The Philly Sports Blog

Sixers start their season on Wednesday at the ‘Cove against Atlanta. Will I watch the game? Unless I’m at my in-laws, I probably will not. The Sixers haven’t excited me in a while. They can be a very offensive team, but their defense leave’s a horrid taste in my mouth. Coach Cheek’s has tried to instill in this team a nice Defensive System, but let’s face it, this team is built to score, not defend and since they can’t defend, the only way for them to win is to outscore the opposition, and when you have a horrible defense, as the season goes on, the offence gets warn down quickly. And lets face it, the offence lives and dies with Allen Iverson. Only when he’s out does this team understand that it needs to rely on defense, because they don’t have the offense to out score their opponents.

Predictions:

What do I see this team doing? I don’t see them winning any more than 35 games. This is the same team as last year and then they only won 38. Iverson and Webber are getting older and while they will perform well, don’t be surprised if they slow down a bit this year.

If my predictions of a sub-par season come true, don’t be surprised to see some trades. Chances of trade:

Iverson: They really tried to move him this past off season, but alas, were unable to work anything out. I don’t see them moving him during the season. 30%

Webber: Has two years left to his ridiculously high contract. He’s not getting any younger and his play is starting to decline. Rumor had it that the Sixers tried to trade him to the Knicks in August, but it fell through. There are not suiters for him now, maybe in the off season, but I don’t see anyone desperate enough to take him now. 20%

Korver: Young, can hit the three, though when it comes to defense, not a lot there. For the right price, could go to a contender who needs some outside help. 50%

Iguodala: This guy has the potential to be a superstar or to be a sixth man. Fearless on either side of the court. If the Sixers do have a fire sale, don’t look for them to trade him. He is some one to build around. 0.1%

Green: Before his injury last season, he too could have been someone to build around. But this season is the test. If he gets off to a good start, and a fire sale occurs, look for him to stay, but if the price is right, don’t be surprised if he goes. 60%

Dalembert: Big man who can play a big game, or a big hide. Two years ago in the playoffs, he stepped up BIG TIME and earned himself and nice contract. But since, he has been inconsistent. Part of the Sixers success lies on his shoulders this season. If he steps up, he’s not going anywhere, if he doesn’t, look for him on the trade market. 50%

That’s all I’m going into for now. I'll update my thoughts on the Sixers at least once a week while the season is on. Check back soon!

# posted by Bill Lutz @ 9:44 AM