<div align="center">Philadelphia 76ers OffSeason Review And 04-05 Season Outlook </div> <div align="center">" target="_blank">http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/n...trans/phi.gif"></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="1">(Based on I(Avery) Opinions and Views)</font></div> <u>2004 Offseason</u> This offseason was by far the most productive offseason for the 76ers in recent years. Like history, has shown Billy King has not been the one too make too many moves during the offseason. But this offseason was a very productive one needless to say. The two most notable changes this offseason, was the hiring of Jim O'Brien as Head Coach and the trade that shipped Eric Snow to Cleveland. The 76ers offseason was an offseason full of changes. King and O'Brien have completely revamped this team in terms of their look and identity. And, despite Larry Brown departure this team was still Larry Brown team, but all of this has changed during this offseason. <font size="1">(No particular order)</font> Offseason Change #1: <font color="Red">Jim O'Brien Named 76ers Head Coach</font> This change was what set it off. After, the horrendous season the 76ers went through in 03-04, there was bound to be change. It all started with the coaching staff. Obviously, Randy Ayers and Chris Ford were not coaching material for this team. So Billy King turned to a man whom he believes can coach this team. That man is named Jim O'Brien. O?Brien is the very same coach that took a group of role players in Boston and formed them into a unit that blew by our very own 76ers in 01-02 NBA Playoffs and eventually made the Eastern Conference Finals. Jim O'Brien a Philadelphia native expressed how much he always wanted to coach a player like Allen Iverson. And with his dedication and enthusiasm it will take the 76ers deep into the Playoffs. And like mentioned earlier, this move is what set everything off. This move changed the whole complexion of this team. The 76ers are no longer a defensive first oriented team. They are more of an offensive first oriented team. From the running and gunning style that O'Brien projects for this team, this team has change completely without a doubt. Offseason Change #2: <font color="Red">Eric Snow TRADED</font> This was somewhat expected half way through the 03-04 NBA season, but not very much expected in the offseason. And yet, despite head coach changes this team was still Larry Brown team. But alike the head coach change with O'Brien, this move that sent Snow to Cleveland made it official that this team is Jim O?Brien team and longer Larry Brown team. Larry Brown expects a lot from his PG's. So when Snow was traded to Cleveland, that showed that O'Brien had no use for him and made it official this is now Jim O'Brien team. O'Brien coaching philosophy doesn?t consists of a true PG; this is why Eric Snow packed his bags. Well, now that King traded one of the only TRUE PG's in the league that raised the question... Whom do we get in return? Eric Snow is a solid PG and just a flat-out solid player for that matter. And with that being said, we would be expecting a quality player in return. But that obviously wasn?t the case. Instead, King settled for low key players such as Kevin Ollie and Kedrick Brown. Now while they aren't necessarily considered "special" players, it in a way helped this team. Not only did it clear some cap space, it also gives Allen Iverson the role to play as PG for this team just as O'Brien originally planned. Also, this move now opens up some room for your younger players such as Willie Green and John Salmons. Offseason Change #3: <font color="Red">The 76ers Draft Andre Igoudala From Arizona</font> After the 76ers was appointed with their new head coach, our offseason was looking fairly well so far. But when the NBA Draft came around, 76ers fans were crossing their fingers in hopes of a decent pick and hopefully a #1 pick courtesy of Billy King Smarty Jones horseshoe. Before the Draft, there have been numerous speculations of the 76ers Drafting Philadelphia native and St. Joe's very own Jameer Nelson. However, that was put to a halt. Despite, O'Brien and Nelson similarities of being former St. Joe Hawks, O'Brien had no interest in Nelson. O'Brien indicated that he is no need of a PG, so that automatically ruled Nelson out as being the 76ers Draft pick. After all, how would a backcourt duo of two players that are under 6 Feet tall work? Instead, the 76ers drafted 6-foot-6 Andre Iguodala from Arizona. Iguodala is a very versatile player and has drawn comparisons to the great Scottie Pippen. While, he was a likely option for the 76ers Draft Pick, it was expected that he may get picked up near the 3-6 Pick, which obviously was out of our reach. So when the 76ers got the opportunity to snag him, they did. And once we heard "Scottie Pippen" mentioned in the same breath as Andre Iguodala, we instantly fell in love with this guy. Offseason Change #4: <font color="Red">Corliss Williamson</font> I have to say this was the in a way the "best" move King has done this offseason. It obviously doesn?t compare to the hiring of O'Brien, but this move caught many 76ers fans off guard and most importantly it got rid of the bad apple on this team. That bad apple was Derrick Coleman. 76ers fans despised this guy, and to think we got rid of him plus Amal MaCaskill for a solid player like Corliss Williamson it put a smile on our face. Williamson the former NBA Sixth Man Of the Year was a key player off the bench for the reigning NBA Champions, Detroit Pistons. While this was one big change for Williamson, going from a Championship team to a non-Playoff team, he probably wouldn?t be too thrilled. But instead, he showed his sportsmanship and smiled instead of frowning. He indicated that he was happy to be here and also said that he will try his best to produce as much as he can. Just the satisfaction that he wants to play here was very good to hear for Sixers fans. Offseason Change #5: <font color="Red">Change In Coaching Personnel</font> After, the hiring of O'Brien, O'Brien took it upon himself to hire some assistant coaches, which he's been associated with in the past. Our most notable assistant coach is Dick Harter. Harter, is known for being a defensive minded coach, so this way very good to hear as well. While this is no longer Larry Brown team, O'Brien indicated that he wants the 76ers to go back to their hard nosed defensive play like they did under Brown in 00-01. Now while, O'Brien may not be known for his defense, assistant coach Dick Harter should hopefully make it possible. Another, notable change in the coaching staff was the hiring of West Coach scout Dave Bollwinkel. While, it may not be as much, he is going to help Samuel Dalembert out, which is definitely a plus. Dalembert has a lot of work to do before he can officially be named a LEGIT center and hopefully Bollwinkel will help him out. Offseason Change #6: <font color="Red">Welcome Back Brian Skinner</font> Similar to Derrick Coleman, when Brian Skinner spent some time here in Philadelphia he was very much appreciated. But during his time with the Bucks, he's proved to us that he can play. Coming off a career best in Points and Rebounds, Skinner surprised us all. While we had to settle for him, due to the fact that we fell short in the Mark Blount sweepstakes, this was a very sharp move nonetheless. With this addition, we added some size and depth to our bench. So know when Skinner steps on the hardwood in 76ers uniform, fans will have a better appreciation for him because his confidence level dramatically increased during his time with the Bucks. Offseason <font color="Blue">Additions</font>/<font color="Red">Subtractions</font> <font color="Blue">+ Brian Skinner - Acquired via FREE AGENCY</font> <font color="Blue">+ Kevin Ollie - Acquired via TRADE</font> <font color="Blue">+ Kedrick Brown - Acquired via TRADE</font> <font color="Blue">+ Andre Iguodala - Acquired via NBA DRAFT</font> <font color="Blue">+ Corliss Williamson- Acquired via TRADE</font> <font size="1"><font color="Blue">+ Jim O'Brien/Revamped Coaching Staff</font></font> <font color="Red">- Eric Snow - Departed via TRADE</font> <font color="Red">- Derrick Coleman - Departed via TRADE</font> <font color="Red">- Amal McCaskill - Departed via TRADE</font> <font color="Red">- Zendon Hamilton - Departed via Free Agency</font> <font color="Red">- Greg Buckner - Departed via Contract Buyout</font> <font size="1"><font color="Red">- Todd Macullough - Possible Retirement</font></font> 76ers Projected 04-05 Starting Line-up/Bench: C- <font color="Blue">Samuel Dalembert</font>/<font color="Red">Marc Jackson</font> PF- <font color="Blue">Kenny Thomas</font>/<font color="Red">Brian Skinner</font> SF- <font color="Blue">Glenn Robinson</font>/<font color="Red">Corliss Williamson</font>/<font color="Red">Kyle Korver</font>/<font color="Red">Andre Iguodala</font> SG- <font color="Blue">Willie Green</font>/<font color="Red">Kedrick Brown</font>/<font color="Red">John Salmons</font> PG- <font color="Blue">Allen Iverson</font>/<font color="Red">Kevin Ollie</font> <font color="blue">*</font>- Denotes Starter <font color="red">*</font>- Denotes Bench ________________ Player Summaries Allen Iverson Position: PG Height: 6-0 / 1,83 Weight: 165 lbs. / 74,8 kg. 04-05 Salary: $14,625,000 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Quickness, Scoring, Passing, Heart, Steals <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Size, Consistency, Durability, Shooting Summary: Standing at just 6 Feet tall, he is one of the most individual exciting players to watch. And as exciting he may be to watch, don?t let his ?flashiness? fool you. He?s known to single handedly take over games. While, he?s is just 165 Pounds soaking wet, and just barely 6-Feet tall, in disguise he?s a big guy playing a little man?s body. Fueled, by the passion of the game, he is capable of doing just about anything on the court. However, this season is his going to embark on a different role. For the first time since his sophomore season Allen Iverson will now be playing the PG position. Willie Green Position: SG Height: 6-4 / 1,93 Weight: 200 lbs. / 90,7 kg. 04-05 Salary: N/A <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Athletic, Scoring and Explosive <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Turnover Prone, Consistency, Inexperienced Summary: Second-Round Draft Pick in the 2003 NBA Draft from Detroit Mercy, Willie Green has been a fan favorite amongst the fans in Philadelphia. Ailing for a fracture thumb, early in the season, he came back recovered and ready to play in the 2nd Half of the 03-04 NBA Season. During Allen Iverson absence, he?s steped up as the 76ers best overall well rounded offensive player. He?s athletic, quick and can just flat out score. Now that he will supposedly be moved into the starting line-up, there are high expectations for him. Glenn Robinson Position: SF Height: 6-7 / 2,01 Weight: 240 lbs. / 108,9 kg. 04-05 Salary: $12,000,000 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Size, Perimeter Shooting, Veteran <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Mobility, Defense, Effort Summary: Despite, numerous injuries in the past, he still able to produce. From broken chips in his elbow, to his lackluster of playing defense, he gets the job done on the offensive end. The mid-range game is a lost art in the NBA, but it?s defiantly not lost in his game. He can knock down shot for shot. Against, the New Jersey Nets, he scored 24 1st half points all on jump shots. So he may not be the best conditioned player, but once the ball is released from his hands, it?s more than likely it will hit the bottom of the net. Kenny Thomas Position: PF Height: 6-7 / 2,01 Weight: 245 lbs. / 111,1 kg. 04-05 Salary: $4,781,250 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Heart, Rebound, Complementary Player <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Size, Awareness, Perimeter Defense Summary: An undersized PF standing at just 6?7, and yet averages a double-double. Coming of his best season, he?s shown the fans in Philly, that he can really play. Despite, his size, Kenny Thomas gives it his all. Tying Charles Barkley for the franchise most consecutive double-doubles, Thomas has show that he can play just as good as all the other 6?10+ PF?s in the league. He doesn?t have much to say, but his game talks a lot. Samuel Dalembert Position: C Height: 6-11 / 2,11 Weight: 250 lbs. / 113,4 kg. 04-05 Salary: $1,599,549 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Athleticism, Shot Blocking, Rebounding <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Awareness, Durability, Physique Summary: Dalembert has been setback in the past due to injury. Injury or not, he?s wasn?t very much expected to have a significant role on this team as it is. But due to injury of the 76er big men, he was forced to play. And he showed everyone that he can do so. Listed at 6?11, he has a wing span of a 7-foot-4 player. He?s long and lean, and could get up and down the court quite possibly better than any other center in the league. Not to mention, he is also athletic. And despite, the lack of his offensive game he makes up for it with his great defensive game. He snatches every rebound as if it was his last, and with those long are of his it?s hard to get a shot over him. He is also coming off a career best in just about everything; he recorded 9 Blocks against the Knicks. _________________________ Kedrick Brown Position: G-F Height: 6-7 / 2,01 Weight: 222 lbs. / 100,7 kg. 04-05 Salary: $2,332,388 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Young, Athletic <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Consistency, Experience Summary: While he?s been in a way an underachieve in past years, the guy is athletic and could jump out of a gym which is always good. While he may not have much of a significant role on this team due to the loaded depth, he could be a good backup for a backup injured SG. Andre Iguodala Position: G-F Height: 6-6 (1.98 m) Weight: 207 (93.9 kg) 04-05 Salary: $1,914,480 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Athletic, Young, Solid Defender, Versatile <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Perimeter Shooting, Experience Summary: If you're comparable to Scottie Pippen you must be a special player. Andre Iguodala is one of the most if not the most versatile player out of this year?s draft. The guy is a triple threat. He's capable of averaging a triple double on any day. And yet, if you're comparable to Scottie Pippen, then you must be decent at every aspect of the game. And so he is. Iguodala, can score, rebound, defend and pass. So his versatility without a doubt will benefit this team. Marc Jackson Position: C Height: 6-10 / 2,08 Weight: 253 lbs. / 114,8 kg. 04-05 Salary: $4,225,000 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Physical/Aggressive, Size, Rebounding <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Stiff, Over aggressive at times, Foul Trouble Summary: I believe Marc Jackson is one of the best big men coming off the bench in this league. This guy can play. Jackson is a very physical, aggressive and tough player. His size and strength usually gives him an advantage over other big men that comes off the bench for opposing teams. And despite his size, he has a nice little touch from the outside. It's not very noticeable, but every now and then he will knock down an outside shot right in the defender face. Kyle Korver Position: SF Height: 6-7 / 2,01 Weight: 210 lbs. / 95,3 kg. 04-05 Salary: N/A <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- 3-Point Shooting <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Ball Handling, Defense, Awareness Summary: While he may not have much to his game or shall I say, has yet to develop at those other aspects, Kyle Korver 3-Pt shot somewhat makes up for some of his weakness. This guy is hands down one of the best 3-Pt shooters in the league. And, since Korver doesn?t have much to his game outside of his 3-Pt shot, his accuracy makes up for it. While we cannot completely say that's fine, for a young that comes off the bench it?s okay for now. Team usually goes through droughts, we're they are desperately in need of a 3-Pt shot, and while many teams can't give that one 3-Pt shot that will ignite the team, Korver can. Not only would he be able to knock down that one 3-Pt shot, he can hit them non-stop. Evidence of this, was against the Dallas Mavericks. Korver out of all people came in the game and just lid the Mavericks up and in a way single handily brought the 76ers back in the game. Aaron Mckie Position: SG Height: 6-5 / 1,96 Weight: 209 lbs. / 94,8 kg. 04-05 Salary: $5,500,000 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Perimeter Shooting, Veteran, Finisher, Defender <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Age, Quickness, Stamina Summary: Former NBA Sixth Man Of The Year, McKie is going to be a key player for this team. He is an excellent perimeter shooter, and can do a decent job defending some of the league best perimeter players. Not to mention, he is know entering his 11th NBA season, so his veteran ship will dramatically help this team. While he's been injury prone in the last couple seasons, when he is healthy he can flat-out play. Kevin Ollie Position: PG Height: 6-2 / 1,88 Weight: 195 lbs. / 88,5 kg. 04-05 Salary: $2,704,350 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Veteran, Floor Leader, Effort <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Age, Stamina, Overall Production Summary: While he doesn?t produce much, his veteran ship should also help. This 76ers team is filled with young players, so hopefully his knowledge of basketball will rub off on some of the young players. But veteran ship isn't all there is to Kevin Ollie. He is also a solid backup PG. While this team doesn?t consist of a pure PG and is no in need of one, Ollie is the closest thing we have to a pure PG. And yet even though we're not in need of a pure PG, we are in need of a FLOOR LEADER whether it's required or not. So we basically got that floor leader in Kevin Ollie, which will help. John Salmons Position: PG/SG Height: 6-7 / 2,01 Weight: 210 lbs. / 95,3 kg. 04-05 Salary: $771,400 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Athletic, Young, Offensive Threat <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Overplaying, Streaky Shooter Summary: John Salmons was also another surprise player for the 76ers last season. Salmons is a great one-on-one player, when he is in the isolation game you can bet that he will pull something spectacular off. But he can also, be a streaky shooter. Well, now that won't be much of a problem. With the up-tempo, fast paced style of game this team is projected to be playing, it will complement Salmons in which he can be more affective. So things should be looking fairly well for Salmons this season. Brian Skinner Position: PF Height: 6-9 / 2,06 Weight: 265 lbs. / 120,2 kg. 04-05 Salary: $4,500,000 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Size, Rebounding, Physical <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Foul Trouble, Foot Work Summary: Coming off a career best in Points and Rebounds, Skinner was a nice addition. With him and Marc Jackson as the backup C/PF, they should do a fairly good job. Skinner, size and shot blocking ability will really help this team. And with the Dalembert being a liability because of his physique and Thomas being undersized, Skinner can replace the both of them when necessary. His confidence has increased significantly over the years, and will be a great player for this team. Corliss Williamson Position: SF Height: 6-7 / 2,01 Weight: 245 lbs. / 111,1 kg. 04-05 Salary: $5,500,000 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- Body/Size, Experienced, Defense <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- Overplay, Mobility Summary: With this younger group of guys that he?s no going to be playing with, a lot is going too placed on his shoulders. This should be no problem to Corliss Williamson however. He is a former sixth man, and is a very experience player. Hopefully, he will bring that hard nosed defense style of play to Philadelphia like he did in Detorit. And since majority of this team is filled with youth, he should be look up as a role model and show the younger guys, how things should be done. His size and strength usually give him the advantage against opposing SF?s and if he takes care of the ball and post up some of the other smaller SF?s he will be very affective. ________________ Philadelphia 76ers Positions: C- <font color="Blue">2/2</font> PF- <font color="Blue">2/2</font> SF- <font color="Red">4/2</font> SG- <font color="Red">3/2</font> PG- <font color="Blue">2/2</font> Total Players: 13 Average Height: 6?7.67 Average Weight: 223.5 Total 04-05 Salary: $69,232,817 <font color="blue">Strengths</font>- I believe in a way you can call this team the new NJ Nets of the Eastern Conference in terms of style of play. However, it's yet to be determined if this up-tempo, face paced style of play will be affective and executed properly, but this team certainly has the players to play this type of game. If things go our away, the 76ers are going to be running up and down the floor non-stop similar to the 01-04 NJ Nets. This team is also filled with very diverse players. From Samuel Dalembert overwhelming defense, to Kyle Korver deadly 3-Pt shooting this team is packed. All in all, this team is a very diverse team with numerous things to offer. The 76ers have plenty of weapons from their arsenal. They can turn to a fastbreak team with the likes of Iverson, Green and Dalembert on the court or they can switch their look and turn to a perimeter team with the likes of McKie, Robinson and Korver on the court simultaneously. <font color="red">Weaknesses</font>- However, with a lot of strength there are very notable weaknesses. The 76ers main weakness is in their frountcourt defense. Yes, Dalembert is shot blocking and rebound machine. But with Dalembert physique it?s going to be hard for him to bang bodies in the low post with some the NBA legit big men. And if he does keep up with these big guys, you can bet it will take its toll on him. Kenny Thomas on the other hand is an undersized PF that has trouble guarding virtually every PF in the league. Whether he?s having a tough time guarding a mediocre PF to a Kevin Garnett PF, Thomas size and stature often makes him a liability on the defensive end. And then there is Glenn Robinson. Robinson injuries have caught up to him as well as his age and his intensity and effort isn?t really there as it is. Robinson lackluster of playing defense will really hurt this team. Lastly another weakness is their size (durability). Alike, Dalembert, Allen Iverson is also very vulnerable to injury as well. And let?s face it; if Iverson severely gets hurt this team is in a world of trouble. And history has shown this is a very injured prone team. Glenn Robinson, Allen Iverson, Marc Jackson, Samuel Dalembert and Aaron Mckie have all been known to sustain some kind of injury during an NBA season. Everything is going to start on how well conditioned this team really is. This team doesn?t have much big bodies and also doesn?t have compact durable guards other than Willie Green. So basically their size is going to be a problem, which will ultimately lead to a conditioning problem. <u>Offseason Grade</u> Grade: <font color="blue">B</font> Overall I?ve been fairly pleased with this offseason. Billy King has finally realized that his core 2001 NBA Finals players such as Iverson, McKie and Snow just don?t cut it anymore. For the first time he finally opened his eyes and really made some changes. This team hasn?t had much success since their NBA Finals run, so a change was definitely needed. I?m very optimistic about this team success, and I know for a fact that they will go further then they have in recent years. However, this team is filled with youth which could definitely be a problem. This year?s team experience doesn?t compare to the 00-01 76ers team, so the lack of experience could hurt us without a doubt. <u>04-05 Season Outlook</u> Stat-Line: PPG: 94.6 <font size="1">Team Leading Scorer- Allen Iverson (28.5)</font> RPG: 42.4 <font size="1">Team Leading Rebounder- Samuel Dalembert (11.2)</font> APG: 20.4 <font size="1">Team Leading Assist Man- Allen Iverson (7.8)</font> BPG: 5.1 <font size="1">Team Leading Shot Blocker- Samuel Dalembert (3.1)</font> SPG: 7.4 <font size="1">Team Leading Steal Man- Allen Iverson (2.85)</font> FG%: 43% <font size="1">Team Leading FG% Shooter- Kenny Thomas (48.9)</font> 3PT%: 36% <font size="1">Team Leading 3-Pt Shooter- Aaron Mckie (39%)</font> FT%: 74% <font size="1">Team Leading FT% Shooter- Glenn Robinson (84%)</font> Overall Record: <font color="Blue">45-37</font> Even though this is a completely different team, I see this team picking up right where they left off in 02-03 season. This team has a new identity, and a completely different feel. Led my former MVP Allen Iverson and a determined Jim O?Brien, I for one defiantly see this team causing some havoc this upcoming season. Opposed to our previous rosters, this team is filled with more youth and depth. With our younger and more athletic guys, this gives up the opportunity to run up and down the floor. Hopefully, for us we will be able to run these teams out of the gym. Whether not this will be the key ingredient for our success, this style of play fits us and we should do fairly well playing under this system. Also, if we can stay injury free our defense will pick up. As Jim O'Brien indicated he's looking for this team to go back to its 00-01 Defensive roots. While we had the likes of Mutombo and Hill guarding the paint, it will be very difficult for our young frontcourt in Dalembert and Thomas to be able to exceed or come near to what Hill and Mutombo provided us with back in our NBA Finals run. Not to mention, the lose of Eric Snow was also a blow, so Allen Iverson and Aaron Mckie are going to have step up veteran wise and manage this team. So overall, I believe this team will start off like any average team. A couple games over .500 lose some and win some. But towards the end of the season, I could see them making a push in preparation for the Playoff's. However, like mentioned earlier if we are going to have any type of success at all, our main concern is going to be our health. The 76ers has been bitten by the injury bugs numerous times, and last season was by far the worst bite. So if the 76ers have any plans on going anywhere they have to concentrate on staying healthy. And I believe with Jim O'Brien as the head coach, the players will be much more conditioned. Hopefully...
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> SF- Glenn Robinson/Corliss Williamson/Kyle Korver/Andre Iguodala</div> why is iguodala so far back on your projected depth chart? i think he will see some minutes at the 2 guard also and i thought that towards the end of the season he might even start???
I just realized I posted this twice ... my bad... Go up to the sticky in this forum to look for the original...
