Sixers Drop Game 6, Start Offseason
May 3rd 2008 19:29
I know this post is a few days late. But whatever, I've been a little busy...anyway, the Sixers dropped game six the other night. Well they were steamrolled, actually, I think that would be more accurate, 100-77. I think this series, in the long run, may have been the best thing possible for the Sixers. I mean, let's face it they obviously had no chance at a championship this year, so I'm glad that they lost in the first round actually...why am I glad? Because now the Sixers management is less likely to overestimate what they have (which has happened in the past). I know we have Stefanski now, not Billy King, but in the past we kind of sat around after getting "shown" flashes...and overpaid for it. Re: Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Kyle Korver...etc. The reason this is important this offseason is Andre Iguodala is a restricted free agent, and I am BEGGING Ed not to overpay him. I still think the $57 we offered at the beginning of the season was more than reasonable. All those who watched this series and still think Iggy is a #1 player raise your hand...yeah I thought so. So why pay him like one? Besides, it's not like many other teams can afford to outbid you for him. Only the Grizzlies are under the cap right now, besides us. So anyway, here's my offseason priorities for the Sixers:
1) Re-sign restricted free agents. Sure I might have bashed Iggy a little, but don't get me wrong, he's a valuable player. Letting go of him would create a major hole...just don't give him too much money. And Lou Williams has proven himself to be a valuable asset as well...the question is how valuable? I'm not sure he's the answer to become point guard once Andre Miller either A) is too old or B) leaves Philly...so is he the answer, or just instant offense off the bench? That's the difference between money and a lot of money.
2) Figure out your 2-spot. To be blunt, Willie Green stinks. The easiest way to do this would be to A) shift Iggy to the 2 and B) Move Thaddeus Young to the 3...but since Thad was at the 4 for many of his minutes this year that brings us to....
3) Power forward. Assuming steps 1 2 are completed, are you comfortable with Reggie Evans getting 35 minutes a night? Didn't think so. And I like Jason Smith, but I think he looks like a career backup. So....Elton Brand of the Clippers and Josh Smith of the Hawks are both on the market (potentially). At the beginning of the playoffs I would've preferred Elton, but Smith has been fantastic in this series...plus he's much younger. It's just I think it's absolutely vital the Sixers have an offensive weapon at the 4, a guy who COULD be a #1 option, since Iggy isn't. And if the Sixers can get a post option, they could run OR get some half-court offense going. I love Josh Smith. It's just since I think the offensive game is so important for the Sixers out of this position, I'm not sure he fits or not...but he's so young, if the Sixers could get him they have to do it. Imagine your starting 5...Dalembert, Smith, Young, Iggy, and Miller. That's one of the top starting lineups in the league, and by FAR the most athletic, not to mention J-Smooth is a defensive beast. The only problem is I doubt Atlanta lets him go now. So, if we could get Brand, I'd be fine with that too. As of now, he's a much better scorer than Smith is. The only problem is he's older and more injury prone. The Sixers absolutely must address this position, however. Well, in a few days, I'll probably start talking about the draft....there aren't many things to discuss right now, until the Sixers make their first move.
3) Power forward. Assuming steps 1 2 are completed, are you comfortable with Reggie Evans getting 35 minutes a night? Didn't think so. And I like Jason Smith, but I think he looks like a career backup. So....Elton Brand of the Clippers and Josh Smith of the Hawks are both on the market (potentially). At the beginning of the playoffs I would've preferred Elton, but Smith has been fantastic in this series...plus he's much younger. It's just I think it's absolutely vital the Sixers have an offensive weapon at the 4, a guy who COULD be a #1 option, since Iggy isn't. And if the Sixers can get a post option, they could run OR get some half-court offense going. I love Josh Smith. It's just since I think the offensive game is so important for the Sixers out of this position, I'm not sure he fits or not...but he's so young, if the Sixers could get him they have to do it. Imagine your starting 5...Dalembert, Smith, Young, Iggy, and Miller. That's one of the top starting lineups in the league, and by FAR the most athletic, not to mention J-Smooth is a defensive beast. The only problem is I doubt Atlanta lets him go now. So, if we could get Brand, I'd be fine with that too. As of now, he's a much better scorer than Smith is. The only problem is he's older and more injury prone. The Sixers absolutely must address this position, however. Well, in a few days, I'll probably start talking about the draft....there aren't many things to discuss right now, until the Sixers make their first move.
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