coming off the bench and at the same time doesn?t look like much but to my surprise they are a solid backup and thus far I?m very content with this bench. The Spurs a team which has one of the best benches in the league is averaging about 23 PPG of their bench and we(remember one of the proclaimed worst benches in the league) are averaging 18 PPG. Just think when Bradley returns and Hunter a player who has been EXCEPTIONAL so far starts coming off the bench? I smell potential havoc. Before anybody gets on my case, by no means am I saying our bench is on of the top benches or even a good bench at that, but they're pretty average if you ask me and the way I see it that?s pretty good looking at the personnel off our bench. Also I?m not making an argument for their scoring alone, this bench has picked the starters up and put them on their back and lead them to victories on more than one occasion this far. It?s all mainly on the defensive end in which they would have stretches where they would lock down the opposing team and when it comes to offense Salmons and Nailon has proven they can score at will.. Again when Hunter starts coming off the bench, this bench could sneak up on teams and give them problems. If only we had Willie Green. Boy wouldn't that be something? The drawback to that would be Ollie minutes would get cut down, and while last year that would be a good thing this time around that?s not so much of a good this. He has showed that he can be a valuable asset to this team. So far he has been Mr. Intangibles for this team by playing very solid and most importantly smart basketball. He?s been a surprise in my eyes. That?s my take on the bench, do you guys feel or the same or would rather trade anybody you can for a legitimate 6th man?
I agree with you Avery, our bench has proved to be stronger than it has been predicted. So far Nailon has really only stepped up one game for us- against the Clippers and other than that, has been somewhat inconsistent. I mean, Cheeks doesn't even have enough faith in him to give him more minutes, but really, for what he's given us in that amount of time, its pretty good. He grabs some boards occasional, is a pretty efficient shooter, and has stepped up his defense. Meanwhile, John Salmons has been nothing but a spark off the bench. He's a really efficient player with his shooting percentage and has provided rebounds and assists here and there. I think as the season goes on, he'll be making a strong case for most improved player and the starting rotation. Meanwhile, Ollie and Thomas have been bringing the intangibles, but really haven't done anything outstanding or noteworthy in my eyes. Someone point something out if I missed something. Once Dalembert comes back and Hunter is moved to the bench, it will be sick.
They said Dalembert should be out for ten days....it's been 15 days now, when is he coming back! I think the best would be for him to come back against the Heat on the 18th so he can get like a almost three week rest to heal his leg because we should be able to sweep the Raptors in the next two games.
The Philly bench is pretty solid, it is not like the 76ers have "no bech besides Salmons" like some people say. Right now they are playing ok, I'd like to see them play more consistent and constant. Once Sam comes back then the bench should become stronger when Hunter is coming off of it. Also don't forget about Willie Green when he comes back eventually, he will still have a chance to make an impact for this team. Right now I'd actually rather see Salmons starting over Korver. He just brings a lot more to the table than Korver does.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">They said Dalembert should be out for ten days....it's been 15 days now, when is he coming back!</div> Supposedly, its taking longer than expected. Check that one article/thread about him, its supposed to be another ten days. So it should be like around eight now.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Right now I'd actually rather see Salmons starting over Korver. He just brings a lot more to the table than Korver does.</div> Same here. But the fact that Korver opens the court no matter how much he struggles is vital to this team. Not to mention, in the last 3-4 games or so he has seem to regain his touch back. In addition if he came off the bench, Nailon would be the only player that can really create his shot and I doubt Ollie would do a very good job at getting Korver open looks like Iverson or Webber would. As for Dalembert, he is expected to make his return around Thanksgiving.
thanksgiving? that's not too long from now. just about a week or so. when sammy comes back, our bench is going to be beastly with stephen hunter. also, whats up with deng gai? i thought he did pretty well in the pre season. he is basically a presence that we need on the floor. just a question, why hasnt he played at all?
The Sixers have an effective 8-man rotation with Salmons, Nailon, and Ollie off the bench..adding a healthy dalembert when he returns only makes them a deeper team...Thomas is also capable in spot minutes...this is one of the more deeper Sixer teams than we have seen in the past...
