<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ivan McFarlin and Steven Smith go about their business as if they will be part of the 76ers this season. They have no choice. They are two of the three players - veteran guard Rick Brunson is the other - without guaranteed contracts. All they have is hope. The Sixers, who lost, 102-92, last night to the New Jersey Nets, remain composed of the same 16 who began training camp. There can be a maximum of 15 when the season begins. It seems unlikely that McFarlin, Smith and Brunson will all survive, but they know they can't think that way. Brunson has been through it for nearly a decade. When asked last week about his chances, he wryly replied, "I've been cut nine times." But this is all new to McFarlin, a year removed from Oklahoma State with a season in France under his belt, and to Smith, a two-time Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10 Conference out of La Salle. Both forwards have emerged as hustlers, eager to do whatever it takes. If statistics are to be your guide, McFarlin is ahead of the game; he had 10 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes against the Nets, after putting up nine rebounds in Saturday night's loss to the New York Knicks. Smith had nine points and four rebounds last night in 7 minutes, his longest stint of the preseason. "It always feels good to be in the game, in the mix, in the flow," McFarlin said. "I was just feeling real comfortable, doing what I do best - rebounding, defending, running the floor. My teammates, even the older guys, believe I can play this game. "Talking to the veterans, especially Alan Henderson, I've got to be ready; you never know [when your name might be called]. I try to look at what's going on in the game, what you can do. I just go out and play the game; I never think how people look at you, you play the best way you know how. I just try to be better each time." Asked about the last time he was a bench player, Smith smiled and said, "Never, honestly." "I've spent more time on the bench these couple games than probably my whole college career," he said. "It's to be expected. I'm a rookie; I love the game so much, I don't mind. I'm happy to be here. I remain patient, because this is how things are going to be in the regular season, when things really count. "During the game, I try to watch what's going on, what other guys are doing, play attention, try to learn, try to pick up some things I can try and use when I get playing time. It's my rookie year, and I'm going to use it to learn about the pro game, be the best player I possibly can be." </div> Link
All I hope for is that they keep Steven Smith. There's no doubt that the guy has talent, and like I said quite a few times before, his talent should provide us with some help, mainly the SF & PF positions.
