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| Tuesday, September 5 Users: Will Iverson-Brown spat be too much? ESPN.com |
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When we wrote our Team Offseason Spotlight on the 76ers, we admit it wasn't as optimistic an overview as it was for other teams. But facts are facts. Allen Iverson and Larry Brown hate each other. Matt Geiger and Toni Kukoc are coming off poor seasons. Other teams in the East seemed to improve. Some of the users who wrote in agree that the Sixers may not be heading in the right direction. We didn't say they wouldn't be better, only that certain things have to happen.
Anyway, here are some of the better e-mails we received on the Sixers and our Team Offseason Spotlight. Enjoy, and check out our spotlight index page to see when your favorite team will be broken down.
An unstoppable Iverson and one of the league's most tenacious defenses are more than enough to make the Sixers Eastern Conference contenders once again. This same team was capable of making the conference semifinals the last two years, but apparently that wasn't enough to quiet the critics. New York, Charlotte, Detroit and Indiana have taken steps backwards, Milwaukee has no defense, and Toronto lost McGrady and overpaid for Jackson. The only playoff team to improve was Miami. Orlando's definitely improved, but they weren't even a playoff team last year. I just can't see how the Sixers won't be competing with the Heat for the Eastern conference championship. Mark Deitelbaum Boston, Mass.
Philly is my favorite team because of Iverson. But honestly, you hit it right on the head with this team. There's nothing else left to be said. I think they could possibly get 49 again though just because I think Iverson will be better and smarter and physically stronger next season. Trading Tim Thomas was stupid though. I know you need experience, but hey, it wasn't like Philly was in the same position as the Portland where they needed to win now. Thomas will be awesome in the next two years. Bruce Tampa, Fla.
This spotlight surprised me. Most have shown a fairly positive light on teams, whether they deserve it or not. I couldn't believe how negative this one was. Maybe it's the whole Philadelphia thing. You didn't even mention that this team beat a peaking team in Charlotte in the playoffs last year without their starting point. Remember this team was within striking distance of winning the Atlantic near the end of the season, and may have won it if not for all the injuries. Face it, no matter what problems they have with egos, or sharing the ball, or matchup problems, this team will win games, for no other reason than Larry Brown is the coach. He's made a commitment to stay, even giving up his dream job of going home to UNC. This is his organization now, and if guys don't cut it, they'll be gone. They might have not made any moves, but if they stay healthy, they'll still win 50 some games, probably fighting with Toronto and Milwaukee for home court in the first round. Tom Indianapolis, Ind.
First and foremost, the Sixers have silently watched throughout this turbulent offseason. I don't see them beginning the season with their current lineup. Though I feel ESPN's predictions were accurate that the Sixers will experience some decline, I feel that certain key elements were neglected. Primarily, the importance of re-signing Aaron McKie. While Snow was injured in the playoffs, the backcourt of he and Iverson was a more dynamic look. We undoubtedly will see McKie backing up the point and the two-guard on a more regular basis. As well, injuries take time to heal. Matt Geiger's playoff performance was evidence of how long it takes for a player to rebound from an injury that leaves them benched. Look for turnaround and improved years from Geiger, Iverson and Ratliff. Todd Birnbaum New York, New York
I am one of Allen Iverson's biggest fans, but here's the problem. I'm 24, he's 24. Young people earn respect when they give it and lateness on the job isn't the answer -- even for The Answer. Chris Conner Wyndmoor, Pa.
I think your insights into the 76ers are quite accurate, unfortunately. It's tough being a Sixers fan. I mean, they tend to trade away talent (Hughes, Thomas, etc.) and now the fans have to worry about losing Allen. I have to admit, as much as I like the 76ers, but the main reason they're so enjoyable is Iverson. Without them, they're the Clippers. Here's a tip for Mr. Croce: People will not pay $60-plus at the ol' First Union Center to see Larry Brown. It's bad enough they're paying to see Kukoc. K.A. Hudak Bethlehem, Pa.
As the Sixers go deep into the season, expect the Brown-Iverson feud to just explode with the shockwaves making Croce think, "Why didn't I just see it coming?" It would've been a win-win situation to have let one go. Let coach Brown go, make Allen happy. Let Allen go, make the team happy (because they'll finally have more touches). At any rate, this team can contend for the playoffs. But to do better, they're gonna have to move people to fill key positions where they're sorely hurting at small forward and center. I don't see Kukoc thriving here and Geiger had better days as a Hornet. You're right to say that Allen will carry this team, but can only go so far. That's because basketball was meant to be played by five people on a team. Jay W. San Luis Manila, Philippines
You neglect three facts. First, the Sixers were 27-14 after obtaining Toni Kukoc, meaning they won over 65 percent of their games after obtaining the "LVP." Second, they lost an extraordinary number of games to injury. And third, contrary to your claim, the East did not get stronger, since Charlotte, Detroit, Toronto and Cleveland should decline sharply, offsetting the gains in Orlando and Miami. Barring a major injury, the Sixers will win more than 50 games this year. Andrew W. Cohen Syracuse, N.Y.
I agree, by them staying the same there's no real reason to expect anything different from this team. I am a Sixer fan and have been all my life and I truly expected them to put together some kind of package to get a low-post scorer or pure outside jump shooter. Geiger's now considered a bust, Kukoc is on shaky ground and Iverson is their only real offensive threat. I like Theo Ratliff and I thought he stepped his game up a notch last year. McKie, Snow and Lynch will continue to be solid in their roles on the squad but I don't expect anything different next year at all. Oh well, I'll just wait and see if LA is going to face New York or Miami in the Finals! Rodney Wilmington, Del.
I am a die-hard Sixers fan, but I don't see how the team can possibly improve without making any offseason changes. As you can see, other teams in the East have bolstered up their respective teams considerably. Allen Iverson is the team, but with his poor practice and conditioning habits, he is bound to run out of gas eventually. They are the same team, the same team desperate for a solid big man and another scorer. Changes need to be made to the supporting cast if the Sixers are ever to make a serious dent in the playoffs. M Scott Alexandria, Va.
The biggest thing is that Brown and Iverson can work together. Although winning is a good reason for Iverson to listen and work with his coach, a good relationship between the two will have a much more positive effect on the team. In addition, Iverson needs to play smarter and shoot a little better from the field. He still hasn't developed the patience that a true veteran has. Sometimes, he's way to eager to shoot a wild shot than to look for an open man to dish the ball to. Ratliff is going to need to play as intensely as ever. The man is a shot-blocking machine. His defense is just outstanding compared to the rest of the centers in the league. He plays defense with such intensity and desire and this will be key in Philly's success. Sajid Ansari Clarksville, Md.
Get rid of Larry Brown, tell Kukoc he's coming off the bench, roll out the red carpet for AI, and win a division title. Larry Brown has served his purpose as coach. He made the Sixers better. Larry Brown makes teams and players better. Now, the Sixers can bring in a coach who can win a conference title and maybe a championship. Quincy Jones Novi, Mich.
As a hardcore Sixers fan, I wish I could disagree but I think your analysis is pretty accurate. A couple points: Despite not playing or fitting in all that well, Kukoc's arrival brought the Sixers winning percentage way up. If he can find his shot, and if Geiger can play tough and athletic they've got a shot. There are a lot of ifs. If Geiger can get it together, if they can keep Brown and AI from killing each other, if they can all stay healthy. And the expectations will be higher. Ugh. Vaughn Sandman Los Angeles, Calif.
Judging by the way the Sixers played in the playoffs, the three players they need to keep around are Snow, McKie and Ratliff. They're the guys with the heart, the guys who play hard-nosed basketball. And the guys who need to make a big improvement are Kukoc, and more importantly, Iverson. Kukoc didn't fit in last year and he very well may never fit in. Iverson is a terrible jump-shooter, and he showed us that on more than one occasion. And with the game on the line, Iverson many times did more harm than good down the stretch. Throwing up wild attempts and complaining for foul calls is only going to ensure that the Sixers will crumble in the final minutes like they did so many times against Charlotte and Indiana. I can only hope that all those injuries were actually taking their toll and we're going to see a different Iverson in the postseason. But I know that when I see Iverson with the ball and the clock ticking down, I'm going to have the same feeling of dread in my gut as when Jim Fregosi put Mitch Williams in to finish off the Blue Jays in Game 6. Adam Rhuberg Chicago, Ill.
The Sixers are an average team. The most important player on this team isn't Iverson, Kukoc, Snow or Ratliff. It is Matt Geiger. Matt Geiger has all the tools to be an above-average center in this league. He has a jump shot from about 15 feet. If he can get back on track like he was in the lockout shortened season the Sixers can do some damage. That year, he scored, rebounded, and even played defense. Not saying that Tyrone Hill is any slouch, Matt Geiger was signed to a long-term deal worth $50 million. Until he can produce the way he should, the Sixers have no chance inside against Mourning, Shaq or anybody of that caliber. So as I see it the Sixers are average until Geiger shows up night in and night out. Steve DiFrancesco West Chester, Pa.
Philly didn't make significant offseason moves, but I don't think they hurt themselves. Many of the Sixers are improving as players. You mention Ratliff will continue to improve. Snow showed even more potential in the playoffs prior to getting hurt. I agree that Geiger can average 13 or 14 points per game at center. Only the handful of All-Star centers like Duncan, Shaq, etc. will score better. Though Kukoc played below par overall (especially during playoffs), you didn't mention how well he played when he started while George Lynch was disabled. Kukoc starts, Philly will be better. Frankly, I think the other teams have more question marks. Miami, Orlando, Indy or the other so-called leaders of the pack in the East could have chemistry problems. Chemistry will benefit Philly. Say 55 wins and no lower than third seed in the East. Jonathan Ham Pittsburgh, Pa.
Your analysis of the Sixers discounts the benefits of stability and familiarity. While the Sixers have made no major changes, they should continue to improve by keeping the team intact. They won 49 games last year with major injuries to the entire frontline, almost no contributions from Geiger and Kukoc, and a banged up Iverson. Each of these areas should improve. If you look at Brown's experience with Tyrone Hill, Hill was only able to fit into the system and the rotation in his first full year with the team. Look for Kukoc to do the same and for Geiger to bounce back, providing a much needed scoring threat, and the Sixers should be as strong as anybody in the East, save the Heat. Noah Managua, Nicaragua
Hmmm, this sounds really familiar. The last time I heard this was about 10 years ago. There was this guy, named Michael Jordan and he played for the Chicago Bulls. Anyway, much a debate was made about how him doing all that he could and that the team has got to figure out a new strategy. Well, does anyone know what happened? They went on to win six championships, that's all. Look for Philly to do the same -- just as long as Allen makes practice. Just imagine how good he can be if he did?! Jimmy New York, New York
I partially agree with your analysis. However, I believe that the Sixers may actually "overachieve" for a third year in a row and win more than 50 games this season. Because the Eastern conference remains relatively weak, despite Miami and Orlando's noticeable improvement, the Sixers should once again capitalize on the weaker teams that they will face this year. If Toni Kukoc can average 15 points and not be too much of a liability, and if Matt Geiger can be more consistent and give the Sixers 12 points and 8 rebounds, and if Ratliff can improve upon last year, the Sixers can win more than 50 games. They still need another legitimate scorer to get over the hump and get to the Eastern conference finals or NBA Finals. They should have attempted a sign and trade with the Lakers for Glen Rice in exchange for Kukoc. Or they should have attempted to go after other key free agents like Jalen Rose or Eddie Jones (Salary cap permitting, of course). Obviously, my prediction is biased since I am a Sixers fan, however, I am confident that they will once again be one of the top teams in the East this year. Vijay Philadelphia, Pa.
While I agree with your assessment on the Sixers record, I disagree with some of your comments. I don't understand why so many people have the misconception of Iverson not wanting to pass the ball. The man led all two-guards in assists. If the Sixers had a spot up shooter he would get even more assists. The man gives 110 percent every night. People act like the Sixers won 49 games in spite of Iverson. The fact of the matter is they've won 49 games because of him. As for the future it looks OK. In my opinion the Sixers should hold the team together for many years like the Jazz did. The Sixers have all the pieces together besides a second scorer. What they have to do is get lucky in free agency and sign a great player for the minimum who can still play. Or convince some team to take Matt Geiger and sign a quality free agent. Overall I'd rather be in the Sixers' position than that of about 25 other teams. Scott Savett Bryn Mawr, Pa.
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