Recap: (35-47): Releasing Chris Webber and trading away a hall of famer for essentially nothing in return will certainly cause your team’s winning percentage to drop off drastically. But after the trade of Allen Iverson, the 76ers did better than expected. Yeah, they lost 14 games in a row while adjusting to life after Allen Iverson, but they finished the season 17-9 over the course of their last 26 games. Andre Iguodala emerged as the team’s superstar, and he even displayed an ability to create his own shot off of the dribble. Kyle Korver and Rodney Carney demonstrated growth as well, helping lead the charge of the team’s late playoff push that would ultimately end in a 9th place Eastern Conference finish.
Off-season: The 76ers did not make any serious moves and seem to be content upon developing their young talent. They drafted four different players, including Thaddeus Young, who was a steal at the 12th pick of the NBA draft. The 76ers also traded for Reggie Evans and Ricky Sanchez and signed Calvin Booth. Steven Hunter, Bobby Jones, Joe Smith and Alan Henderson were all sent packing.
Starters:
C – Samuel Dalembert: A big body that takes up space and rebounds really well.
PF – Reggie Evans: Another great rebounder with excellent defensive value.
SF – Andre Iguodala: An emerging star, and the 76ers only hope at contention.
SG – Kyle Korver: Shot 43% for three last year, and is getting better at coming off screens and shooting.
PG – Andre Miller: The most proven veteran on the team and can be a mismatch in size for most point guards.
Bench: Kevin Ollie, Louis Williams, Willie Green, Rodney Carney, Thaddeus Young, Derrick Byars, Jason Smith, Louis Amundson, Herbert Hill, Shavlik Randolph, Calvin Booth.
Philosophy: While Iguoudala’s offensive game is still developing, he will have to continue to rely on his transition game to be effective. His athleticism is too much for anyone in the East, and his supporting cast of Carney, Miller and Dalembert can all get up and down the floor and finish at the rim. However, when the game is slowed down, the 76ers are sure to struggle, because there is no one on the team that demands a double team.
Projection: Without having an efficient offense, the 76ers will have to rely on their defense to produce offensive opportunities. Unfortunately, the Knicks, Celtics and Raptors can both slow the game down and score in the paint on the 76ers. The only divisional opponent willing to run with the 76ers will be the Nets, and they are much better at it than the Philly.
Prediction: 29-53; 5th place in the Atlantic Division
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