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| Thursday, October 11 Updated: October 12, 2:59 PM ET Users: Sixers can overcome injuries, other factors ESPN.com |
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Sixers fans are always reminding us that Allen Iverson has tons of heart, and that even a battered Philly team still went to the Finals. We know that, but the Sixers have made a few changes and are suffering from injuries. However, our users don't seem worried.
Your 76ers Feedback There you go again. Doubting Philly. Haven't you learned your lesson? Everyone thought that we would be swept in the Finals. I know we lost, but that first game we shocked the entire basketball world, and would have continued to beat LA if injuries hadn't crept up. No, I don't think that the loss of Croce or the amount of injuries we have will have an effect. Croce was a huge influence, but the Sixers are a team. Allen Iverson has matured and Larry Brown is an excellent coach, so the leadership won't be a weakness, instead it will be a strength. Don't forget, the Sixers dealt with injuries all last year, so this season won't be any different. Over the season, health will become a non-factor. They are definitely the best in the East and I think, in the league. Again, if the Sixers were healthy, they would have beaten the overrated Lakers and won the Finals last year. Nobody, not even Jordan or LA will stop them from winning the title in 2002.
Dan Finocchio
The injuries are the least of the Sixers problems. Who is going to replace Tyrone Hill? Don't say Matt Geiger, Robert Traylor or Jerome Moiso. Traylor and Moiso may be the future, but that PF spot will have a hole for awhile. Todd MacCulloch will also be missed because Dikembe Mutombo is 35 and Samuel Dalembert and Alvin Jones haven't played yet. Jumaine Jones will not be missed in theory, but he was also a playoff starter. Speedy Claxton is finally here. Overall I see the Sixers, at best, status quo. Unfortunately the East has gotten better.
Scott Pele' Shell
I feel in all professional sports teams are forced to endure injuries and personnel changes. The Sixers are no different than any other team but have shown previously they can outlast these conditions. For example, last year was injury plagued and Larry Brown flirted with retirement all season, but yet they were able to reach the NBA Finals. So I conclude, yes they are the best team in the East. Furthermore I believe the loss of Mo Cheeks will prove more detrimental than the loss of Mr. Croce.
Eric Lee
Forget about the injuries; everybody will be ready for the opener. Forget about Croce; despite his enthusiasm, Brown and Iverson can coexist without him. However, the Sixers will not become undisputed Eastern Conference favorites until they package three or four of their valuable role players to the Heat for Anthony Mason, who would slide right in as the starting 4-man. Can't wait for the opener -- Go Sixers!
Mitch D'Angelo
There is no doubt that injuries will hinder the Sixers chance of making a return trip to the NBA Finals. Aaron McKie is a big part of this team, and his injury is causing concern in the Philly area -- he might not be ready for the start of the season. But you cannot question the heart and leadership of Allen Iverson. The guy just simply makes plays game after game, but this year he will have to contribute more with the loss of Tyrone Hill and Jumaine Jones. As far as Robert Traylor is concerned, are you kidding me? The guy is not going to help anyone out this year, except maybe the Krispy Kreme franchise. I say Philly ends up with 48 wins.
Mike
While the East will be stronger this year than last, the Sixers still have to be considered the team to beat. Iverson now has someone to take some of his minutes in Speedy Claxton, though I doubt that's likely, but with Claxton, the team can sustain the same pace when Iverson is on the bench. Also, I think Matt Harpring is a perfect addition to this team. He has the gritty demeanor Larry Brown covets along with the outside shot this team so desperately needs. As long as the power forward situation takes care of itself -- how could anyone play worse than Tyrone Hill in the playoffs -- this team will still be the dominant force in the East.
Andrew Banecker
Pat Croce's reign of Philly cheerleader is over. His role in actual personnel moves was minimal and actually bothersome (according to quotes in the media last week). Croce is a marketing genius but Billy King is a basketball guru. Together with the great Larry Brown they have sculpted a team that overcomes adversity as it as thrown at them ad nauseam. The team has the key components back for another run: defense, speed, rebounding, consistency, and strong fundamental basketball from the mind of Brown. Now they add more depth on the bench and they are as good as anyone in the league. Sixers fans are not worried, and don't bother to ask if Iverson will again be the Eastern MVP -- even if they amputate that arm.
Michael Haffey
The reason why the Sixers couldn't come away with at least two wins in the Finals last year was that nobody stepped up and hit the big shot. Iverson can penetrate like no other, but when the defenders double-team him there was no reliable shooter to kick out the ball to. Dell Curry, Rick Fox and Glen Rice are the types of pure shooters this team lacks. It was once thought that Aaron McKie was the solution, but he is too injury prone and has trouble coming off of low screens. Unless Speedy Claxton can develop as a reliable point guard who can effectively penetrate, making Iverson "the answer" to the Sixers pure shooting hole, the Sixers are going to have a tough time repeating last year's heartwarming playoff run. This holds especially true with the league's new zone defense rule. My prediction: The Sixers lose in the Eastern conference finals to the Milwaukee Bucks in 6.
Matty B
The Sixers have not gotten worse on account of the injuries and departures, but they failed to get better. In a much improved East they Sixers are looking at a No. 3, 4 or 5 seed. Iverson needed to get physically stronger this off-season to better prepare him for another grueling 80-plus games. Because of the surgery this did not happen and should cause him to break down even more drastically this year. And if Iverson starts getting frustrated the whole team will suffer. I will be very surprised if the Sixers finish ahead of the Raptors or Bucks.
Steven Westerman
The loss of Pat Croce and the list of injuries for the 76ers will most certainly have an effect on the chemistry of this team. Last year, the most important key to winning for this team was the heart and chemistry that the players displayed on the court. This year, we can't expect to see the same due to the loss of Pat Croce's optimism and the adjustment that always comes with new teammates. However, I don't think this means that the 76ers will fall from last year's results. I believe that the 76ers can still stay atop the East through talent and experience rather than chemistry this year. Iverson is now what you would consider an experienced NBA guard. Mutombo has more than displayed his ability to dominate the boards late in his career. Young talent such as Raja Bell, Speedy Claxton and Matt Harpring should add to the skill level of the team. And as for Geiger, Traylor, Lynch, McKie and Snow, they will tell the story of whether the supporting cast of the 76ers will remain healthy and productive for their stars. This year's season should be just as exciting as the last!!
Ryan Weatherford
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