One thing I would like to edit in this debate is the Wizards are not going to be in the same division as the 76ers or Knicks. They will be in the Southeast, and their only competition should be the Miami Heat. The other teams in the division are the Hawks, Bobcats, and Magic. Being in a weaker division should also give them a big enough edge to seed ahead of the 76ers. The 76ers will be in a division with the Knicks, Celtics, Nets, & Raptors. The 76ers will likely compete with the Knicks and Celtics for this division crown, but I give the edge to the Celtics and Knicks for winning it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">I think Jordan recognized the team needed to add a shooter so he went out and got Peeler. Jordan will have a better idea of how to utilize his roster this season and hopefully the Wizards can stay healthy and execute for him, because Jordan is a quality coach who knows how to win with very little. As far as the rotation for the Wizards, I think they will play Kwame at center a lot during games. This will allow Jamison to play PF and put a very quick team on the floor. Again this is also a make it or break it year for Kwame. He played great basketball early in the season last year. He was scoring, rebounding, and blocking a lot of shots. With this being a contract year, he has a lot of motivation to play at high level and consistently. It's a historical fact players do their best in contract years and the success of a player is usually measured in his third season. Last year AK47 had a breakout season in his third year as did Michael Redd. I'm predicting Kwame finally silences his critics this season. Even if Hayes is not on the court as much, Arenas & Jamison can extend a defense by themselves. They can extend it out enough to allow penetration by Hughes or Arenas to slash to the hope and score or dish or at least get to the line.</div> If they do move Jamison to the power forward and brown to the five it may be a quick team, but it will be relatively small. You say that Arenas and and Jamison can stretch out a defense by them selfs yet so can Mckie,Robinson, and Salmons are all great shooter that Philly has yet you say they can not stretch out defense added with Korver and players like Kenny Thomas who is a good mid range shooter and Iggy. Players do usually have break out years there third year, but through the past years after the Brown draft first overall drafted players have had break out years there first season (lebron) and second season (Yao) and these are high school players and International players doing it so it is not like they have had more time to learn the nba game or to develope there game then Brown did when he came into the league. I would like to see if Jamison is moved to the power forward and brown to the center like you said how the Wiz will matchup with teams like the Heat at the center spot considering they will be very under sized and Brown does not like to bang around in the paint a lot. I would not rank them over the Sixers at this point because like you yourself stated we do not know how this team will be utilized by coach Jordan while the Sixers already have a game plan and know who is gona play what. Until the Wiz figure out there game plan how can you rank them over the Sixers. Also going back to the Larry Hughs matter. He may have had a bad shooting percentage, because of bveing the first option like you mentioned, but if your prejection is right and he is utilized as the third or fourth socring option on his team his shots will be limited meaning he will not have as many 20 points games do to the fact he will not get many shots. The reason I still believe his shooting percentage will not improve is because you said with Arenas and Jamison drawing double teams that it will free up Hughs it may free him up on the preimeter, but there will still be players inside to stop penitration meaning he will have to rely on his medicore (at best ) shot to get him points. Unless he improves that he can not be relyed apone as a consistant scoring threat for his team, nor as a player capable of scoring 20 on a given night, because he does not have a explosive first step to creat penetration when he is open do to double teams.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">One thing I would like to edit in this debate is the Wizards are not going to be in the same division as the 76ers or Knicks. They will be in the Southeast, and their only competition should be the Miami Heat. The other teams in the division are the Hawks, Bobcats, and Magic. Being in a weaker division should also give them a big enough edge to seed ahead of the 76ers. The 76ers will be in a division with the Knicks, Celtics, Nets, & Raptors. The 76ers will likely compete with the Knicks and Celtics for this division crown, but I give the edge to the Celtics and Knicks for winning it.</div> How do you give the edge to the Celts? When they have so many questions surrounding there team like what will happen to welsh? will payton leave? will fox retire? how will ricky davis play? They have much less of a game plan then the Sixers do at this point I would say we have to compete with the Knicks and Raptors at best, and even the Raptors with the questions surrounding rose and carter maybe wanting to leave may cost them. So I see our only real challenge being the Knicks. As far as the division the Wiz are in goes. I think they actually have more to compete with do to the fact Shaq is in there so that almost automatically makes it impossible to take the division when you have no real center to match up with Shaq's size. Then you hgave the Magic who have a back court that can give you a combined 37 points a night just in the starting spots added with players like Jameer Nelson and Bogans coming off the bench as well as Stevenson being a swing man. They also have Howard who can be a good rebounder, Cato who is agreat defender, Grant Hill who now has the best shot he has ever had to come back and have a healthy season, and players like Garriety who are coming back from injury. Also they have players who may make a significant impact like Battie in the locker room so they have more talent then the wiz do at this point, because there team is a perfect balance of veterns and young players they have players like Augman, Hill, Battie, Francis, Mobely, Cato and young players like Howard, Nelson, Bogans, and others so there chemistry will even out well better than that of the Wiz. edit: wow this thread as gotten off topic where talking about the wiz in the sixers board.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post"> I would like to see if Jamison is moved to the power forward and brown to the center like you said how the Wiz will matchup with teams like the Heat at the center spot considering they will be very under sized and Brown does not like to bang around in the paint a lot. I would not rank them over the Sixers at this point because like you yourself stated we do not know how this team will be utilized by coach Jordan while the Sixers already have a game plan and know who is gona play what. Until the Wiz figure out there game plan how can you rank them over the Sixers.</div> Of course the Wizards cannot get away with Brown at the 5 and Jamison at the 4 against Shaq and the other big men in the league. I just mentioned, I'm sure there will be times within a game when they go to a small roster to take advantage of their team speed. I think Jordan has always had a game plan, he just hasn't had a healthy roster or the players he needed to execute it. He needed a third scorer with more consistency so he added Jaimson. He needed a shooter so he added Peeler. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post"> Also going back to the Larry Hughs matter. He may have had a bad shooting percentage, because of bveing the first option like you mentioned, but if your prejection is right and he is utilized as the third or fourth socring option on his team his shots will be limited meaning he will not have as many 20 points games do to the fact he will not get many shots. The reason I still believe his shooting percentage will not improve is because you said with Arenas and Jamison drawing double teams that it will free up Hughs it may free him up on the preimeter, but there will still be players inside to stop penitration meaning he will have to rely on his medicore (at best ) shot to get him points. Unless he improves that he can not be relyed apone as a consistant scoring threat for his team, nor as a player capable of scoring 20 on a given night, because he does not have a explosive first step to creat penetration when he is open do to double teams.</div> Again, I don't claim Hughes will or needs to score 20PPG. I just wanted to point out players on defense recognize he does have the capability to do so. He gives the Wiz insurance if Arenas or Jamison has an off night or struggles with fouls, or gets injured. They can count on Hughes to step in and pick up the scoring. If Hughes gets one on one isolation he definitely has the quick first step and the handles to get by his defender. If the defense collapses to shut off his penetration it's just going to free up Jamison or Arenas from the perimeter or Brown for the inside dunk and Hughes will deliver the pass.
Celts and Knicks over the Sixers?I odnt know about that,yeh they are solid teams but they have a lot more holes on their rosters then the Sixers do. Right now the Celtics dont really have a PG that is capable of running the team,and the only post threat they have is Mark Blount. The Knicks have the best chance of compeating with the Sixers,but their froncourt is also questionable with KT supposedly on the trade block leaving Nazr Mohammed as there starting C.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">How do you give the edge to the Celts? When they have so many questions surrounding there team like what will happen to welsh? will payton leave? will fox retire? how will ricky davis play? They have much less of a game plan then the Sixers do at this point I would say we have to compete with the Knicks and Raptors at best, and even the Raptors with the questions surrounding rose and carter maybe wanting to leave may cost them. So I see our only real challenge being the Knicks. As far as the division the Wiz are in goes. I think they actually have more to compete with do to the fact Shaq is in there so that almost automatically makes it impossible to take the division when you have no real center to match up with Shaq's size. Then you hgave the Magic who have a back court that can give you a combined 37 points a night just in the starting spots added with players like Jameer Nelson and Bogans coming off the bench as well as Stevenson being a swing man. They also have Howard who can be a good rebounder, Cato who is agreat defender, Grant Hill who now has the best shot he has ever had to come back and have a healthy season, and players like Garriety who are coming back from injury. Also they have players who may make a significant impact like Battie in the locker room so they have more talent then the wiz do at this point, because there team is a perfect balance of veterns and young players they have players like Augman, Hill, Battie, Francis, Mobely, Cato and young players like Howard, Nelson, Bogans, and others so there chemistry will even out well better than that of the Wiz. edit: wow this thread as gotten off topic where talking about the wiz in the sixers board.</div> The Celtics had a lot more problems last season then they have this year. They do know how Ricky Davis will play and he showed them he's willing to come off the bench. Blount is a solid big man and this year they also get LaFrentz to play inside along with Baker, Guggs, and rookie Al Jefferson who has been dynamite in pre-season games. Pierce returns as their superstar and leader, and I think he will rebound from last year's numbers with the new additions to the team and a healthier lineup. I don't think Rick Fox ever factored into the Celtics, and Jiri Welsch wasn't a big piece last season for the Celtics so losing him won't make much of a difference. I believe Gary Payton has resolved his initial problems with being traded, and he will be an upgrade over Atkins. As for the Magic, they will definitely move up the ranks if Grant Hill returns and performs at a high level. I simply don't like the makeup of this team yet, they have some nice players, but I think playing team basketball is going to be a major problem for them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Of course the Wizards cannot get away with Brown at the 5 and Jamison at the 4 against Shaq and the other big men in the league. I just mentioned, I'm sure there will be times within a game when they go to a small roster to take advantage of their team speed. I think Jordan has always had a game plan, he just hasn't had a healthy roster or the players he needed to execute it. He needed a third scorer with more consistency so he added Jaimson. He needed a shooter so he added Peeler. </div> I dont know how solid his game plan really is.... like you said he needed a shooter and Dixon is a shooter... yet he was left unprotected in the expansion draft I believe so what was that about? I think that the Peeler signing was more of a signing to help develope the game of younger players on the team. To develope them into shooters not to use Peeler as a shooter for more than a season I believe. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Again, I don't claim Hughes will or needs to score 20PPG. I just wanted to point out players on defense recognize he does have the capability to do so. He gives the Wiz insurance if Arenas or Jamison has an off night or struggles with fouls, or gets injured. They can count on Hughes to step in and pick up the scoring. If Hughes gets one on one isolation he definitely has the quick first step and the handles to get by his defender. If the defense collapses to shut off his penetration it's just going to free up Jamison or Arenas from the perimeter or Brown for the inside dunk and Hughes will deliver the pass.</div> How much insurence does he really offer them? Last year they ahd three guys that may get 20 any given ngiht if you include Hughs. Yet when Stack and Arenas got injured the Wiz went on a huge down fall so he really didnt help them that much or give them that much insurence then. Also as far as his quick step goes. 2 guard is probably the most talented psoition in the east, and so is the three if they put someone like Artest, Pierce, Prince, or Redd (this is just in the east) these players are all very good defenders how quick would his step be for him to get by those players. Also he does not have the quickest recovery ability so if he got past a player with a crossover chances are he would not recover quick enough to take a shot or pass the ball before the defense recovers.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">The Celtics had a lot more problems last season then they have this year. They do know how Ricky Davis will play and he showed them he's willing to come off the bench. Blount is a solid big man and this year they also get LaFrentz to play inside along with Baker, Guggs, and rookie Al Jefferson who has been dynamite in pre-season games.</div> Baker is not a celtic he is a knick if thats who you are talking about you may be talking about someone else though. As far as Ricky Davis coming off the bench that is not a huge factor to make them better than us, because we will have Mckie and Iggy coming off the bench which more than makes up for Davis. Not to mention when I said they dont know how he will play I said that taking into account this will be his first full season in Boston so you have to consider all his past history with missed practices, problems with management, and other players. Jackson and Skinne rmore than make up for Blount in the solid big man catigory added with Dalembert and Thomas that will not scare the Sixers to much so I dont really think that plays a factor for us when we play them considering our solid big men out number there ones. Lafrenz is one injury prone player and Guggs is a vetern very much past his prime who would only contribute at most 5 points a game after he onyl contributed 2 last year as well as the fact he is also injury prone so basically it is Blount and two injury prone players vs Kenny Thomas who averaged a double double last year, Dalembert a big man with a bright future that is a hell of a defender, and Skinner who can score in double digits and rebound well. As far as Al Jefferson goes Iggy can very well matchup with him do to them both being rookies, and Iggy being a very solid defender and all around player outside of his three point shot added with other guys at the rotation at the swing man rotation. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Pierce returns as their superstar and leader, and I think he will rebound from last year's numbers with the new additions to the team and a healthier lineup.</div> AI returns as our leader a former mvp unlike Pierce. Who healthy is probably one of the most explosive players in the NBA. He will probably rebound form last years number considering he will be running a new offense under a better more accomplished coach. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think Rick Fox ever factored into the Celtics, and Jiri Welsch wasn't a big piece last season for the Celtics so losing him won't make much of a difference. I believe Gary Payton has resolved his initial problems with being traded, and he will be an upgrade over Atkins.</div> Welsh was a pretty big part of the celtic team he was socring very well for them last year, and was finally giing them another option on offense outside of Pierce as a good player who could score and do the little things to win. Then Payton how can you say he will rebound from this thing about him being traded when he has not talked to the media since demnading a trade. Not to mention how will he be seen by the fans in Boston? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">As for the Magic, they will definitely move up the ranks if Grant Hill returns and performs at a high level. I simply don't like the makeup of this team yet, they have some nice players, but I think playing team basketball is going to be a major problem for them.</div> Playing team basketball can be a problem for any team at this point in the season considering they have not meet each other for a long time yet, and they will be working everything out in training camp. With vetern leaders on this team and mature young players they will mesh well.
My bad on Baker, I meant McCarty .. one too, many beers on NFL Sunday haha. The underline fact regarding the 76ers and Celtics, is they both have depth in the frontcourt, but neither team has a player that can dominate inside. I would call it a wash at best. Iggy guarding Al Jefferson? Jefferson would kill Iggy inside, Al is 6-10, 265 and outweighs Iggy by at least 50lbs. Despite all the Celtics shortcomings they still managed to make the playoffs and have a better record than Philly. They also had an uncharacteristic losing record at home, something I doubt we see in back to back seasons. I really don't think Welsch was a big part of last year's squad. He is an Ainge favorite, and I'm sure he will eventually have a bigger role on the team, but right now he's battling Ricky Davis for minutes. So unless Ricky is moved, Welsch's impact is minimal. He averaged 7.9 PPG in the month of February and 11.3 in March, I hardly consider that an impact on offense. Why do you think Payton won't rebound? He's a veteran player and I think once he gets on the court and puts on the Celtics green he'll have a change in attitude. And if not, we might see the Glove on his 5th team. If the Celtics can win games the Celtic fans will forgive Payton for his comments. Winning always solves a lot of problems.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Iggy guarding Al Jefferson? Jefferson would kill Iggy inside, Al is 6-10, 265 and outweighs Iggy by at least 50lbs.</div> My bad was thinking of Dalonta West. Though our front court does have more depth than Bostons by far. If you look a the stats it may become apparent. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Despite all the Celtics shortcomings they still managed to make the playoffs and have a better record than Philly. They also had an uncharacteristic losing record at home, something I doubt we see in back to back seasons.</div> Made the playoffs and where embarressed in a four game sweep. As well as a possible reason for that being that three of there main guys did not combine to miss over 100 games. though like you said with Bostons hoemrecord I dont think we will see a season from the sixers like they had last year back to back. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Why do you think Payton won't rebound? He's a veteran player and I think once he gets on the court and puts on the Celtics green he'll have a change in attitude. And if not, we might see the Glove on his 5th team. If the Celtics can win games the Celtic fans will forgive Payton for his comments. Winning always solves a lot of problems.</div> He may be a vetern, but he is still as stubborn as ever. The Glove is a guy who makes his mind up about something and it is hard pressed to change it he is a great player, but has always had a attitude that can be seen as a firey player at times, and a spoiled son of a ***** at others. Also what is to say that Gary Payton will forgive the fans, because if he stays it will be a while before the team shows they will be good so until then the fans will boo him, and Paytonw ill respond with the press and media with firey comments and insults back to them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont know how solid his game plan really is.... like you said he needed a shooter and Dixon is a shooter... yet he was left unprotected in the expansion draft I believe so what was that about? I think that the Peeler signing was more of a signing to help develope the game of younger players on the team. To develope them into shooters not to use Peeler as a shooter for more than a season I believe.</div> Juan Dixon is a shooter, but once he gets outside the arc he struggles. Last year he shot under 30% from 3pt land. I think Peeler was brought in exclusively to give the Wizards a gunner from outside. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post"> How much insurence does he really offer them? Last year they ahd three guys that may get 20 any given ngiht if you include Hughs. Yet when Stack and Arenas got injured the Wiz went on a huge down fall so he really didnt help them that much or give them that much insurence then. Also as far as his quick step goes. 2 guard is probably the most talented psoition in the east, and so is the three if they put someone like Artest, Pierce, Prince, or Redd (this is just in the east) these players are all very good defenders how quick would his step be for him to get by those players. Also he does not have the quickest recovery ability so if he got past a player with a crossover chances are he would not recover quick enough to take a shot or pass the ball before the defense recovers.</div> Last year Stackhouse didn't even play until February. When he did finally comeback Larry Hughes was injured and I don't think the big 3 of the Wizards played more than 10 games together last season. Hardly enough to make claim Hughes won't contribute. I'm not even sure how many games Hughes and Arenas even managed to play together last season. If other teams put a Pierce, Artest, Prince, or Redd on him, then that means one less solid defender to concentrate on Arenas or Jamison. It would have been a problem last season for the Wizards, but this year they have Jamison to go along with Hughes & Arenas. He's going to make it a lot easier for both of them. He doesn't have quick recovery ability? You make him sound like he's a heavyfooted big man. Hughes has plenty of quickness, athleticism and creativity around the rim. I'm not sure what your basis is for saying he can't recover after he crosses over someone, but it doesn't make much sense to me.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">He doesn't have quick recovery ability? You make him sound like he's a heavyfooted big man. Hughes has plenty of quickness, athleticism and creativity around the rim. I'm not sure what your basis is for saying he can't recover after he crosses over someone, but it doesn't make much sense to me.</div> When I say he does not have the speed to recover I am saying his stamina is not high enough for him to execute the move, plant his feet, and get a good release before the defender recover since we are in the Sixers board I will use a sixers refference like that AI crossover on Jordan he lost Jordan for a second you see the video clips you have seen of it Jordan recovered quickly though if not for AI having the stamina and speed to stop quickly after the move plant and release that shot quickly Jordna would have gotten to it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">My bad was thinking of Dalonta West. Though our front court does have more depth than Bostons by far. If you look a the stats it may become apparent. Made the playoffs and where embarressed in a four game sweep. As well as a possible reason for that being that three of there main guys did not combine to miss over 100 games. though like you said with Bostons hoemrecord I dont think we will see a season from the sixers like they had last year back to back. He may be a vetern, but he is still as stubborn as ever. The Glove is a guy who makes his mind up about something and it is hard pressed to change it he is a great player, but has always had a attitude that can be seen as a firey player at times, and a spoiled son of a ***** at others. Also what is to say that Gary Payton will forgive the fans, because if he stays it will be a while before the team shows they will be good so until then the fans will boo him, and Paytonw ill respond with the press and media with firey comments and insults back to them.</div> Embarrassed in a four game sweep by the best regular season team in the NBA. The Pacers were the superior team and they had revenge on their minds after the Celtics upset them last year. I don't think it surprised many people when the Pacers swept them, so I hardly consider it an embarrassment. Injuries are part of the game, you can argue the 76ers would have a better record if Iverson played a full season, but the Celtics would also be better if LaFrentz played the entire season. Pierce and Ricky also missed a couple of games and other teams in the league suffered injuries so it works itself out. Payton is a stubborn guy, but he still plays hard on the court and is effective in an open offense. He likes to run his mouth, but I think teams interested in him are aware of his behavior and attitude when they bring him aboard, and are willing to overlook it. Playing for a point guard friendly coach in Doc Rivers, and alongside another Warrior on the court in Pierce, should make Payton's Boston experience a good one. I think we can agree, an unhappy Gary Payton is still an upgrade over Chucky Atkins. As for the media pressure, Gary Payton knows first hand about it playing for the Lakers, who are the most covered team in the league. Boston fans can be relentless to players who don't perform, but I don't think they are putting the fate of the team in Payton's hands, so they will be might be more leniant with him when he runs his yap.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">When I say he does not have the speed to recover I am saying his stamina is not high enough for him to execute the move, plant his feet, and get a good release before the defender recover since we are in the Sixers board I will use a sixers refference like that AI crossover on Jordan he lost Jordan for a second you see the video clips you have seen of it Jordan recovered quickly though if not for AI having the stamina and speed to stop quickly after the move plant and release that shot quickly Jordna would have gotten to it.</div> Based on your example, I don't think Hughes game is to crossover a defender and then pull up for a jumpshot. After crossing up a defender he is more likely to continue to the rim for a layup, draw contact, or dish out to an open teammate. He would be a much better player if he could hit a shot off the dribble, but right now I agree it's something he's terrible at and needs to work at.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Embarrassed in a four game sweep by the best regular season team in the NBA. The Pacers were the superior team and they had revenge on their minds after the Celtics upset them last year. I don't think it surprised many people when the Pacers swept them, so I hardly consider it an embarrassment. </div> This is still the most storied franchise in bball they could have made it respectable, but lost blow out every game even the one artest wassuspened in. With that they are 0-8 there last 8 games in the playoffs. After also being swept by the nets the year before. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Injuries are part of the game, you can argue the 76ers would have a better record if Iverson played a full season, but the Celtics would also be better if LaFrentz played the entire season. Pierce and Ricky also missed a couple of games and other teams in the league suffered injuries so it works itself out. </div> Well lets consider Lafrenze is not a all star and former mvp, former league scoring champ, and steals champ as well as third all time in carer PPG and then yeah you are right. Lets also pretend that larfenze is Bostons leading scorer, and the Lafrenze accounts for 49 points which is what the Sixers lost for 70 plsu games last year with the apsents of there two leading scorers. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Payton is a stubborn guy, but he still plays hard on the court and is effective in an open offense. He likes to run his mouth, but I think teams interested in him are aware of his behavior and attitude when they bring him aboard, and are willing to overlook it. Playing for a point guard friendly coach in Doc Rivers, and alongside another Warrior on the court in Pierce, should make Payton's Boston experience a good one. I think we can agree, an unhappy Gary Payton is still an upgrade over Chucky Atkins. As for the media pressure, Gary Payton knows first hand about it playing for the Lakers, who are the most covered team in the league. Boston fans can be relentless to players who don't perform, but I don't think they are putting the fate of the team in Payton's hands, so they will be might be more leniant with him when he runs his yap.</div> That still does not change the fact Payton is out to snubb LA for disrespecting him. Boston could be the best place in thw world for him, but he wants to mess with LA so until that is taken care off you cant really say anything about the Payton amtter consiering we have not heard from him in weeks. The last i heard AInges and him meet and it did not go well.
Let's flip the script and replace Pierce being injured instead of Iverson and Dalembert being injured instead of LaFrentz. If the 76ers faced the Pacers, they would have been swept away as well. Being the most storied franchise has nothing to do with it. The Celtics were outmatched at almost every position and the only player who showed up was Pierce. Combine that with the fact their own GM wasn't really excited about being in the playoffs because he wanted to get a high draft pick. Well Payton's situation is indeed a unique one. But when all is said and done, I think more will have been said then what he actually intended on doing. Besides he already screwed the Lakers by allowing Banks to return to the Celtics.
The Celtics barely had a better record last year when the Sixers didnt even have Allen in their lineup for half of the season.The Celtics havent made many changes to their roster besides adding a few draft picks.So I think even if AI isnt healthy the whole season the Sixers will be better then the Celtics. Also the Celtics are missing the main position PG,with Gary Payton saying he will retire before he goes there,so it looks like Marcus Banks is their PG and I dont bealive he can run the team. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Avery:</div><div class="quote_post">Samuel Dalembert? I know for a fact that he will unquestionably be a key player for this team in years to come, but labeling him as the franchise player is pretty farfetched imo. Dalembert doesn?t have the credentials to be a franchise player nor will he ever. He still has yet to develop a basketball player mentality and is still learning how to play basketball. He picked up the sport of basketball at a very late age, and let?s face it, if it wasn?t for his size, and those long arms of his he wouldn?t even be playing in the NBA right now.</div> Some of what you say is true,but I bealive,Sammy D could actually be our franchise player,it may sound farfetched but look at players like Patrick Ewing and Hakeem,they picked up basketball at a late age,but both are now considered two of the best Centres of all time. Almost all the NBA dynastys have built their team around dominant centers,what I am trying to say is if Dalembert could elevate his game a little more like developing a 15 foot shot and some post moves then I actually think he could be are franchise player.
