Saturday, December 30, 2006
Rocky Balboa
Last night, I went to see Rocky Balboa and although I wasn't expecting much; I was not disappointed. The lastest edition of the Rocky movies does a good job of rapping up the entire series. It was the ultimate underdog story as a 60 year old Rocky Balboa goes the distance with the heavyweight champion of the world, Mason Dixon. I really don't want to spoil anything or give away the ending but as a Philadelphia sports fan, I really enjoyed the movie and want to encourage others to go out and see Rocky Balboa.
Labels: Rocky Balboa
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
10 and Counting
The Flyers fell again tonight. This time they lost to the Florida Panthers. Tonight saw Peter Forsberg return to the lineup and Forsberg played well setting up a few scoring chances. Robert Esche also returned to the game for the first time since November 29. Esche replaced Antero Nittymaki in the third period. The Flyers fell for a record tenth straight game. They have struggled mightily this season and their seems to be no answer.
I think it is time to take Ed Snider to task. He prematurely fired Ken Hitchcock, a Stanley Cup winning coach. Hitchcock has meanwhile helped to get the Columbus Blue Jackets on the winning track. It is not that I don't like John Stevens because I do. I think he will be a great NHL coach but right now may be in over his head. The only person leaving their job, during the early season struggles should have been Bobby Clarke. Clarke was burned out and has never been a great GM. He has covered up mistakes by spending more than other teams but the new salary cap exposed his flaws. I am also not sold on Paul Holgrem as replacing him. I would prefer the Flyers go out during the off-season and bring in a proven GM just as the Phillies brought in Pat Gillick.
Ed Snider has always been dedicated to winning. This year he overreacted. Snider would have been better off letting Clarke walk and giving full control of the franchise to Hitchcock. Snider fired the best coach this town has seen since Larry Brown departed. Snider threw all that under that road when he dismissed Hitchcock in October. He thought a change in coach could spark a turn around. He was wrong. The problem was with the team that Clarke and Holmgren had assembled not with Hitchcock's coaching.
The Flyers are in a rut and will be playing out the string just like their building mates, the Sixers. Ed Snider is presiding over two collapsing franchises. He has mismanaged the Flyers and should have provided more oversight on the Sixers as Billy King failed to build a winner around Allen Iverson.
I think it is time to take Ed Snider to task. He prematurely fired Ken Hitchcock, a Stanley Cup winning coach. Hitchcock has meanwhile helped to get the Columbus Blue Jackets on the winning track. It is not that I don't like John Stevens because I do. I think he will be a great NHL coach but right now may be in over his head. The only person leaving their job, during the early season struggles should have been Bobby Clarke. Clarke was burned out and has never been a great GM. He has covered up mistakes by spending more than other teams but the new salary cap exposed his flaws. I am also not sold on Paul Holgrem as replacing him. I would prefer the Flyers go out during the off-season and bring in a proven GM just as the Phillies brought in Pat Gillick.
Ed Snider has always been dedicated to winning. This year he overreacted. Snider would have been better off letting Clarke walk and giving full control of the franchise to Hitchcock. Snider fired the best coach this town has seen since Larry Brown departed. Snider threw all that under that road when he dismissed Hitchcock in October. He thought a change in coach could spark a turn around. He was wrong. The problem was with the team that Clarke and Holmgren had assembled not with Hitchcock's coaching.
The Flyers are in a rut and will be playing out the string just like their building mates, the Sixers. Ed Snider is presiding over two collapsing franchises. He has mismanaged the Flyers and should have provided more oversight on the Sixers as Billy King failed to build a winner around Allen Iverson.
Labels: Flyers
2007 NBA Draft
The Sixers appear to be playing the string out right now. So on that note, it is time to look ahead to the 2007 NBA Draft. I am working on detailed write-ups of
- Greg Oden
- Kevin Durant
- Brandan Wright
- Joakim Noah
- Julian Wright
- Al Horford
- Marco Belinelli
along with some comments on some other players such as Tyler Hansbourgh, Aaron Gray, Glen Davis, and maybe some others. Never too early to look ahead.
NHL Bloggers
I hope everyone had a refreshing Christmas break. This morning I signed up to be part of NHL Bloggers network. This move is an attempt to increase the readership among NHL fans. I started this blog during the Phillies season and the support among baseball fans has been good. I have struggled to attract NHL fans. I am also considering joining the NBA Bloggers network.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Christmas Time
I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas. I will be going away to spend time with family for the rest of the weekend and Christmas Day. There will be no new posts until Tuesday at the earliest. Furthermore, the only thing that will happen between now and then is a few losses by the Sixers and Flyers. Merry Christmas to everyone and I'll be back next week. I hope everyone has a relaxing time spent with family and friends.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Larry Brown Who?
So now the rumor is Larry Brown will return to the 76ers but only as an adviser and not as coach or GM. Brown moved back to Philly after leaving the New York Knicks last summer. The 66 year old has been around the Sixers occasionally this year dropping in on a few practices and attending a few games. Further, he is very close with Billy King and is also friendly with Ed Snider. Mo Cheeks worked under him when Brown was the Sixers head coach.
I had a long discussion last night with a friend about whether or not I really want Larry Brown back formally in the organization. King has been consulting with him since the beginning of the year but Brown was not on payroll. Brown knows one way and that is his way. He likes playing veterans and doesn't like developing young players. And developing young players is what the Sixers now need to do. Second, Brown did not draft particulary well with the Sixers. Since he has left, King has done better with picks Andre Iguodala and Rodney Carney.
Brown left on bad terms with many Sixers' fans. He jetted straight for Detroit and a championship. For me, the bad taste has started to go away with time but I'm not sure if I am ready for Brown to have an official job in the organization. You know what you get with Larry. He can be overbearing, offering trades to other GM and handing out critisism through the media. Yes, he has a great track record of winning but he also has a track record overstepping his bounds and leaving on a whim. He can also be impatient. That is not what the Sixers need right now.
The Sixers, as an organization, need patience and cooperation as they embark on this rebuilding plan. Those are not characteristics that are often used to describe Larry Brown. Brown is a great mind and Billy King drawing on that is a great idea, but I'm not on board with hiring Brown.
A Phillies Note- Pat Gillick traded Jeff Conine to the Cincinnati Reds for two minor leaguers. Conine was on track to serve as the fourth outfielder and get a good amount of at-bats before Gillick decided to ship him out of town. Oh yeah, the Phillies signed Jayson Werth, him of a .260 batting average. Someone who doesn't have near the track record of Jeff Conine. Let me say it now: The Phillies will regret this decision at some point this season. Werth is not a good player and this will be a regrettable trade. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I will be.
I had a long discussion last night with a friend about whether or not I really want Larry Brown back formally in the organization. King has been consulting with him since the beginning of the year but Brown was not on payroll. Brown knows one way and that is his way. He likes playing veterans and doesn't like developing young players. And developing young players is what the Sixers now need to do. Second, Brown did not draft particulary well with the Sixers. Since he has left, King has done better with picks Andre Iguodala and Rodney Carney.
Brown left on bad terms with many Sixers' fans. He jetted straight for Detroit and a championship. For me, the bad taste has started to go away with time but I'm not sure if I am ready for Brown to have an official job in the organization. You know what you get with Larry. He can be overbearing, offering trades to other GM and handing out critisism through the media. Yes, he has a great track record of winning but he also has a track record overstepping his bounds and leaving on a whim. He can also be impatient. That is not what the Sixers need right now.
The Sixers, as an organization, need patience and cooperation as they embark on this rebuilding plan. Those are not characteristics that are often used to describe Larry Brown. Brown is a great mind and Billy King drawing on that is a great idea, but I'm not on board with hiring Brown.
A Phillies Note- Pat Gillick traded Jeff Conine to the Cincinnati Reds for two minor leaguers. Conine was on track to serve as the fourth outfielder and get a good amount of at-bats before Gillick decided to ship him out of town. Oh yeah, the Phillies signed Jayson Werth, him of a .260 batting average. Someone who doesn't have near the track record of Jeff Conine. Let me say it now: The Phillies will regret this decision at some point this season. Werth is not a good player and this will be a regrettable trade. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I will be.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Who is the Greatest Sixer of All-Time?
Now that Allen Iverson has been moved and his era has officially ended, it is time to talk about him in regards to the other greats that have worn a Philadelphia 76ers jersey. Players such as Moses Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and Sir Charles Barkley. So after spending today researching, I present you the contenders:
Sir Charles- Commonly known as the Round Mound of Rebound, Barkley averaged 24.3 ppg during his Sixers tenure. During his first two years with the Sixers, the team won 58 and 54 games respectively. The Sixers also made the playoffs every year with Barkley except 1987-1988 and 1991-1992. His best with the Sixers was 1987-1988 when he averaged 28.3 ppg and 11.9 rbg. Of course he did not ever lead the Sixers to a championship or even a finals appearance.
Moses Malone- The missing piece that lead to the Sixers 1982-1983 championship. He was named the finals MVP and also was the league MVP. His best year was the Championship year when he averaged 24.5 ppg and 15.3 rpg. He lasted only four years in Philly before coming back for one more year in the 1990s but he was the piece that turned the Sixers from contenders in 1981-1982 into champions the next year.
Julius Erving- Dr. J was an electric dunker laying the foundation for many players including Michael Jordan who would follow him. During his time in Philly, he struck an intense rivalry with Larry Bird. He played eleven season with the Sixers leading them to the 1982-1983 championship and also lead them to the 1980 finals. He was the NBA MVP in 1981. His best year with the Sixers was 1979-1980 when he averaged 26.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg. He also changed the way the game is played.
Allen Iverson- The Answer played 10+ season with the Sixers. He had his ups and downs. He was league MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star MVP in 2001. He lead a group of cast-offs along with Larry Brown to the 2000-2001 finals appearance. He was also the 1996-1997 Rookie of the Year. He is a four-time scoring champion with his best year last year. He averaged 33 ppg and 7.4 apg. AI is also probably the best small player ever and pound-for-pound one of the best ever.
While all those contenders are very good and even great players for the Sixers none of them compare to the impact the greatest player in Sixers history had on the team. Although he was here only thee years, he lead the Sixers to the best record in all three years. And the winner is:
Wilt Chamberlain- Chamberlain lead the Sixers to the 1966-1967 Championship while averaging 28.7 ppg. He also won his third MVP that year. His best year was 1965-1966, averaging 33.5 ppg and an amazing 24.6 rpg. In 1967-1968, Wilt won his fourth MVP and lead the league in total assists with 702. He was the only center to ever lead the league in that category. During his three years with the Sixers, the team won one championship and had two playoff exits at the hand of the Boston Celtics.
So there you have it. The best player ever as a Sixer is Wilt Chamberlain. AI is the only one I remember and probably will always be my favorite. He ranks in the top five as all-time Sixers but Wilt Chamberlain takes the title as Greatest Ever.
Sir Charles- Commonly known as the Round Mound of Rebound, Barkley averaged 24.3 ppg during his Sixers tenure. During his first two years with the Sixers, the team won 58 and 54 games respectively. The Sixers also made the playoffs every year with Barkley except 1987-1988 and 1991-1992. His best with the Sixers was 1987-1988 when he averaged 28.3 ppg and 11.9 rbg. Of course he did not ever lead the Sixers to a championship or even a finals appearance.
Moses Malone- The missing piece that lead to the Sixers 1982-1983 championship. He was named the finals MVP and also was the league MVP. His best year was the Championship year when he averaged 24.5 ppg and 15.3 rpg. He lasted only four years in Philly before coming back for one more year in the 1990s but he was the piece that turned the Sixers from contenders in 1981-1982 into champions the next year.
Julius Erving- Dr. J was an electric dunker laying the foundation for many players including Michael Jordan who would follow him. During his time in Philly, he struck an intense rivalry with Larry Bird. He played eleven season with the Sixers leading them to the 1982-1983 championship and also lead them to the 1980 finals. He was the NBA MVP in 1981. His best year with the Sixers was 1979-1980 when he averaged 26.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg. He also changed the way the game is played.
Allen Iverson- The Answer played 10+ season with the Sixers. He had his ups and downs. He was league MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star MVP in 2001. He lead a group of cast-offs along with Larry Brown to the 2000-2001 finals appearance. He was also the 1996-1997 Rookie of the Year. He is a four-time scoring champion with his best year last year. He averaged 33 ppg and 7.4 apg. AI is also probably the best small player ever and pound-for-pound one of the best ever.
While all those contenders are very good and even great players for the Sixers none of them compare to the impact the greatest player in Sixers history had on the team. Although he was here only thee years, he lead the Sixers to the best record in all three years. And the winner is:
Wilt Chamberlain- Chamberlain lead the Sixers to the 1966-1967 Championship while averaging 28.7 ppg. He also won his third MVP that year. His best year was 1965-1966, averaging 33.5 ppg and an amazing 24.6 rpg. In 1967-1968, Wilt won his fourth MVP and lead the league in total assists with 702. He was the only center to ever lead the league in that category. During his three years with the Sixers, the team won one championship and had two playoff exits at the hand of the Boston Celtics.
So there you have it. The best player ever as a Sixer is Wilt Chamberlain. AI is the only one I remember and probably will always be my favorite. He ranks in the top five as all-time Sixers but Wilt Chamberlain takes the title as Greatest Ever.
Flyers, Phillies Make Changes
- The Flyers announced today that they traded Randy Robitaille and a 5th round draft pick to the New York Islanders for young forward, Mike York. He is only 28 and has 13 points in 32 games this season. He creates versatility on the front line. I can't see this move as being a big upgrade for the Flyers and the only thing I can think of is that Paul Holmgren is trying to make the team younger.
- Reportedly, Petr Nedved wants a trade preferably back to the New York Rangers or released so he can return to Europe. I see no reason that request can't be resolved in a week or two. Nedved clearly is not helping the Flyers so they should part ways instead of forcing Nedved to play for the Philadelphia Phantoms.
- The Phillies announced they have signed Rod Barajas to split time with Carlos Ruiz behind the plate. This move was rumored to be in the works yesterday. It is only a one year deal with a second year option. Barajas was deciding between the Phils and the Colorado Rockies. This move could force out Chris Coste though. Coste became a fan favorite last year but may serve as more of a utility player this year for the club. Barajas is a solid receiver which should help the pitching staff but not much of an offensive force.
- Andre Miller and Joe Smith will likely not be in tonight's lineup for the Sixers. They will likely make their debut over the weekend on either Friday or Saturday night.
- Coming up: Now that the AI era has ended here in Philly, what is next for the Sixers and where does AI rank among the all-time great Sixers.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
No More Answer
After almost two weeks, AI will report to work tomorrow. He will be reporting to the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado to help fill the void created by Carmelo Anthony's suspension as the Nuggets host the Phoenix Suns. Thats right, Billy King has pulled the trigger on a blockbuster. This just one day after Billy King asked for patience and acted like a trade may take weeks.
In return, the Sixers received Joe Smith (and his 7 million dollar expiring contract), a steady point guard in Andre Miller, and best of all two first round picks. Both of those picks will likely be in the 20's but it will start a rebuilding process and hopefully expediate the process.
In AI's 11 years in Philly, the franchise has come full circle. When he was drafted in 1996, the Sixers were a sadsack franchise run by Pat Croce. AI would become a star, Larry Brown would become coach a few years later and after a tumultous summer, AI lead a team of castoffs to the NBA Finals in 2000-2001. From there it has been a slow deterioration with Larry Brown jetting to Detroit, Billy King becoming the face of the front office, and a handful of coaches. And this year, the Sixers are on track for the worst record in the league and are again getting assistance from Larry Brown. Over a decade has gone by but the Sixers are back were they were in 1996. How depressing.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed every game that Iverson took the court for the Sixers. He left everything out there every night. Who can forget the crossover he put on MJ in his rookie year and hitting the three in the finals then stepping over Tyronne Lue. Vintage AI. Now he is off to the Rocky Mountains to wow the Nuggets' fans. AI will be missed in Philadelphia. He put the franchise back on the map after it had fallen off. The Sixers owe Iverson for all the money he has generated during his tenure in Philly. Iverson deserved a better finish in Philly than this. He has poured his heart and soul into this franchise. Thanks for the memories AI.
In return, the Sixers received Joe Smith (and his 7 million dollar expiring contract), a steady point guard in Andre Miller, and best of all two first round picks. Both of those picks will likely be in the 20's but it will start a rebuilding process and hopefully expediate the process.
In AI's 11 years in Philly, the franchise has come full circle. When he was drafted in 1996, the Sixers were a sadsack franchise run by Pat Croce. AI would become a star, Larry Brown would become coach a few years later and after a tumultous summer, AI lead a team of castoffs to the NBA Finals in 2000-2001. From there it has been a slow deterioration with Larry Brown jetting to Detroit, Billy King becoming the face of the front office, and a handful of coaches. And this year, the Sixers are on track for the worst record in the league and are again getting assistance from Larry Brown. Over a decade has gone by but the Sixers are back were they were in 1996. How depressing.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed every game that Iverson took the court for the Sixers. He left everything out there every night. Who can forget the crossover he put on MJ in his rookie year and hitting the three in the finals then stepping over Tyronne Lue. Vintage AI. Now he is off to the Rocky Mountains to wow the Nuggets' fans. AI will be missed in Philadelphia. He put the franchise back on the map after it had fallen off. The Sixers owe Iverson for all the money he has generated during his tenure in Philly. Iverson deserved a better finish in Philly than this. He has poured his heart and soul into this franchise. Thanks for the memories AI.
Is He Werth It?
Pat Gillick announced the Phillies have reaced an agreement with outfielder Jayson Werth. The whipping boy of http://www.dodgerblues.com/ , a LA Dodgers blog that I frequent. I can't say that I know much about Werth. He has endured injuries and but did hit .264 with 16 home runs while appearing in 89 games. Werth was drafted by Baltimore while Gillick was still the GM there. One positive is that Werth's grandfather, uncle, and stepfather all played in the big leagues and his mother competed in Olympic trials. Thats all for now and still no movement regarding Allen Iverson.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Weekend Wrap
- The Sixers continue to be consistently bad losing two more games in Texas this weekend making it eleven consecutive for them. They have no offense and still play no defense. I guess getting rid of AI really worked out (everyone knows how I feel about the situation)
- The Flyers traded for 34 year old defenseman Alexi Zhitnik for 25 year old Freddy Meyer. The Flyers gave up a young defenseman for an older guy so I'm not sure how I feel about that. The Flyers do have a host of young defenseman but I'm not sure why Paul Holmgren is trading young players for older players when the season is already a lost cause.
- The Flyers continue their losing ways and injuries continue to mount for them. Peter Forsberg made his triumph return to the line-up only to suffer a concussion in the first period.
- The Phillies were forced to return Bobby Livingston after they broke some technical rule. Probably should not be a big loss but he was intriguing.
- The trade front for Jon Lieber seems to have cooled a little. It will definetly heat up though as spring training approaches and teams scramble to find any available starter.
- The Eagles hung onto their playoff chances.
- Rocky Balboa is coming out this week and I can't wait. I'm not expecting big things but as a Philly sports fan I will go see it in the theatars. One more movie for the greatest underdog of all-time.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Another AI Post
Maybe its the overcast weather, maybe its was reading the Daily News Special from earlier in the fall that focused on 23 years without a championship, or maybe it was listening to Greg Anthony and Tim Legler on SportsCenter last night. I'm not sure but I have a feeling that this whole AI mess won't work out for the Sixers.
First off, Billy King has proven to be pretty poor. This is not Pat Gillick we are talking about. I trusted when Pat Gillick dealt Jim Thome to make a good deal, the same can't be said for Billy King. Actually, I don't remember a single trade that worked out for him. Bringing in CWebb was a bad move that is still hurting the Sixers. The Glenn Robinson trade didn't work out. King reminds me of Ed Wade. Wade was known for bad trades and overpaying his players. King does the same. He signed Samuel Dalembert to a contract worth twice the amount he is worth. Korver gets paid handsomely for being a bench player. He overpayed Todd MacCulloh a few years ago. Billy King was good when he was in Larry Brown's shadow and did Brown's bidding. Since Brown left, King has gone through Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O' Brien and Mo Cheeks. Only Mo Cheeks has lasted for longer than a year but concidently Jim O'Brien was the only coach to lead them to the playoffs.
Second, Allen Iverson is only 31 and still one of the best players in the game. They will have no chance of getting equal value. Billy King could not get equal value during the summer and now that AI has forced a trade, they have no chance. Let me say this: AI is not the problem in Philly. Billy King and the rest of the Sixers both past and present are to blame. King has never done an adequate job of building a team around AI. Name the best player on a Sixers team with AI. Maybe it was a washed up CWebb, Glenn Robinson, Keith Van Horn, or Dikembe Mutombo. Not exactly a who's who of future hall of famers. Think about other teams that have won NBA Championships recently and the players on their team. Kobe Bryant had Shaq, Tim Duncan had David Robinson, and Dewayne Wade had Shaq and not to mention Antoine Walker. Maybe the problem isn't that AI is a ballhog but that he never had another prolific scorer on the team. Can he really be expected to pass up a shoot to pass the ball to a player not even on his planet when it comes to scoring. This is the sentiment Greg Anthony and Tim Legler echoed on SportsCenter last night.
AI was expected to do everything on every team he was on. Think about the 2001 finals team. The starters were AI, Tyrone Hill (think bashed in face), George Lynch, Dikembe Mutombo, and Eric Snow. Not exactly another great scorer in that mix. They all played their roles admirably, but I can't think of another group of five that had such few scorers. AI needed to ballhog on that team to have any chance of winning. I would take my chances having AI shoot 30 shots and Tyrone Hill and George Lynch only getting two each instead of passing the ball around.
Iverson has not been the problem in Philly as the Sixers front office would have you believe. Rather it is their fought for not surrounding him with adequate talent. Do you really think Iverson would have had trouble passing the ball if Shaq was at center or Kevin Garnett was at power forward. I think not.
Whether you agree with trading Allen Iverson or not. Know this. The problem is not AI, it is Billy King and the players that have surrounded him during this time in Philly.
Read this article for furthur proof http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/061213&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2
First off, Billy King has proven to be pretty poor. This is not Pat Gillick we are talking about. I trusted when Pat Gillick dealt Jim Thome to make a good deal, the same can't be said for Billy King. Actually, I don't remember a single trade that worked out for him. Bringing in CWebb was a bad move that is still hurting the Sixers. The Glenn Robinson trade didn't work out. King reminds me of Ed Wade. Wade was known for bad trades and overpaying his players. King does the same. He signed Samuel Dalembert to a contract worth twice the amount he is worth. Korver gets paid handsomely for being a bench player. He overpayed Todd MacCulloh a few years ago. Billy King was good when he was in Larry Brown's shadow and did Brown's bidding. Since Brown left, King has gone through Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O' Brien and Mo Cheeks. Only Mo Cheeks has lasted for longer than a year but concidently Jim O'Brien was the only coach to lead them to the playoffs.
Second, Allen Iverson is only 31 and still one of the best players in the game. They will have no chance of getting equal value. Billy King could not get equal value during the summer and now that AI has forced a trade, they have no chance. Let me say this: AI is not the problem in Philly. Billy King and the rest of the Sixers both past and present are to blame. King has never done an adequate job of building a team around AI. Name the best player on a Sixers team with AI. Maybe it was a washed up CWebb, Glenn Robinson, Keith Van Horn, or Dikembe Mutombo. Not exactly a who's who of future hall of famers. Think about other teams that have won NBA Championships recently and the players on their team. Kobe Bryant had Shaq, Tim Duncan had David Robinson, and Dewayne Wade had Shaq and not to mention Antoine Walker. Maybe the problem isn't that AI is a ballhog but that he never had another prolific scorer on the team. Can he really be expected to pass up a shoot to pass the ball to a player not even on his planet when it comes to scoring. This is the sentiment Greg Anthony and Tim Legler echoed on SportsCenter last night.
AI was expected to do everything on every team he was on. Think about the 2001 finals team. The starters were AI, Tyrone Hill (think bashed in face), George Lynch, Dikembe Mutombo, and Eric Snow. Not exactly another great scorer in that mix. They all played their roles admirably, but I can't think of another group of five that had such few scorers. AI needed to ballhog on that team to have any chance of winning. I would take my chances having AI shoot 30 shots and Tyrone Hill and George Lynch only getting two each instead of passing the ball around.
Iverson has not been the problem in Philly as the Sixers front office would have you believe. Rather it is their fought for not surrounding him with adequate talent. Do you really think Iverson would have had trouble passing the ball if Shaq was at center or Kevin Garnett was at power forward. I think not.
Whether you agree with trading Allen Iverson or not. Know this. The problem is not AI, it is Billy King and the players that have surrounded him during this time in Philly.
Read this article for furthur proof http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/061213&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2
Friday, December 08, 2006
Say Your Good-byes to AI
It seems like it is more than speculation now. Allen Iverson seems to have one foot out the door. He has a now public feud with head coach Maurice Cheeks. In a statement released by his agent, Iverson said that maybe "it is time for a change." Ed Snider echoed the same sentiment. Billy King has been noncommittal but the NY Times quoted a fellow GM as saying that King was willing to trade just about anybody. That is what needs to be done. If King is going to ship out Iverson then it is time for a full blown rebuilding plan.
Iverson has had his ups and downs in Philadelphia but professes a love for the city and most times the city returns the love. This season has been different. The Sixers got out to a quick 3-0 start before losing 12 out of the next 14. AI has been frustrated and Mo Cheeks has not shown the ability to get any more out of these players. But then again what did you expect? The Sixers missed the playoffs and Billy King did nothing to improve the team. Oh I forgot he did add Alan Henderson (all of 12 mpg and 3.6 points per game). Some of the blame must fall on Billy King shoulders.
I think it may be time for Black Sunday Edition 2.0. The second edition will see both Billy King and Mo Cheeks getting canned by Ed Snider and Comcast-Spectacor swallowing their pride and hiring Larry Brown as head coach and Pat Croce returning to the organization. This is a rebuilding operation and who better to carry it out then the pair that carried it out last time. Trade Iverson for some useful part. Get what you can for CWebb and maybe even part with Andre Iguodala if it helps them trade Webber. I also wouldn't mind seeing Kyle Korver and Samuel Dalembert suiting up in different uniforms. Come to think of it the only player I don't want to see traded is Rodney Carney.
Now I will never support trading AI because he has been my favorite Sixer for 11 years. Anyone recall the crossover he put on MJ during his rookie year? I was sold at that moment. He lead a team of outcasts to the NBA Finals in 2001. Quick name another player on the team. He has meant more to the Sixers and the city of Philadelphia for over a decade then can be accurately measured. He always voted as one of the most popular Philly athletes anytime a poll is taken. He may not be perfect but then again nobody is. Allen Iverson is the best small man to ever play in the NBA. He played with a toughness and disregard for his body that this league has never seen before. Through the good times and the bad, The Answer always kept the Sixers interesting.
One more thing. With the Sixers a mess, the Flyers struggling, and the Eagles chugging along, who would have thought that the Phillies have become the most talked about and closest to a championship frachise in Philly. Interesting how the tables have turned since last winter.
Iverson has had his ups and downs in Philadelphia but professes a love for the city and most times the city returns the love. This season has been different. The Sixers got out to a quick 3-0 start before losing 12 out of the next 14. AI has been frustrated and Mo Cheeks has not shown the ability to get any more out of these players. But then again what did you expect? The Sixers missed the playoffs and Billy King did nothing to improve the team. Oh I forgot he did add Alan Henderson (all of 12 mpg and 3.6 points per game). Some of the blame must fall on Billy King shoulders.
I think it may be time for Black Sunday Edition 2.0. The second edition will see both Billy King and Mo Cheeks getting canned by Ed Snider and Comcast-Spectacor swallowing their pride and hiring Larry Brown as head coach and Pat Croce returning to the organization. This is a rebuilding operation and who better to carry it out then the pair that carried it out last time. Trade Iverson for some useful part. Get what you can for CWebb and maybe even part with Andre Iguodala if it helps them trade Webber. I also wouldn't mind seeing Kyle Korver and Samuel Dalembert suiting up in different uniforms. Come to think of it the only player I don't want to see traded is Rodney Carney.
Now I will never support trading AI because he has been my favorite Sixer for 11 years. Anyone recall the crossover he put on MJ during his rookie year? I was sold at that moment. He lead a team of outcasts to the NBA Finals in 2001. Quick name another player on the team. He has meant more to the Sixers and the city of Philadelphia for over a decade then can be accurately measured. He always voted as one of the most popular Philly athletes anytime a poll is taken. He may not be perfect but then again nobody is. Allen Iverson is the best small man to ever play in the NBA. He played with a toughness and disregard for his body that this league has never seen before. Through the good times and the bad, The Answer always kept the Sixers interesting.
One more thing. With the Sixers a mess, the Flyers struggling, and the Eagles chugging along, who would have thought that the Phillies have become the most talked about and closest to a championship frachise in Philly. Interesting how the tables have turned since last winter.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Freddy VS. National League
It has been a very busy week between baseball and finals. I have not gotten to do much blogging but when I saw the Freddy Garcia trade, I had to pull myself away from studying to comment. I was disappointed to see Gio Gonzalez leave the organization as he was a big-time prospect. The White Sox also took Gavin Floyd off our hands so we never have to worry about Floyd getting a start for the Phillies. In return the Phillies got an ace and big-game pitcher, Freddy Garcia. Garcia will team with Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Adam Eaton, and Jamie Moyer to form the best rotation in recent Phillie memory and in the NL East.
Pat Gillick has landed maybe the best pitcher on the market. Gillick also managed to hold onto Aaron Rowand for a future trade of to solidfy the outfield. Next up on the dock is improving the relief pitching. There have been many rumors out there including Derrick Turnbow and Jose Cappellan from the Brewers. The rumor I like best is sending Jon Lieber to the Texas Rangers for Otsuka.
The Phillies have improved their club and are up there with the best in the National League. Pitching is the most important aspect to winning and the Phillies rotation is considerably better than last year. If Eaton can stay healthy and Hamels pitches like he did in the last two months of last year, the Phillies should stay close to the Mets all year. The Mets have done very little to improve their club while the Phillies brought in a pitcher better than anyone on the Mets staff. Huge move by Pat Gillick and it is nice to see him build for the present.
Pat Gillick has landed maybe the best pitcher on the market. Gillick also managed to hold onto Aaron Rowand for a future trade of to solidfy the outfield. Next up on the dock is improving the relief pitching. There have been many rumors out there including Derrick Turnbow and Jose Cappellan from the Brewers. The rumor I like best is sending Jon Lieber to the Texas Rangers for Otsuka.
The Phillies have improved their club and are up there with the best in the National League. Pitching is the most important aspect to winning and the Phillies rotation is considerably better than last year. If Eaton can stay healthy and Hamels pitches like he did in the last two months of last year, the Phillies should stay close to the Mets all year. The Mets have done very little to improve their club while the Phillies brought in a pitcher better than anyone on the Mets staff. Huge move by Pat Gillick and it is nice to see him build for the present.
