Is that really the Hammer ... Armon Gilliam

In the where are they now department - Basketbawful spots ex-sixer (92-93), Armon Gilliam in a Safe Auto commercial. I thought I recognized the Hammer. Who knows if this is really him. Gilliam, a journeyman forward, was one of those guys that Charles Barley couldn't play with.

Sixers Saga turns in to a love fest

The Sixers pounded the New York Knicks in Miller & Smith debut. Its great to see them win (even if it's against the short handed Knicks)! ... What a manic week it was. Sixers-ville went from delirious indulgence in the AI trade soap opera to the euphoria of a two game win streak and a the coronation of Andre Miller as the second coming of Mo Cheeks.

After the reality that AI was really going. The snow fall in Denver captured the headlines. Delaying the team physicals and the arrival of the players to their new teams. AI arrives in Denver to adulation, goes out and plays well, but the Nuggets lose.

The NBA wire was full speculation of what the trade (has it warranted that status as the "trade" like what other trade would we be talkin' about) ... what does it mean for Denver, is their a new sheriff in the west or did they just get Iverson for the box office draw. Then there were the stories 'bout the teams left at the alter by Billy king to wallow in their own personal purgatories for the foreseeable future (Celtics, Clippers, T-Wolves).

Now that they have won two in a row the conflict begins. You want to see them win some, because its been a long drought. You want to see them win against better talent than the Atlantic division has to offer. At the same time we want them to lose enuff to get that high draft pick next year that will formally introduce the post-AI era. You want to see Iggy sky high and be aggressive. But you wouldn't want to see 'em get hurt.

I hope I don't catch my self saying, damn we won another one.

AI says he didn't ask for a trade ... does it matter?

AI finally speaks out (Philadelphia Daily News: NOW, he tells us) to say that he never asked for a trade just a change. Who really cares at this point. The real truth is probable some where in between Allen's version and Billy King's. The reality was that the change should have happen over the summer if not sooner. I can't blame AI for his frustration. Nor can I fault Billy for the difficult position he was in. Well maybe you can throw a little criticism Billy's way. Most of this has been his own handy work.

Like AI, I just need to see something change. To watch my team wither away in another game like last nite's loss to the Pacers has worn me down. I know you can't expect a young team to win every nite, but shouldn't I be able to expect them to win sometimes? Not once during that game did I get the feeling that they could win it. Nobody seems to know how to do it.

I wanted to run out on the court to strangle Sammy in the closing minutes. I learned in sixth grade it was better to pass the ball than fight thru a triple team. I just don't get it with this guy. I want to puke when I hear that "the Sixers would be good if he played like that every nite". How long do we have to put up with this. It's not gonna happen! Not only do we have a high school baller learning how to play at the NBA level we have Sammy trying to play up to the high school level.

Help me out here Philly faithful ... somethings gotta change!

Sixers All-Traded Team

I found this one entertaining. The Daily News presented Phil Jasner's Sixers All-Traded Team (PDF); (listed in no particular order)

• Chamberlian


• Stackhouse


• Walker


• Barkley


• Iverson


• Malone


• Cheeks

a message from Billy King

Billy King sent me an e-mail yesterday to tell me about the AI trade. Okay he didn't just send it to me, but all season ticket holders (who haven't opt'd out yet). Here's what Billy told me (unedited).

As a 76ers Season Ticket Holder, you are very important to us. We consider you a member of our family and we wanted to inform you first of our breaking news.

Shortly we will be issuing the following release:

The Philadelphia 76ers are announcing today that we have acquired guard Andre Miller, forward Joe Smith, and two first round draft picks in the 2007 NBA Draft from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson and forward Ivan McFarlin.

Playing in his eighth NBA season, Miller owns career averages of 14.1 points, 7.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.40 steals per game. This season the 6-foot-2, 200-pound point guard is averaging 13.0 points, 9.1 assists (3rd in NBA), 4.5 rebounds and 1.61 steals (9th in NBA) per game while shooting 47.2 percent overall (177-248 FG). A First Team NBA All-Rookie Team selection in 1999-00, Miller enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2001-02 while playing with Cleveland when he averaged a career-best 16.5 points and an NBA-leading 10.9 assists per game. Throughout his NBA career, he has played in 309-straight regular season games and only missed three games in eight seasons. In 15 playoff games, Miller has averaged 16.0 points, 5.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Miller was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round (8th overall) in the 1998 NBA Draft after a four-year collegiate career at the University of Utah, where he finished his career as the Utes all-time leader in steals (254) and assists (721). After three seasons with Cleveland (1999-02), Miller was traded to the L.A. Clippers along with Bryant Stith in exchange for Darius Miles and Harold Jamison on June 30, 2002, where he would play for the 2002-03 season. On Aug. 1, 2003, Miller signed with the Denver Nuggets (8/1/03) where he has played the last four seasons.

A 12-year NBA veteran, Joe Smith has averaged 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 762 games (565 starts) with six NBA teams: Golden State (1995-98), Philadelphia (1997-98), Minnesota (1998-00, 2001-03), Detriot (2000-01), Milwaukee (2003-06) and Denver (2006-07). Smith returns to Philadelphia for his second stint with the 76ers. During the 1997-98, Smith appeared in 30 games with Philadelphia, averaging 10.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Smith enjoyed his best season in 1996-97, averaging 18.7 points and 8.5 rebounds in 80 games with the Warriors. Smith has advanced to the postseason six times, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 26 playoff games.

Smith was originally drafted by the Warriors after his sophomore season at the University of Maryland with the first overall pick of the 1995 NBA Draft and was named to the NBA's All-Rookie First Team the following season. After two-plus seasons with the Warriors, he was traded along with Brian Shaw to Philadelphia for Clarence Weatherspoon and Jim Jackson on Feb. 17, 1998. Following a 30-game stint with the Sixers, Smith signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a free agent (1/22/99). On Nov. 20, 2000, Smith signed as a free agent with Detroit and prior to the 2001-02 season with the Timberwolves (7/30/01). After two seasons, Smith was traded by Minnesota along with Anthony Peeler to Milwaukee for Sam Cassell and Ervin Johnson on June 27, 2003. The Nuggets acquired Smith from the Bucks in exchange for Ruben Patterson on Aug. 10, 2006.

As we have said from the beginning, our primary goal has been to make the best deal possible for the future of the 76ers organization. I believe that this trade accomplishes that goal. We already have a strong core of young players including Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Rodney Carney and Louis Williams. This trade not only gives us two established veterans and gives us financial flexibility for the future, but it also gives the Sixers two additional first round picks in the 2007 NBA Draft, projected to be one of the deepest drafts in years.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank Allen Iverson for all that he meant to the 76ers and the city of Philadelphia. AI is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He has incredible talent and he will always be a part of the 76ers family. Allen will be missed, and we wish him and his family well.

We look forward to seeing you at the Wachovia Center as we continue to build on our solid foundation of talented youth. I am excited about our future.

If you have any questions or if there is anything that we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact your customer service manager.

Again, thank you for your continued support. See you at the game!

Sincerely,



Billy King

President, Philadelphia 76ers

Iverson Goes to the Denver Nuggets

The ink isn't dry yet, but the deal is done. Iverson is going to Denver. Thank goodness this ordeal is over. It appears to be a good deal for AI. Denver's a team that could use that veteran superstar to get them over the hump. The other superstar, yellow Melo, plays a different position. Denver coach, George Karl's and Larry Brown are friends. I'm sure time will tell what that has to do with anything.

For the Sixers, its reported they will receive Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two 1st round draft picks. I think Miller is overrated and Joe Smith is the original Mr. Softee. But Miller's gotta be better than Kevin Ollie and Smith was a number one draft pick. For now we'll overlook the fact that Smith has been traded a godzilllion times. Overtime we can judge this trade against past superstar trades. The Sixers getting Jeff Hornacek, Andrew Lang and Tim Perry for Charles Barkley in 1992. And the Sixers trade of Wilt Chamberlain to the Lakers in 1968 for Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark and Darrall Imhoff. How hard is it to beat that?

As for myself, I am happy AI went to the western conference. The specter of being torched by 'em 4 times a season was giving me indigestion. But I'm sure die hard Iverson fans are bummed for that very same reason. Well at least they know what jersey to buy before Christmas.

The dumb and the restless

Have you caught the latest local soap opera ... "The Dumb and the Restless" starring Allen Iverson, the Sixers and the media circus this whole trade debacle has become. There's lotsa talking by everyone about the "imminent" trade of AI, but there's nothing actually happening. Nothin' stirs the media market like no real news. That means they just have to make up crap.

Fillin the blanks ... AI 's going to _____ for ____, which make sense because _____ and that. Every nite there's a story on the evening news that nothing has changed, but here's latest rumor; AI and Korver are going to the Clippers for ... The media in city's where AI may potentially land also have the fever. Floating rumors to point of distraction for their local teams.

The Blogspehere chatter is a rehash of this summer's trade 'em/don't trade 'em debate. Many say good riddance or about time, others rail against the Sixers for not doing this or that. The die hard AI fans are sad and the player haters are glad. But what is there to blog about that we haven't done already?

I heard Jim Rome blabbering on the radio about how insane it is for the Sixers to be getting advice from Larry Brown. Like he didn't know that Larry and Billy are friends. Like they don't talk all the time. Like perhaps Billy King could make the right decision if he wasn't talking to Larry. LOL. That would presume he actually was capable of making the right decision.

So now Billy Kings comes out to proclaim "I'm no sucker" . He's in no hurry. He's gonna make the move that's right for the franchise. What does he care that their already low attendance number have fallen even lower. What does he care about alienating the season ticket fan based. What does he care about paying AI to sit at home while the rest of the team plays short handed and gets out gunned every nite. Why should he be in a hurry? He's no sucker. He's only the general manager.

Next, Stephen A joins the day time drama with his crazy suggestion that the Sixers and AI kiss and make up. That AI should be put back into the line-up. I say kiss this Mr. Smith! (insert inappropriate gesture here). This dog won't hunt anymore. Not after the circus this has become. For you to suggest there might be any good that comes from this is cruel. You have been infected by the hysteria.

Wake up!

To those Sixers still playing every nite ....

Hey guys .... there's nobody coming to save you! There will be no white knight that will swoop in and save your season. It is already doomed! There will be no bright spot in the future to look forward to . The AI deal will stink, when ever it comes. You will still be in salary cap hell. You will still be playing for a bad team (this is not a dream sequence). You need to wake up and learn the lesson the Spurs gave you Saturday nite. That it takes more than talent to win at this level and its the details that make the difference.

Wake me when it's over. I'll be watching college basketball so I can figure out who our number one pick next year will be.

Iverson already gone from the team's pregame highlight reel

I was at the game Monday nite and the 1st thing we all noticed was that Iverson was already gone from the team's pre-game highlight reel. Somebody has been working overtime to remove any hint that AI was still a member of the team. But his conspicuous absence on the court could not be removed. It showed in the Sixers play. Heck the TrailBazers play even seemed sympathetic. The arena was near empty. Not that a game on a Monday nite packs 'em in anyway, but the place seems hollow. The applause was polite, but not sincere. The cheers easily fused with the jeers. The chairman joined his bride so late at court side in the second half, I had to wonder why he showed up at all. Many fans didn't bother. The ones that did politely cheered them on when the stage a charge at the end. But few seemed surprised at the outcome.

Jim Grey was dubbed about AI trade

As daffy duck used to say ... "What a Maroon". The media circus surrounding the rumors that AI asked to be traded was just plain weird last nite. Cheeks told Allen not to come to the game or the next nite on the road 'cause 'he was hurt'. Never mind the past criticism about the team captain not being on the bench when he's hurt. Then Billy King issues a non statement to the press before the game that trades and conversations between players and management were confidential and he couldn't comment on the rumors.

So the game happened to be a national broadcast on ESPN last nite. Hubie Brown was the color commentator (the best there is), so I dialed up ESPN instead of Comcast SportsNet. Naturally all the talk was about the AI-less Sixers. The sideline reporter asks the chairman, who was sitting in his usual court-side seats, "Yo Ed, What's up with the trade rumors" (I'm paraphrasing of course) and Snider said "A.I. wants trade, so we'll do it". The ESPN guys are saying "Wow Ed, did you just throw Billy King under the bus?" ... Okay, those of us scoring at home know that's just the way Snider is. Always outspoken (maybe a bit clueless), always a good quote!

Then it gets weirder ... Jim Grey comes on and says "I just spoke to AI on his cell phone" ... and goes on to tell us that AI says there a deal in the works to send him to the T-wolves and how happy he was about that. Big scoop right? The half-time chatter continues about how such a deal could be structured and what a monster team Kevin Garnet and Allen Iverson would be (pretty scary) ... and so on.

But later in the broadcast, with the game slipping away and fans starting to tune out, Jim Grey comes on again with a sheepish look on his face to retract the whole story. "I was dubbed" he said. The voice he spoke to on the phone was not AI and he could offer no evidence to the validity of the statement. How whacked is that? You're tellin' me that Johnny on the spot reporter doesn't recognize AI' voice? ... "What a Maroon".

BTW, the Sixers lost again. Iggy disappeared for most of the game. But look their # of assists went up. Thrilling huh ... what a clown show it was.

Iverson on the Way Out!

Peter Vecsey reported in the New York Post this morning that Allen Iverson asked Billy King to trade him last Tuesday. Apparently he has confirmed this thru several sources. Philly media appears to be clueless to what's going on (Today's story on Philly.com was "Iverson, Webber hurt, may not face Wizards"). It appears that Billy King's house of cards will finally collapse with the removal of Iverson. According to reports Billy is frantically attempting to comply with the request and not only Iverson, but every member of the team is on the table. Billy's house cleanup so vehemently announced earlier this summer may finally be at hand. Sigh ... but it will not be enough to savage this season ... it won't be enough to save Billy's job. His hubris has been undeniable. To pretend last years team was talented enough to play in the NBA and repackage it again this season was foreseen as laughable. To expect AI to continue to leave his heart out on the floor every nite in spite of the team's glaring weaknesses is indefensible. Particularly after the talks of trading Allen in which he was vilified as the root of all the Sixers' ills.

For his part Iverson has been admirable. Earlier this season Stephen A. Smith foretold of this day, but his version called for a very public and nasty divorce. As a long time Sixers fan, I remember the Charles Barkley era. Sir Charles had no compunction about throwing anyone under the bus. It was a loud & mean spirited and damaged the image of both Charles and the franchise in the eyes of many Philly fans. I am certain it has contributed to the reason Philly fans scoff at pro basketball. The fact that the 76ers are the last major franchise to actually win a championship curries no favor.

But Iverson has not been a cancer publicly. Can you really blame 'em for wanting out? Have you seen what this 6' wonder does when he's on the court? The difference in size of the bodies he crashes into? The quickness he exploits that any 10 year veteran would envy? Have you seen it? You can say many things about AI, but you can say he is not still talented and you can't say he doesn't care about winning. That's a Philly thing isn't it? We want our athletes to care about winning ... not just the money and accolades.

No, AI has repeated the mantras of teamwork and loyalty to the franchise. But for some reason many still cling to the image of that brash youth 2 years removed from high school in his rookie season. Like Barkley I will miss him, but wish him the best. I hope he finds that elusive ring that Barkley never did. And I will cheer that day he is inducted in to the NBA hall of fame. I feel many of today's youth share those sentiments for the little giant.

Understatement of the week

After dropping a home game to a woeful road team like the T-wolves and getting thumped again last nite by the Bulls : 'We've lost 12 out of 14 games and obviously, something needs to be done,' he said. 'There needs to be a change. Somehow, something needs to be scrambled up. We need to figure out how to play a different way, because the way we're playing is not getting it done.' (AI)

What a long and strange week it's been

First of all I'm gonna ignore the fact that Phildelphia did not win a game this week. That boat as sailed. While it remains to be seen wether they can turn it around. I can't handle the heartburn I get thinking about it right now.

Shavlik Randolph breaking his leg this week was pretty disturbing. By all accounts it was a gruesome sight. It was obviously, to me, the worst injury I've ever seen," Allen Iverson said. Some players could not look at. Fortunately, broken bones are not usually career ending (for young players). Randolph has been a nice story for the Sixers. Making the team on grit alone. It has been interesting to watch him develop. They are now saying he could return this season. I know it raised a few eyebrows when B.King said they where not replacing him on the roster. Thanks to changes in the NBA roster rules. Teams can carry more players. In the past you could hold on to a player by putting them on the 15 day disabled list. Players where constantly coming up with mysterious injuries and put on the list until they were needed. This year you just need to declare a player inactive before each game (like the NFL). The rule change allowed both Ivan McFarlin and Steve Smith to make the squad. La Salle's Steve will probably be the benefactor of Randolph's loss (along with the venerable Mr. Henderson).

The story about AI missing the bowling event is a non-event. Who cares if he really had a problem with his medication or just hates bowling. I seem to remember another incident at a bowling alley when he was in high school. Any how these stories are old news. Fine him and be done with it.

Iverson and Korver were also injured in practice this week. Mighty Mouse played against the Nets last nite. However Korver was in civvies. K² is the best 3 point shooter in the NBA so far this year. So you have to look at the coaching staff when he doesn't get at least 10 shots a game don't you? Do the math 10 * 3 * 50% = 15 PPG. Korver's currently averaging 13. Who's fault is that? I have the same issue with Igoudola. Six field goal attempts last nite against the Nets, Six!
C. Webb is back from whatever the problem with his back was. The Sixers can use any body over 6' it can find these days with all the injuries this week. One thing that did not return was Webber's shot, 7-20.

Rod Carney gave us a glimpse of future last nite. The surprise start of the rookie gave me a chance to smile a bit. His stat line was impressive (41 minutes, 20 points on 10-19 shooting), he ran the floor like a gazelle and defended with passion. He did everything but hit that cluth jumper at the end of the game. After that performance, I think it will be hard not to start 'em. Even with Kover's return. Kevin Ollie starting was not working. The kid needs more minutes. Let's see what he's got.

Will Smith Confirms Basketball Buy-Out

According to Hollywood.com Will Smith Confirms Basketball Buy-Out | Just in case you haven't heard it already. Now that Ed Snider has taken the Sixers officially off the auction block. Negotiations for sale of the team have picked up. Will smith and Dr. "J" as owners ... how cool would that be?