by Brian on July 17, 2008 at 4:08AM
According to several reports, Sam Dalembert has been dismissed from the Canadian national team. Not much is being said about the circumstances of his dismissal, but it looks like he was ripped by the coach, Leo Rautins, which led to a confrontation. Dalembert had a frustrating game against Slovenia, going 1-8 in a loss, it was after this game that Rautins called him out to the press, "He never got on track offensively or defensively. I didn't see him leave the floor to challenge people defensively, and on the offensive end he struggled not only with his shooting but with the decision-making behind the shots."

We've seen Sammy have these games, obviously, and when they happen you shake your head and move on. He usually bounces back. It seems pretty unprofessional for the coach to single him out and I would bet that this set Sammy off. In the grand scheme of things, I'm glad he isn't playing for the team anymore, the Sixers need him rested and who really cares if team Canada makes the Olympics or not. One thing this does point out, however, is just how good Mo Cheeks is at handling his team.

If you recall, last season Sammy made some foolish comments to the press about not having fun playing basketball. It could've snowballed into a huge deal, but Cheeks quietly had a talk with him, Sammy backed down and continued to turn in a solid season. One thing a lot of coaches just don't get is that respect has to be a two-way street with the NBA player. Mo does an excellent job of motivating his players, a task a lot of guys really aren't up to (ahem, Isiah, I might be looking at you). In fact, the job he's done with this young group of players is nothing short of amazing.

So Sammy, if you're reading, we're behind you. Get some sleep, rest your knees, and get ready for the only season that matters.

In other Sixers news, Ed Stefanski has starting negotiations with Andre Iguodala's agent, and he's expected to open talks with Lou Williams and also possibly Mo Cheeks on a further extension to his contract. One step at a time as he continues to assemble his roster for what we hope will be a deep run into the playoffs in '08-'09. Marreese Speights also continues to look very good in Vegas, his line last night in a win against the Wizards: 31 minutes, 9/17 from the floor, 6/9 from the line, 24 points, 13 boards, 2 blocks and only 2 fouls. 


Also on the Network:
√ Howry: Soon Is Now [El Lefty Malo]
√ A Tall Order [Depressed Fan]
√ Hazy Sabes of Winter [El Lefty Malo]
√ Holding Pattern [C70 At The Bat]




[July 17, 2008 7:07 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Graham said

I know it's only summer league, but should we be taking anything away from Speights's domination in Vegas? For someone that the coaching staff and management feels won't contribute much this year, he's making quite the case for himself.

[July 17, 2008 9:36 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Matt replied to Graham

Unfortunately, no. Two words: Marco Belinelli. Owned the summer league last year. Then scored less than 100 points - all season.

I agree, though, that Speights has looked great, and it's very encouraging to see him so active around the rim, given that the knock on him was lack of intensity. Playing with EB will only help. Also nice to see Jason Smith look more aggressive. He has the talent and athleticism to be a player, I just don't know where his head's at.

Which brings us to Sammy. I have heard this before from folks who have had personal encouters with him - he's just a freakin' Diva. This quote, from one of his team mates, kind of sums it up: "He's not a bad person," said one player agent who asked not to be named. "But his level of dedication isn't the same as a Rowan Barrett or a Joel Anthony. He's kind of got an NBA aura. He's a role player in the league, but he sees what stars can get away with there and now that he's in a smaller pond, he's pulling a lot of the same stuff."

Don't get me wrong, I like his game and thought he had a great season for us last year. But he has always thought he was more the man than he really is. Brian's right about Mo though - he's managed to push the right buttons.

[July 17, 2008 10:09 AM]  |  link  |  reply
gdog said

Sammy had a good year last year. I'll be interested to see if he can duplicate it...because before last year he was basically like sports illustrated..showing up once a week.
Speights does look good...but its against scrubs.
Still...he has all the tools so its encouraging.
And dammit why cant Thad dribble ?!? Is that such a hard thing to learn at the pro level ?

[July 17, 2008 2:10 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Terry said

Is anyone going to be affected by the ref scandal?
Do you think the officials will try and be more uniform in the way they call fouls?
Like not letting superstars get away with things that role players wouldn’t?


[July 17, 2008 2:45 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to Terry

I doubt it. The NBA has this air of not having to answer to anyone for anything. I suspect it'll be business as usual, just like it was last year after the Donaghy thing originally broke.

[July 20, 2008 7:05 AM]  |  link  |  reply
gdog replied to Brian

Hey Brian. Looks like this was discussed on WIP.
I would say this is front page worthy if theres even an ounce of truth to it....
link

[July 17, 2008 3:17 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Terry said

I agree Brian

Everybody knows there are different rules for different players.

What is the rule for traveling? To me it seems that the rule is… if you looked like you meant to do it then it’s legal. If looks like it was unintentional then it’s a walk.
I’ve seen four or more steps not get called. But I would like to know the actual rule.

[July 17, 2008 4:35 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Terry said

a. A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.
b. A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may use a two-count rhythm in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball.
The first count occurs:
(1) As he receives the ball, if either foot is touching the floor at the time he receives it.
(2) As the foot touches the floor, or as both feet touch the floor simultane- ously after he receives the ball, if both feet are off the floor when he receives it.
The second occurs:
(1) After the count of one when either foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.
c. A player who comes to a stop on the count of one may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.
d. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with one foot in advance of the other, may pivot using only the rear foot as the pivot foot.
e. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with neither foot in advance of the other, may use either foot as the pivot foot.
f. In starting a dribble after (1) receiving the ball while standing still, or (2) coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor.
g. If a player, with the ball in his possession, raises his pivot foot off the floor, he must pass or shoot before his pivot foot returns to the floor. If he drops the ball while in the air, he may not be the first to touch the ball.
h. A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball, or while coming to a stop, may not gain an advantage by sliding.
i. A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring or another player.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline, nearest spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended.

Section XV-Offensive Screen Set Out-of-Bounds
An offensive player shall not leave the playing area of the floor on the endline in the frontcourt for the purpose of setting a screen.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line at the free throw line extended.

Section XVI-Five-Second Back-to-the-Basket Violation
An offensive player in his frontcourt below the free throw line extended shall not be permitted to dribble with his back or side to the basket for more than five seconds.
The count ends when (1) the player picks up the ball, (2) dribbles above the free throw line extended or (3) a defensive player deflects the ball away.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at the free throw line extended.

[July 19, 2008 5:50 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Joe said

McGrady for Iggy talks are going on apparently.

Not sure how I feel about this.

[July 19, 2008 5:56 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Joe replied to Joe

All my sources are from "a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy" type of stuff, so take it with a grain of salt.

[July 19, 2008 9:08 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to Joe

Wow. I can't find anything on this anywhere, if I see it reported I'll put a post up.

In the mean time, my initial reaction is that it's an unnecessary, and rash move. McGrady is only 29, but he has a ton of miles on his body, and he's a huge injury risk. Last season, he was a less efficient scorer than Iguodala, and a worse 3pt shooter.

I like McGrady, but I think a move like this would change the Sixers from a team with a ton of upside and a chance to win now, to a somewhat flawed team who is trying to win it all right away. I'd rather the team grow together for a year or two with Iguodala and Brand.

[July 20, 2008 6:59 AM]  |  link  |  reply
gdog said

Mcgrady for iggy eh ? Mcgrady is a top 5 player...WHEN HEALTHY. Which is never. I would stick with Iguodola...Mcgrady is an elite player for sure. But he is just never healthy enough.

[July 21, 2008 12:22 PM]  |  link  |  reply
James Beale said

I just made some quick checks and if it is real no one is talking.

Also it doesn't pass the smell test: McGrady makes just under 20 million this year - that as a straight up trade wouldn't work at all, who would the other salaries be?

[July 21, 2008 12:52 PM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to James Beale

Off the top of my head, I think this deal would have to be Iguodala and Miller. That's not happening. McGrady is making $21M this season, according to HoopsHype, meaning the Sixers would have to send at least $19M in salaries to Houston. Maybe Sammy and Iguodala, or Sammy and Miller would work as well, but any of these trades creates a hole in the starting lineup, doesn't make sense.