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NLL Insider - Team by Team: Philadelphia 76ers

by proid, updated on Friday, November 28 2008, 12:45 pm EST

Philadelphia 76ers Review
by Javijoe, updated on Saturday, November 28, 04:15 pm CST

2007-2008
Finish: 49-33

What went well
The Sixers have been at or near the top of the NLL for almost the entirety of the leagues history. They are managed by one of the best GMs the league has ever seen. He also happens to be a co-commissioner of the NLL. GM VT is a no-holds barred guy that gets things done within the league but more so with his own team or figures out ways to get things done. He and his team brought back a lot more respect for the NLL Eastern Conference in an almost unfair way. He is in an enviable position to have former all-stars coming off his bench to groom his sure-shot future all-stars. VT has brought a lot of excitement to the city of brotherly love with his drafting genius and guru-like trade ability. VT has never entered in negotiations that would change the landscape of his team without taking serious time thinking about every aspect of any moves.

The team started the off-season by trading away sharp-shooting but little used PG Steve Blake to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2nd round pick. The team then ensued on re-signing a gluttony of young prospects like Al Thornton, Luol Deng and Jeff Green. But the most notable transaction for the team may have been on signing 2007 draft pick Rudy Fernandez after he decided to play in the states. I am sure VT had more than a little persuasion.

There is much to be said for a team that affords to have Richard Hamilton and his 21 PPG come off the bench alongside Luol Deng (12 PPG, 5 RPG), Leandro Barbosa (13 PPG, 3 APG), Thornton and Green—a formidable starting crew on any other team. These are the problems every other NLL GM would wish upon themselves, to be sure!

What went bad
Being in the NLL championship game three years in a row with one championship hardly qualifies this team as having anything go bad or awry. The team was tough three years ago…two years ago…last year…I think you see the trend.

 


The Star

Richard Hamilton,  GF -
Although Hamilton is slated to come off the bench early in the pre-season, his numbers will not suffer.  As stated before he amassed a 21 PPG 3RPG and 2 APG average.  He will be a shoe-in for Sixth man of the year if kept at his current position on the depth chart.


Josh Smith, GF-
You cannot deny the shear athletic prowess this youngster (22 yrs old) possesses.  He did not have the numbers you would expect a “star” to have last year, but there is no denying the defense Smith brought out on the opposition (2 BPG) while usually guarding the opponents best front court player.  Smith’s numbers look to increase this year with a more robust, well-rounded team surrounding him.  Look for him to make an early bid for the all-star team id injury doesn’t prevent that.


Looking to the future

No money left in the pockets of the Sixers has this team looking to the future.  The team does have the luxury of having such a deep team with the core young players locked up for at least another two seasons.  Things are really looking up for the Sixers, but, then again….when haven’t they?

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