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The Philadelphia 76ers franchise has become relevant again after
acquiring top free agent power forward Elton Brand from the Los
Angeles Clippers. Last year’s team placed seventh in the overall
playoff race and gave the Detroit Pistons a little scare in the
first round. In the weak Atlantic that is composed of the Boston
Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors, the
acquisition of Brand instantly makes the 76ers conference
contenders. Of course, the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics is
still expected to lord it over the Atlantic.
With Brand in the line-up, the 76ers have one of
the better frontlines in the Eastern Conference. Brand teams up with
center Samuel Dalembert and the high-flying Andre Iguodala.
Dalembert is a double-double player and is one of the league’s
leading shot blockers. Iguodala, meanwhile, is the team’s top
scorer and is considered one of the more versatile players in the
NBA.
The starting five will be rounded out by veteran
point guard Andre Miller and Willie Green. Thirty-two-year-old
Miller still has a good two or three years ahead of him. While he
was never as quick as other point guards in the league, he is a good
court general that can still break down defenses. Green is a young,
fourth year player who is averaging in double figures and has a lot
of upside.
What I like about this Philadelphia team is
their core of young players who have shown flashes of brilliance
last season. Point guard Lou Williams will eventually replace Miller
at the one spot but until then, he will play the sixth or seventh
man. Another interesting youngster in the team’s line-up is combo
forward Thaddeus Young who averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds in his
rookie season.
After locking up Brand to a five-year contract,
the 76ers management needs to re-sign Iguodala and Williams who are
restricted free agents. This means that the team can match any
offers made by other teams. Last summer, Iguodala passed on a
$57-million contract extension by the 76ers thinking that he could
get more value this season. With Brand’s contract, the team may
have to go near or a little over the salary cap set at $58.68
million to sign Iguodala. Management has already stated that it will
match any offer for AI 2.
While some have questioned the decision to
acquire Brand (since he is a post-up scorer on a team of run-and-gun
players), he brings another dimension to the 76ers offense which
mostly rely on fast breaks and jump shots. His presence will
definitely draw double-teams, giving AI and other players more space
to score. On the defensive end, he can hold his own versus taller
power-forwards with his heft and jumping ability.
The 76ers are now just two or three players away
from being a serious title contender. All they lack is a pure
shooter in the likes of a Ray Allen, Danny Gibson, etc. and
versatile defender in the mold of a Bruce Bowen. Unfortunately,
these kinds of players are very hard to find.
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Please e-mail your comments and suggestions to raffyrledesma@yahoo.com
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