Contemplating Samuel

Contemplating Samuel Dalembert this coming season. The ball stalking enigma that is the 76ers starting center. Some people love ‘em … some people hate ‘em. Me? I love ‘em when I’m not hating ‘em.

Trade ‘em has been a frequent refrain though out his career here in Philly. Indeed Sammy has insisted on it (at times) and the Sixers have tried (at times),  but the task has been easier said than done.

His contract is the root of this frustration. For the fans; “he’s not worth the money” and for the GM “We can’t trade ‘em because of the money”. "Rockets pass on Dalembert"” philly.com 7/7/09, a $3.8 million dollar trade kicker on top of a nearly $12 million dollar a year contract makes it difficult. BTW we can’t thank you enough for that contract Billy King.

To be fair the modern definition of a true center has evolved over the years. Phil Barnett’s article in TalkHoops.net “The De-Evolution of the Center” is a few years old but still very relevant. “Today’s center position has been re-defined by up-tempo offenses and small ball”. By that definition, Sammy’s skills should be coveted.

But everybody wants to be the ‘golden child’, not the down and dirty muddler. Sammy needs to understand that it takes both types to make a team truly successful. That it is not the accolades that give you self-worth. It’s truly about … yourself … that gives you self worth.  Forget about the contract for a moment! If he could just play defense, block shots, and rebound (consistently). Samuel Dalembert would be a valuable asset to ANY team.

So what’s it gonna be Samuel. If you really want out of Philly you can give up the 15% trade clause. If you really want to stay you can grow a thicker skin and just get down to ballin’. You are not Kevin Garnett … You are not Shaquille O’Neal … you are not some phenomenal hybrid of the two. You have two years left on your current “toxic” contract … it’s time to be down.

Jrue Holiday – give‘m some luv y’all

Givin some luv to Sixers #1 draft pick this year Jrue Holiday.

One on the many questions marks I’ve heard this year about the Sixers chances this season has been concerning the loss of Andre Miller. ‘Dre was a fan favorite who showed Philly fans what is was like to have a REAL point guard instead of some guy who hogs the ball all the time.

Most are not convinced that Sweet Lou can handle the new responsibility. By now we know that Lou Williams is gonna be Lou Williams. That’s not to say he won’t be affective. It’s just not gonna be the straight up point guard stuff we have been privileged to witness the last few years.

Enter Jrue Holiday … who, in my humble opinion, is a true point guard (check-out the video).  Not playing the 1-guard at UCLA did not help his standing as an elite player. But it was fortuitous for the 76ers. They are preachin’ patient with Holiday. Setting a low bar for his 1st season. But you gotta wonder … the Sixers have been quit astute in the draft recently. Picking players like Jason Smith, Thad “Young is smooth”, and Mo Speights who contributed in their first season’s as professionals. Jrue Holiday just might be the right player in the right place at the right time.

My favorite old school 76ers jersey

I’m trying to decide which is my favorite old school Sixers jersey.

The Sixers dance team, on their trip to China, decided to help me out by staging some of the old jerseys in a line-up.

I’ve always been partial to the old Wilt #13 jersey.

Can Jason Kapono bring the 3 back to Philly?

It remains to be seen whether the Sixers off season acquisition, Jason Kapono, can bring the 3 back to Sixers basketball.

Kapono makes it look easy here in this NBA footage practicing for the NBA shootout. But sports is all about the NOW. Not the past. He is coming of a poor season in Toronto. Averaging only 8 points per game. He fell short of expectations and registered 46 DNP coach’s decision last year. But the Raptors, who were the darlings of the NBA only a few years ago, had problems across the board. So it’s hard to judge Kapono.

Was it a steal to grab the NBA’s best 3 point shooter or was his 06-07 season with the Heat the peak of his career?

2009-2010 Sixers Dancers Auditions

It’s all about the work you do in the off-season, Yall!

I especially liked the old school “Philly 76ers” outfit.

Dr. J: ABA through today

Nice photo gallery tribute to the Doctor – Philly.com

Really LeBron … More than a game?

Friday, August 21, 2009; LeBron James hosts documentary screening .. More than a game?

Really LeBron … don’t you have to win a championship and/or retire or something before you get a documentary about yourself? :)

Andre Igoudala 2009 Season Redux

Nice video mix recapping Andre Igoudala’s 08-09 season.

The mix includes the game winners over the Lakers and the Magic in the finals. My favorite was that ridiculous slam over Yao Ming in Houston.

76ers Buzz Widget

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Philly FAB 5 + 1

C Webb’s FAB 5 … Okay so C Webb is not exactly a household name here in Philly, but here’s an interesting quiz. Name the FAB five Sixers of all time for each position 1-5 and throw in a 6th man for good measure.

This is kind of a no brainer really. Who would you put on the list?

Iverson wants to return to Philly

It was a casual conversation I was part of with some Sixers fans at the Wac center earlier this week. “What if they brought Allen back? Nope … not gonna happen … You know that would get people excited. Say what you will about ‘em. Iverson puts fannies in the seats. You know there are rumors on the internet that they are talking!”

And why not? This is the city of brotherly love , right? With the Eagles Michael Vick signing it appears that we have become the city of redemption. That final destination for kindred spirits to overcome past transgressions and rekindle past glory.

Then there are the tweets on AI’s twitter page yesterday ..

“Happy for Mike (Vick)! Thanks be to God and the Philadelphia Eagles! Great Fans! Great place to resurrect a great career! Do Great Things”

“I can't help imagining, Vick, McNabb, Rollins and Iverson all playing in the City of Brotherly Love........Picture That!”

“Looking forward to getting back to work myself! I am so ready to return to the NBA! Stronger, Faster and So much Wiser!”

Is this crazy talk? Wishful thinkin’? Perhaps … The Sixers have 12 signed guys on the roster. There is only room for 2 more. After the signing of Royal Ivey, Stefanski stated that they are not targeting anyone else at this point. They will probably fill the last 2 spots during training camp.

But there is always a chance if the right veteran comes available at the right price … right?

I can hear the comments already. Much like the Vick signing, some will say … No way … that shipped has sailed … this is terrible. The teams doesn’t need the drama. Others will say … wow this is great! This makes us a better team. Everybody deserves a second chance!

Still others will say … Huh?

I dunno that I would be terribly opposed to it under the right circumstances. I just wanna see some entertaining basketball. There are too many unknowns right now to get people excited. One thing is certain however … it would get people talking about Sixers basketball.

Allen Iverson a Sixer again … what’s the worst that could happen?

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Is EB finally ready to play ball?

Is Elton Brand's return enough to push the Sixers to the top of the East? Honestly that was the caption for this image on NBA.com. Who comes up with this dribble. I know it’s had to fill space in the off-season, but Pleez!

Elton Brand still has to be a question mark in anyone’s mind. He was a question mark coming into last season and the best grade you can give ‘em for last season is an incomplete. So KG is hardly losing any sleep over EB.

The homer that I am is still hoping for the best for the 30 year old player this coming season. The offense will be new to everyone this year. So everyone will need to “fit in” to Eddie J’s system this year. Come to think of it … the Sixers are not just getting a “new” offense this year. They may just finally “have” an offense.

So EB is optimistic, but is he really ready to play ball?

In a Sixers.com interview Brand was asked; What’s been your favorite part of Philly so far, you got a favorite cheesesteak place or anything? The answer was the patented “passionate fans” reply that seems to work for any sport. I heard it from new Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee recently.

But he doesn’t have a fav cheesesteak shack yet? Whazzup up wit dat EB?