<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Samuel Dalembert has experienced ups and downs in his development into a capable NBA center, and right now the upside is showing. In his three games before last night's six-point effort, the 76ers' starting center was shooting 60.6 percent from the field and averaging 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He scored 21 points - his second-highest total of the season - in Monday night's loss to the Miami Heat. When a disappointed Jim O'Brien was asked if he was pleased by anything he saw in the Miami game, he pointed to Dalembert's performance. "I think he's playing some solid basketball over the last two or three games," the Sixers coach said before last night's game against Golden State. "I'm encouraged by the focus that he's bringing to the court, and I hope it continues." O'Brien said improvement can continue for Dalembert, who did not start playing basketball until he was 13, if he works hard on the court, in the weight room and studying tape during the season and in the off-season. "I just think it's a process for Sam," he said. "He's not your typical guy who's played throughout AAU and high school. I think as his career goes along - and we hope to have him with us for a long time - he will reach his potential with hard work."</div> Source
Well, I just hope he keeps playing like he did the last few games. I think the loss to Golden State will just make him and all the other players on the team player harder. I sure hope so anyway. He's really an important part of this team's future and I really see him, if given the chance, to become something special in the league. Instead, O'Brien hasn't really been helping with his defensive system and instead has really been hurting Dalembert's gameplay. And since O'Brien won't be changing his strategy, I really hope Dalembert adjusts well.
