2008-2009 Philadelphia 76ers Season Thread

[ice grillin you]

hollinger outlook....

Outlook
Brand's arrival completes Philadelphia's rapid-fire transition from doormat to contender. This is one of the East's most-talented teams and they're well-stocked for the future, as rising stars like Young (20), Iguodala (24) and Williams (21) are still well on the upswing side of their careers.

The shooting is a concern, obviously, but Philadelphia's defense should be good enough that they can win 50 games even with a middling offensive effort. If you're looking for negatives, the biggest concerns this season regard the two veterans, Miller and Brand. Miller was fantastic least season but his age and conditioning are huge worries, especially since he has no jump shot to fall back on. He'll also be a free agent after the season, so the decision whether to give him an extension is a huge one heading forward.

Brand, of course, is a worry simply because of the Achilles injury last year. He looked rusty upon his return but didn't seem like a different player, so to speak, and one suspects he'll return to All-Star form this season.

If so, the Sixers look like the third-best team in the East. They'll run teams into submission on many nights, especially at home, and now have the rock-solid post threat to win half-court battles, too. The lack of shooting seems to be the only thing standing between them and a place in the conference finals.


Prediction: 50-32, 2nd in Atlantic Division, 3rd in Eastern Conference

full preview here

[reese125]

Miller was fantastic least season but his age and conditioning are huge worries, especially since he has no jump shot to fall back on.

Well, I can tell you he didnt average 17 points by driving to the basket

I think he improved his jump shot just fine fine...almost 50% FGM

[SunMo]

i can't believe he makes as many jumpers as he does, his shot has no arc on it. 

[MDS]

did this douchebag forget about kareem rush? hello

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

did this douchebag forget about kareem rush? hello

How can anyone not love MDS?

[PhillyPhreak54]

Looked decent tonight.

I watched some of it on NBA TV.

Thad and Lou Will were ballin. Young really looks like he made a lot of improvements and just looks so much more polished.

I'm excited and can't wait to get started.

[The BIGSTUD]

Elton Brand scored 18 points in 10 minutes in the 1st quarter last night. He ate up the Knicks' front court when the starters were playing. Thad left the game with a corneal abrasion. SHould be ok.

[SD_Eagle5]

Miller doesn't rely on athleticism so age isn't that big of a worry. Should be interesting to see how the youngins and vets mesh. I just hope they get off to a decent start this first half.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

ESPN experts

[BigEd76]

their bench breakdown doesn't include Donyell Marshall or Theo Ratliff

[Rome]

surprisingly it doesn't include philly fans booing santa or pelting anyone with batteries either.

[ice grillin you]

does it include an oversized corny picture of their big offseason acquisition?

[phattymatty]

of course it does.  it's a Brand new year for the Sixers!

[ice grillin you]

RUN with us

[Rome]

of course it does.  it's a Brand new year for the Sixers!

I wrote that in a letter to the Sixers and they stoled it from me.

STOLED IT!