The 76ers has now played 13 games in the 04-05 season and what we've thus far may be a SLIGHT indication of what we might see down the road. The 76ers may get worse, or they just may blossom later on. However, what are your thoughts on what they've done so far? <u>Philadelphia 76ers</u> Record: 6-7 PPG: 97.5/<font color="Red">99.2</font> RPG: 42.6/<font color="Red">43.8</font> APG: 20.0/<font color="Red">23.1</font> BPG: 3.1/<font color="Red">5.3</font> TOPG: 16.5/<font color="Red">18.1</font> FG%: 42%/<font color="Red">43%</font> 3Pt FG%: 38%/<font color="Red">35%</font> <font color="Red">*</font>- Denotes Opponents Statistics As you can see we're getting dominated by our opponents in pretty much every statistical category. However, we're lucky that we have 6-7 record. Looking at the predicaments the 76ers has been in early on, we could have easily been 3-10. So that's a big break for us courtesy of Iverson and Korver heroics on different occasions. Well so far, I'm somewhat content with their offense. They execute great in transition and Allen Iverson is playing exceptionally well at the PG position. Iverson is the catalyst of the team offense, and they look to him to get the offense going which is preferably fine. But I'm not too thrilled with their consistency. They could knock down the perimeter shoot, but they're not doing it on a consistent basis. Kyle Korver is virtually the only player on the roster that's looking consistent with the perimeter shot. As for the defense, that needs to be improved as well. Now it doesn?t need to be improved but it really, really needs to be improved. Looking at the Phoniex Suns game for example, it was a game that the 76ers had a legitimate chance of winning IMO. The way they defend that night was horrible, and the Suns took advantage of that. From what I recall in the game, they took advantage of very minor defense flaws that the 76ers made. From taking an eye of their man for one sec to lazy half court defense, it was things like that which made it a long night for the 76ers and it's thing like that in which they could have capitalize and most likely make it a more competitive game. So the 76ers need to work on the TEAM defense as a whole, and every player needs to be more aware of what?s going on, and try helping on the weak side and always getting back on defense. The only game I?ve seen where the 76ers played great defense was against the Orlando Magic. Snd out of like 13 games, 1 defensive minded type game won't cut it. Not to mention, the Sixers also need to find a way to stop those star players. On different occasions players such as Paul Pierce, Richard Jefferson, Dwyane Wade and so on has dominated against the 76ers, and that needs to be improved on as well. I rarely seen the 76ers try doubling team those star players, I don't why, but they must do it seeing as they don't have no defensive stopper with the exception of Iguodala which is just a rookie. So what is your take on the 76ers based on what you seen so far? Lastly, here are some statistical notes I found a little interesting. Allen Iverson Ranks #2 in PPG and #4 in APG The 76ers has NO players that ranks in the Top 50 RPG Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala are among the Top 10 in SPG Kyle Korver ranks #9 in 3Pt FG %(46%) and also ranks #1 in 3Pt FG's made
I think it`s going to take some time. We`ve seen what we can be like this year but we have to better to win more. Korver has been a VERY pleasant surprise with his amazing 3 point shooting and his inside defense. Marc Jackson will help us when we need some points down low. Avery said it right about the 76ers need to play team defense to stop other teams offense. I noticed that alot of teams will take big advantage if the Sixers are not aware on defense. Another surprise for us has been Andre. 6th in steals. He is also 4th in the top 10 Rookie Power Rankings, and it looks like he`s just getting better.
I think we're doing half decent, but the only thing is that Boston and NY are starting to play to their potential as of lately. Plus, the Knicks are getting Houston back as early as this saturday.
These are what the Sixers definitely have to work on. 1.PERIMETER DEFENSE, 2.get consistent contributions from the starter especially Kenny Thomas. I really believe if we play our fullest, we can be a 45-50 win team. Allen Iverson also needs to cut down his assists if possible. Other than these two major problems, there really aren't that many other problems the Sixers have right now(or more but I can't think of them). But the defense is what's killling the Sixers. Giving up 99 points a game is unacceptable. There's noway we'll be a 105ppg team, so we definitely have to cut down the points scored against us. I think once Dalembert gets Obie's defense system, then the defense should be a lot better.
It all has to settle in for the Sixers, we dont have a lot of vets contributing so it maybe hard for us to stay consitant at times. We arent getting much production from our supporting cast, players like Kenny Thomas, Samuel Dalembert, and Willie Green arent contributing enough. Kyle Korver is playing well for us, he is the only player scoring consistantly, helping Allen. We have to get better on defense, Josh Davis and Marc Jackson arent going to give you interior defense and strong rebounding, that where we turn to Samuel Dalembert who is a defensive specialist and a great rebounder, I dont know why he isnt getting an oppurtunity to play much. Kenny Thomas, gives us a good rebounding presence,but it seems like he isnt working hard and he doesnt want every rebound. Once we start meshing as a team, and start playing hard nosed defense, I like our chances to make the playoffs and go farther.
THere are 2 BIG problems with our team 1) A DECENT REBOUNDER- Either Kenny THomas steps it up or we trade for one, becausew we are in DESPERATE NEED of one. When I say desperate i mean desperate. 2) Size We need some more size. MArc JAckson is our only real consistent big man, and he is making me very happy we started him over Sammy. THe only real players I am happy with this season is Allen Iverson, Marc Jackson, Kyle Korver, and Corliss Williamson, and John Salmons. These players are doing their job out there, but the rest arnt. We need to get s starting line-up locked. Our line up of JAckson, DAvis, Korver, Iggy, and Iverson may have worked for a team like the Celetics wich are small, but not against the Spurs, and most of us probably just saw that game. I agree with Silky Smooth that is was the WORST game of the season. I expected the Sixers to lose that game but by 31 points is inexcusable. The Sixers still need a lot of work
