SIXERS 2005-2006 SEASON THREAD

[SunMo]

it's not good news that he's still starting this year.  he needs to come off the bench to be most effective.

[SunMo]

Injuries give Thomas chance with Sixers

By TOM MOORE
phillyBurbs.com

PHILADELPHIA - James Thomas was with the Spurs for the entire preseason last October before being cut.

Thomas ended up playing briefly with the Trail Blazers, Cavaliers and Hawks during his rookie season, logging a total of 117 minutes in 11 games.

But he spent the bulk of the year with the NBDL's Roanoke Dazzle, earning Rookie of the Year honors by averaging 12.4 points and 13.3 rebounds.

Invited to Sixers' camp as a free agent, Thomas was a long shot to make the roster because team president Billy King already had 14 players with at least partially guaranteed contracts and didn't plan to carry more than 14.

But preseason injuries to starting center Samuel Dalembert (strained right quadriceps) and No. 4 big man Michael Bradley (right knee surgery), which are likely to keep them sidelined for another two to three weeks, changed King's thinking.

Not only is Thomas, a 6-8 rebounder, going to make the team - he could play in Tuesday night's opener against the Bucks.

Steven Hunter has stepped into the starting center spot, with Thomas and undrafted 6-9 rookie Deng Gai serving as the primary backups to Hunter and power forward Chris Webber.

"It feels good," said Thomas after Sunday's practice at the Wachovia Center. "The coaches have had faith in me since Day 1. They said if I work hard, something good will happen to me. That's what I did, and it did happen. But my journey's not over yet.

"Since I'm going to make the opening-day roster, I'm playing for minutes every day in practice because I do want to play."

Cheeks can also opt for a very small lineup, moving Andre Iguodala over to power forward and Webber to center, depending on the opponent.

"Compared to Sam, absolutely, we will be small," Cheeks said. "You've got to use what you have. Certainly, [Thomas] will not be up to Sam's caliber, but each day we're hoping that guy will get better and help our needs out.

"Any time a guy's hurt, I just usually put the next guy in, regardless of who it is. I don't bog my mind with worrying, 'This guy's out. That guy's out.' The reason why guys are on NBA teams is we feel like they can play. At the center spot, if somebody gets hurt, there's an opportunity for a guy to step in and play."

King repeated Sunday that he has no plans to bring in another big man.

"We're just trying to hold the fort for two weeks until everybody comes back," King said.

Korver sits out practice

Kyle Korver didn't practice Sunday. He sat out with a hyperextended left knee that he suffered Saturday, but Cheeks is optimistic that Korver will be ready for the opener.

"We've got to be smart about it," Cheeks said.

[hunt]

it's not good news that he's still starting this year.  he needs to come off the bench to be most effective.

well, yeah.

[BigEd76]

3 undrafted free agents and a 2nd-round high schooler.  Depth rules... 

[MDS]

Makes me long for the days of Gerald Honeycutt, Pepe Sanchez, Rodney Buford, Roshown Mcleod, Corey Blount, Vernon Maxwell and one of my favorite first names of all time: Jabari Smith.

[PhillyPhreak54]

I miss Willie Burton!

Here's Jim O'Brien's take on the Sixers on ESPn.com:

Iverson and Webber must share the burden of leading the team as Maurice Cheeks becomes the fourth coach in less than two years. Both veterans need the ball, so striking the right balance will get them back in the playoffs.

Nice shot there about the coaches, Jim. You dope.

[hbionic]

The sixers suck assfarg, chili burger tampons...whatever the hell that is.

Lakers suck!

[SunMo]

Sixers star Kyle Korver is movin' on up. And down.

The 24-year-old from small-town Iowa - whose third NBA season begins at home tonight with a tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks - has ordered an elevator for his just-completed $1.71 million Main Line house.

Lower Merion Township records show that he applied for a permit for the elevator, a $14,000 device that will stop on all three floors. (Stairs really beat up those ol' knees.)

In July, Korver signed a five-year contract worth more than $20 million, so it was assumed he'd set down roots here. His house - a four-bedroom, 31/2-bath Normandy in Gladwyne - is a solid three-point shot down the block from the crib of Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal.

Korver will look a bit different tonight. Not only has he added 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season, he also went under the scissors over the weekend and looks a bit less shaggy. (He still could be Ashton Kutcher's younger, taller brother.)

Asked after practice if the haircut was his way of trying to look good for opening night, he replied: "It's my haircut for the year. It will last a long time, though. They went short on me, so I'll be ready for a while

what a lazy bum

[BigEd76]

Not sure if it was ever mentioned, but the Roanoke Dazzle will be the 76ers' NBDL affiliate, along with the Nets and Wizards...

[MDS]

dazzaling

[rjs246]

dazzaling

Don't ever accuse someone else of being unfunny ever again.

[MURP]

9 pages before the first game of the season.

There must be passion and pride. 

[PhillyPhreak54]

Indeed.

Bogut is starting at PF tonight for the Bucks because Joe Smith is out.

CWebb is going to have a great season. 20/10/5 for his this year.

Steven Hunter MUST stay outta foul trouble tonight. Without Sammy D, there is nothing for depth at the 5.

AI kills the Bucks. Maybe he'll drop 50 on opening night.

I've got the Sixers and the under tonight.

[SunMo]

I've got the Sixers and the under tonight.

you're a degenerate, aren't you?

[PhillyPhreak54]

 

No. Not yet.

I only put small bets down. Nothing ever more than $50 and that was only one time (on the White Sox). Most of the time I bet $10.

I'm +150 bucks for the year (I started in September).

Sixers money line
Sixers/Bucks under
Mavs money line
Mavs/Suns under
Spurs money line
Spurs/Nuggets under

If that 6 teamer hits on a $10 bet I win $186.

Low risk high reward.