"Philadelphia Is My Sleeper Team"- Charles Barkley I see this big o' brown donut as a very knowledgeable basketball analysis and for him to say something like that (thread title + thinks that they will win the AD(statement from Charity Game)) gives me more optimism for the 76res this season. Nobody really talks about this team, but they rightfully shouldn?t' since the 76ers been awfully quiet and the only real moves they've done is re-signing players and gaining really one additional player in the process and not to mention got rid of a couple. Other than that, there is not much to talk about. However that doesn't eliminate the fact that this team could potentially be a really dangerous squad. Many fans have them barley making the Playoffs, NBA analysis don't expect much and think this team has little to no chance at make any kind of noise etc. But the thing is that people fail to realize that they finished with a record where they were six games above .500 with Webber on the squad. And with Webber playing as badly as he was imagine if he was actually playing decent, not good but just decent. So that makes you wonder what will happen if he plays great with A.I under the guidance of Mo Cheeks and the natural growth of the team in entirety and individual players like Iguodala, Dalembert and Korver? Truth to be told I think they can give teams like the Pistons and Pacers a run for their money if they are able to click. Honestly, partial of me is bias (no surprise, they are my team) about they?re expectations but if you really look at the concrete facts this team should be good and not be taken lightly. Personnel wise, they starting lineup is not bad. They have a great coaching staff it's just the bench that's in question. Aside from Steven Hunter which is a solid backup Center, the bench is really shallow but the offseason is not over and who knows how these young guys will turn out (Randolph, Williams, Gai and Salmons)?
yeah that is what i am talking about charles no's what the deal is with the sixers they will make some noise this year in the playoffs when they make it so everyone go a head and sleep but when u wake up there will be a new team in town
Charles Barkley and Bill Walton are two guys I typically tend to tune out when they are talking they are two out spoken guy, but their opinions change quicker than a run way model. Barkley always makes his predictions early before the season starts, but as soon as it looks like the team is even thinking about sailing west he has already jumped on to another boat. I know the 76ers are going to be good this year, I think they are going to be the division champions, but I don?t think much of Barkley calling the team his sleeper team due to his ever changing opinions.
I'd say I'm one of the most unbias fans ever and I still think that potentially Philadelphia will come up with a surprise season. With all the young players having another year on their belt, a rehabbed Webber, a more pass oriented Iverson, and a great coach in Cheeks, I can already tell 76ers have got something great brewing. I honestly don't need a critic or basketball legend to tell me that for me to believe it. I'd prefer to make my own opinions since I feel that I know much more about my team than say Barkley. Really, the reason why everyone don't have high expectations of the team is because of Webber's supposedly lack luster performance when he initially came to Philadelphia. After that, everyone felt that the two stars could not work together when in fact, its the opposite. The two flowed pretty well during the playoffs and the only reason why they couldn't succeed was because Webber wasn't in his shooting groove, since he was chucking up jumpers at the elbow after pick and rolls. And, you can't forget the fact that Dalembert is just waiting to break out. O'Brien stalled his development but still, he put up stellar numbers when given the minutes and especially shined in the playoffs. Think about it this way, if he was given those kinds of minutes every night, the sky's the limit for him. Also, I don't think it would be too bias to think that Iguodala is going to improve. He's in his second year, a time when players mature the fastest so I don't think it would be too much of a stretch to say that he'll average substantially bigger numbers than last season. And with that said, there's three players right there that are reasonably expected to improve so really, Philadelphia is actually a strong Eastern team. I have them going either third or fourth seed.
I am one of those people who underestimate Phili's ability due to last season's performance. Then I forgot that O'Brien had interesting coaching strategies that didn't go so well with Iverson, so if Cheeks can run a better team rotation or something then who knows. I think it also depends on how much Webber can rehabb his knee into better condition, because if he can a tad more mobility and get a bit more hops to improve his post presence then Phili can be a decent competitor. I feel optimistic about the coaching change, however I feel pessimistic about Webber's knee. I do hope that Iverson gets a ring before he retires though, that guy sure has heart.
The 76ers aren't getting much shine but that?s no necessarily a bad thing. I'd rather them be under hyped because it easier for them to stay focused. That pretty much all I'm going to say, the 76ers might get off to a slow start but most teams that haven't played with each other very long usually tend to do that and come on about mid season. If the 76ers get into the playoffs, which they should or win their division, which they can, then they are capable of being a sleeper in the post season as well. Also people don't expect to see much change in the 76ers much season. You'll see the same team with different schemes but a similar way of playing, AI will be the same shoot first AI, but expect Webber to be more involved in the half court offense sense Allen usually struggles at that aspect of offense in creating half court offense.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting B-22:</div><div class="quote_post">The 76ers aren't getting much shine but that?s no necessarily a bad thing. I'd rather them be under hyped because it easier for them to stay focused.</div> Agree, Seattle went through the same thing last season, and they finished out on top of the Northwest. It's obvious nobody's going to underestimate Iverson, but now that they have a 20 point threat to worry about, that spreads the defensive focus a little.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AznxBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd say I'm one of the most unbias fans ever and I still think that potentially Philadelphia will come up with a surprise season. With all the young players having another year on their belt, a rehabbed Webber, a more pass oriented Iverson, and a great coach in Cheeks, I can already tell 76ers have got something great brewing. I honestly don't need a critic or basketball legend to tell me that for me to believe it. I'd prefer to make my own opinions since I feel that I know much more about my team than say Barkley. </div> I agree (and not just cuz i want my sig and avy )...Philly has the POTENTIAL to be a top seed...you have ur two stars in AI and Webber, and then capable role players in Iguodala, Korver, Hunter, and Dalembert...
The 76ers are definitely one of the teams to look out for next season, Alot of people think of them as the same team as last year but the truth is there not. Barkley was correct; Philly now has a new coach that has worn a Philly uniform, has played the game, and most importantly has the respect of Allen Iverson. Also last year during the middle of the season when Webber was with the 76ers people started insulting Webber, and saying hes garbage. But believe it or not he helped the 76ers last season and will do the same next year. Last season he was playing injured, new team, new system and the coach didn't know what to do with Webber. This season theres a better coach, and a healthier Webber that won't be as lost as last season. Also Iverson is starting to get old, he knows that and we know that. Allen Iverson is HUUUUNGRY for this ring and although IMO 76ers arent a championship team we still know Allen Iverson will give it his all for Philly.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">Charles Barkley and Bill Walton are two guys I typically tend to tune out when they are talking they are two out spoken guy, but their opinions change quicker than a run way model.</div> Lol!! Ha Ha Ha. I agree but I always love to hear praise about the Sixers. I am a realist but forever hopeful. I think we will have a great season and it is good to see some others think so, even if it is a former Sixer whose opinion changes faster than the weather!!!
