It looks like this will be our Philadelphia 76ers roster come opening night (Oct. 31, in Toronto).
- Andre Iguodala
- Andre Miller
- Samuel Dalembert
- Reggie Evans
- Willie Green
- Rodney Carney
- Kyle Korver
- Lou Williams
- Jason Smith
- Herbert Hill
- Thaddeus Young
- Loius Amundson
- Calvin Booth
- Kevin Ollie
- Shavlik Randolph
Notably absent from the list is Derrick Byars. The #42 pick in this year's draft was
cut loose by the Sixers today after appearing in only one preseason game. Byars missed significant time because a back injury. I guess this was the best move the team could make to trim the number of "swing" men on the roster. Green, Carney, Thad Young, Korver and probably Lou Williams will all see some time at the 2/3 alongside Iguodala. Mo Cheeks hasn't decided on his starting lineup yet, but I keep hearing the words Willie Green and starter in the same sentence. That's not exactly encouraging news.
It looks like Dalembert will play in one of the two remaining preseason games (against the Knicks and Nets), if he's healthy for opening night, this would be my starting lineup...
Andre Miller, Lou Williams, Andre Iguodala, Reggie Evans, Samuel Dalembert.
It won't happen, but I'd reward Lou for his excellent work in the Summer League, as well as the preseason.
So basically there's no stars in the lineup other than Iggy,
same as last year after Iverson was traded. Not encouraging.
I know it's always hard to predict the future, but do you see the Sixers making the playoffs or picking from the lottery again next Spring?
It has to be lottery, probably in the bottom five. This year should be all about figuring out what we have in the young nucleus of players so we can retool for future seasons. Lacking a true star other than Iggy may be a blessing in disguise because we'll be able to discover everything we need to without falling short of anyone's expectations. A lot of questions need to be answered this season such as the future of Andre Miller in Philadelphia, if Lou Williams can be a starting guard on this team going forward, and if Rodney Carney will turn the corner and produce like he should be doing. I want to know what level of talent we have on the current roster and build on it to be in a position akin to the 2007-08 Bulls in 2 years time.
Good analysis, Graham...I think you're correct in your assessment. Looking on the bright side, if the Sixers are pathetic this year after so many high picks in this draft, maybe that will finally mean the end of Billy's run as the GM.
And Brian, you're right... anytime you hear Willie Green's name being mentioned as a starter, you gotta be concerned about the talent level on the team.
Oh well... at least the Flyers look good this year....
A lot of what the Sixers do this season is going to depend on the development of Williams and Carney. I think they're a better team now than they were at the end of last season (when they finished 17-9). Reggie Evans is an upgrade over Steven Hunter in the starting lineup, especially from a rebounding and toughness standpoint. They've got three offensive weapons off the bench in Korver, Williams and hopefully Jason Smith. Thad Young is a wild card, no one knows what he's going to give us this year.
I'm optimistic right now. I'll have a full preview before the season starts.
Sixers will be way better than anyone is predicting now, and easily end with 25 W ;-)