<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Steven Hunter has had a year worthy of a soap opera. ?I've never had a season like this, man,? Hunter said. ?This has been the funniest, most up-and-down, roller-coaster year of my life. I'm at a loss for words.? After signing a five-year, $16 million free-agent contract with the 76ers, Hunter began the season as the starting center because of Samuel Dalembert's strained left quad. When Dalembert returned 14 games in, Hunter's minutes declined ? he didn't play at all in five games ? until his Feb. 1 trade to the Hornets for two second-round picks. That deal was rescinded one week later by New Orleans/Oklahoma City. Four games later, Hunter was back in the starting lineup when Dalembert sprained his ankle. He stayed there for 18 games, including 15 after Dalembert's return. Hunter didn't play in the fourth and fifth games following his demotion to the bench, only to start Saturday's win in Chicago because of Chris Webber's strained lower back. He had nine points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. The 7-foot Hunter started again opposite the 6-11 Dalembert on Monday vs. the Wizards because of Webber's back troubles. ?Honestly, after I got pulled out of the starting lineup and benched for those couple games, I thought my season was over,? said Hunter, who is averaging 5.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 18.4 minutes. ?This is the point in time where the coaches normally get their playoff rotation going. We're still searching. ?I don't know. I may start today and when C-Webb comes back, I might not play again. I'm enjoying the moment.? Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said that's part of life as an NBA player. ?You have to be ready to play at any given time,? Cheeks said. ?You never know when you're going to be needed.? </div> link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/100...006-639676.html i really hope that even when webber comes back hunter will get his minutes. he seems like a really good player to compliment sammy with. the guy finds ways to score and blocks shots. either way, if BK doesnt make anymore stupid moves, i think he will be a good piece for us in the future
