Wac Center in top 5 B-Ball arenas

This is an old story, but I thought it would be interesting to consider the fan experience on the eve of the season opener. In a ranking of NBA arenas, based on a survey listed in USA Today, Philly ranked 3rd. The survey ranked the seat, parking, fans, entertainment, and concessions;

The top 5; Denver (4.16), Indiana (4.14), Philadelphia (4.14), Phoenix (4.11), Detroit (4.05). The seat was the most heavily weighted factor, but in the fan category Philly was ranked superior for Fan enthusiasm and basketball IQ. As a season ticket holder, I am not surprised. But outside of the Wac Center, Philly's rep clouds our image.

Keep in mind that this is a USA today ranking. The paper that regularly attempts to peddle surveys as journalistic content. Complete Survey

Balanced attack leads Knicks past A.I.-less Sixers

Thank goodness this pre-season is over. There has been few questions answered so far. The projected starters have yet to see action as a unit.

I have not been home in Philly as of late. Word of the Sixers is scarce and not very reliable. I keep hearing all this malarkey about the new NBA dress code. I keep seeing AI's picture in articles about it, but no mention of AI. As if to say exhibit 'A', Allen Iverson. I don't think it's such a bug deal. But the NBA has another thing comin' if they think this is gonna fix thier image problem. It's more akin to putting lipstick on a pig. The attitude of these kids haven't changed.

Kobe, Phil won't push Lakers to playoffs

Phil Jackson is a fraud!

Sixers' big men struggling with injuries (phillyBurbs.com) | Philadelphia Sixers

Sixers' big men struggling with injuries (phillyBurbs.com) Injuries before the start of the season is NEVER a good sign. Bradley's surgery is a real setback for him. He was making a legit push for more playing time. He doesn't have much more time as "a kid with potential" before he becomes "a jorneyman tall stiff". Webber's injury is just a precaution. But there is little excuse for Dalembert to start with injuries. He's a young kid, but he seems to be infected with the dreaded "fresh new contract" virus. Is this year gonna be a step forward or backward?

McKie relishes opportunity with Lakers

It looks like Philly native, Aaron McKie has landed on his feet in L.A. Sources say that he will make the team and probably see more playing time. I am happy to see McKie do well (Even if it's with the Lakers). Now he's got a $5 Million 2 year contact. That's on top of what the Sixers are already paying 'em. What's not to be happy about.

New coach, new year, new vibe for Sixers

Four coaches in two years. It seems like the Sixers always have a couple coaches on the payroll. Anyhoo ... tagline for this year is "Pride and Passion" ... not as determined as the year they said "We owe you one". Mo Cheeks was a player back then. Give me pride, give me Passion, Give me wins!

Older, wiser Iverson still aggressive

Oh yea! The start of a new season. Everybody's a contender. AI now plays the role of the grizzled veteran ... doin' what ever it takes to get another shot at the ring. Many would have guessed AI would have been jettisoned by now as part of some rebuilding effort. Have you fellas finally gotten over that? AI will probably finish his career in Philly.

Toney pins blame on Sixers

Oh, what might have been. The Mo Cheek's return had boiled in to a full fledged giggle fest this summer. Cheeks was looking for some of the old guard to rekindle Sixers glory. Even Andrew Toney was coming back as a assistant. WoW! I thought to myself ... "The Sixers are reaching out to the player (affectionately) know as the Boston Strangler". This is gonna be great!

But it was not to be. Toney's feud with the organization exemplified the divide between the players and management in the late 80's. The team felt Andrew should have returned from a foot injury and Andrew maintained that his feet still hurt. Today it would be recognized as a classic mis-diagnose by the doctors. Back then it was about loyalty. Management's loyalty to the players and the player's loyalty to the team.

Questioning his heart and loyalty clearly hurt Andrew Toney. I am sure the wound had something to do with the indecision ... I am just as sure that he doesn't understand what his return would mean to us.

Oh, what might have been.