Philadelphia 76ers Season Preview
Positivity? Kind of.
By Khalid Salaam
For the rest of our season previews, go here.
There are two kinds of fans in my estimation. There are those who root and support their team no matter what, don’t care at all about what players do off the court, don’t care how much players get paid, expect greatness every year and even when they don’t get that, they except whatever they can get. They just want to be entertained and if their team struggles year after year they still support them and are proud of whatever they do.
Then there are the fans who despise losing, and want to win so bad that it makes them hysterical, it makes them delusional even, and they are all about complaining and scab-picking their teams to death. They boo their own players when they under-perform, get mad at guys for not playing through injuries, call talk-shows and vent on a way too personal level and generally anytime they can, spew negativity like they’re getting a paycheck for it.
The latter is the preferred mindstate of Sixer fans (Eagle fans too). We really do eat our own. And the 2007-2008 version of the 76ers promises to be a smorgasbord for the die-hards. It’s really hard to have optimism for this year’s team but that’s fine. I have such low expectations that whatever they do is acceptable. I remain unimpressed by Head Coach Maurice Cheeks, who while serviceable, hasn’t really gotten as much as he should have from his players. I’m sure he’s into the games and is committed to winning but often I get the sense watching him that he’s just as bored with the roster as I am. Maybe he’s not a big rebuilding guy.
It does me little good to speak about Sixers General Manager Billy King (aka Fake Ass L.A. Reid) since most people who read slamonline with any regularity know that I’m not a big fan of his. I don’t wish him harm but if he just happened to vanish into the abyss I wouldn’t give a f*ck either. As far as the roster, I suppose I have to start with Andre Igoudala, who should be about ready to become a legit Number 1 guy if in fact its ever gonna happen. He’s a high-riser and a good slasher but doesn’t have the shooter’s touch to ever average 20 points a game, which wouldn’t be so bad on most other teams. His whole total package thing (with the steals and defense and rebounds) is cool but there isn’t a go-to guy on this squad and Igoudala isn’t a dominant offensive player so double-teams are not needed. And you can’t win in the NBA without a double team guys.
Kyle Korver is the second best player but his game is still centered on outside shooting. Which is great because he’s amazing at that but that’s all he can do. Occasionally he’ll up the ante but he’s a jump-shooter, which isn’t bad, but not enough on this team. Then there’s Sam Dalembert who seems smart enough (he’s a techie guy) but his basketball IQ is the stuff legends are made of. Basically dude doesn’t really know enough about basketball or either can concentrate enough because he makes stupid mistakes all the time. He’s a beast with the blocked shot but what else?
Andre Miller is a good point guard but not a good shooter, Willie Green is a good driver and plays hard but not a good shooter. Reggie Evans is an amazing rebounder and he will help but that’s all he can do.
It’s a team full of specialists and that is probably not going to work beyond a few stretches here and there. I like rookie Thad Young but I expect little from him this year, same with rookie big man Jason Smith. He has some ability but you don’t get the sense that he’ll make a run at the rookie of the year award. I could, possibly be wrong but I doubt it. Anybody got the balls to bet otherwise, lets go.
So to bring back my early point, even though I know this team will struggle to win 25 games, I still support the effort. The team isn’t good, ok I can accept that. Do I miss Iverson? Sure, but I’ll live and bringing back old memories and old people (Larry Brown stay away. Seriously) doesn’t do any good. The team is rebuilding and it’s gonna take a few years before we can really compete. We are the worst team in the Atlantic Division. Whatever. I hope the team does ok. I hope they just do the best that they can but all that Sixer fan bs where we all try to destroy our own teams to give our lives worth is dead man. This is the dawn of a new era, a new way of thinking. Follow my lead. Go Sixers. F*ck the Haters.
54 Responses to “Philadelphia 76ers Season Preview”
Oct.24 at 3:24 pm
white hot eboy says:
Khalid, they can’t be much worse than the Eagles, can they? Plus their team is young, so maybe they can put someone else with the young cats that can solidify the squad.
Oct.24 at 3:31 pm
Bryan says:
I think Iggy can get 21 or 22 a game eventually.Thad Young is gonna be good one day but not today.Kyle Korver is one , one dimensional player I can like(because in NBA live 04 he was unstoppable and I had many 13-16 three point shooting nights with him)I don’t like anyone else on their roster.I get the feeling Andre Miller is a much better player on a winning team , which can be said about probably anybody but it’s really noticeable with him.
Oct.24 at 3:42 pm
Johnny Kilroy says:
this year’s sixers are not built with any type of long-term strategy in mind at all (thank you Billy King). If you can’t build a championship team by throwing together good players (i.e. the knickerbockers and those late 90s mavs/blazers teams) you’re certainly not going to win one by throwing together a bunch of one dimensional below average players.
Oct.24 at 3:43 pm
Johnny Kilroy says:
oh, and Thad Young looks HUGE this preseason. Its like he added 30 lbs since last year (unfortunately, none of it went into his tiny dome)
Oct.24 at 3:45 pm
Old Skool Sloan says:
There’s really no exciting storyline for this team, is there? I’m in Phila quite a bit, so I’ll follow how Nick Young and Iggy Pop progress. At least they’re not as boring as the Pacers…
Oct.24 at 3:47 pm
Old Skool Sloan says:
Thad Young. Nick is his long-lost brother.
Oct.24 at 4:14 pm
FLUXLAND says:
So, here we are again Khalid. Wonder how you say your name… Khaleeed or like DJ Khalid. Either way, F the Sixers. You spit on my Raps and tell their fans to shut up cuz no one in America cares about them while you are stuck with the Clippers of the East. Even the Hawks look better then that excuse you call a team. I wonder why you bother with the previes.. like we really don’t know that the Sixers are going to be a punching bag this season for all the other teams in the L.
Oct.24 at 4:17 pm
Co Co says:
It could be worse Khalid. I’m not really sure how, but I know it could be.
Oct.24 at 4:19 pm
white hot eboy says:
FLUX, that’s really, really, bad form. Eagles hate is alright, but the Sixers are just mismanaged. Damn. Dude is rough.
Oct.24 at 4:24 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
fluxland is a girl…and it’s pronounced with a long e sound. Khalid. Great name, no?
Oct.24 at 4:25 pm
white hot eboy says:
Sorry, Flux.
Oct.24 at 4:30 pm
Bryan says:
Khalid is the first official slam guy to talk back to us today.
Oct.24 at 4:32 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Me and Mr. Salaam go waaay back Mr. Eboy. Ok, back to last year when the Raps were on fire and he told all the Rap fans on here to calm down cuz the y are in the Atlantic and no one cares. For some reason, I can’t let that go. Yeah, I thought it was long sounding. Great name, yeah. Does it mean anything? Like: Sixers suck or I love the Raps? LOL..
Oct.24 at 4:32 pm
Toney Blare says:
man, this review makes me want to get drunk, move back to philly, take up smoking again, and make out with some ugly chicks at bob & barbara’s on south st. what’s worse, Khalid’s right–this team IS sad.
Oct.24 at 4:36 pm
FLUXLAND says:
white… what do you mean by form? Sorry, english is a second language to me. And if you mean my grammar and punctuation, that’s my excuse: EasSL and I am a number cruncher not a writer by profession. Also, SLAM should be paying you seeing how you keep the post count HUGE around here.
Oct.24 at 4:39 pm
white hot eboy says:
Again, sorry, FLUX. By form, I meant, the approach of the comment. Like venomous bile being spit by a cobra or something like that. Apologies for the confusion. I don’t want to anger you.
Oct.24 at 4:47 pm
jbn74sb says:
ESL or DSL?
AI2 is a poor man’s Shawn Marion. A very poor man’s…
Oct.24 at 4:57 pm
FLUXLAND says:
ESL = english as a second language Yeah, you are right eboy. Like I said, his comments from last year are still fresh on my mind. He’s cool though. I like the way he writes. Lang, Russ and Khalid (when he posts something) are the most fun to read. And his stuff is most fun to read when its not directly about bball.
Oct.24 at 5:01 pm
jbn74sb says:
DSL = nevermind.
Oct.24 at 5:03 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
the name Khalid has origins in the Arabic language. It means warrior.
Oct.24 at 5:10 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Co Co, it couldn’t be much worse (my prediction? 22-60) but i appreciate the good energy you’re putting out there.
Oct.24 at 5:13 pm
Co Co says:
Khalid, 3 years ago my Atlanta Hawks won 13 games the WHOLE season. There, I figured out a way it could be worse for ya’ll. You could win 13 games as opposed to 22. Feel Better.
Oct.24 at 5:14 pm
H to the izzo says:
Salaam means “peace”,no?As in the greeting “As-Salamu Alaykum ” or am I completely wrong?If I’m right then this is the first time that religion class I took was of any use.
Oct.24 at 5:31 pm
Bryan says:
Well guys I’m outta here see ya on Monday.
Oct.24 at 5:38 pm
BETCATS says:
my review is comming brian wait
Oct.24 at 5:38 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Izzo you are correct.
Oct.24 at 5:40 pm
Allenp says:
Does that mean that Khalid’s name means peaceful warrior? That would be interesting.
Oct.24 at 5:42 pm
Co Co says:
I think Peaceful Warrior describes Khalid perfectly.
Oct.24 at 5:44 pm
H to the izzo says:
Warrior of peace perhaps.It’s much better than what my name means
Oct.24 at 5:52 pm
Co Co says:
My name means Lark. My real name that is.
Oct.24 at 5:58 pm
H to the izzo says:
Mine means handsome little warrior,I find it condesending,I’m insulted by my own name
Oct.24 at 6:02 pm
jbn74sb says:
I have my own handsome little warrior. Well, it’s not too little, but…
Oct.24 at 6:42 pm
Permaculture says:
Thanks, peaceful warrior–like your piece/your name. Nice to get the scoop on players I don’t get to watch. Just dont’ have the time these days to watch games despite how much I’d like to.
Oct.24 at 8:46 pm
David says:
I think it would it be more like Warrior of Peace, wouldn’t it? Sounds pretty cool.
Khalid - at the top I think it’s supposed to be “accept whatever they can get”, right?
Regarding the Sixers and the preview - thanks for the read. The preview reads like a bitter eulogy, far removed from better days.
Oct.24 at 8:57 pm
iguodala says:
Shame on your negativity dude, Iggy is a shoe-in for 20 plus pts. this year. You will see that never will be here sooner then you can scratch your balls!
Oct.24 at 9:00 pm
d.Y. says:
I miss the spectrum.
Oct.24 at 9:30 pm
Bryce says:
what is a sixers preview without a single mention of their best player - Mr. Louis Williams
Oct.24 at 11:42 pm
Chilly Willy says:
How can you have a Philly preview with out mentioning Louis Williams. This guy is like AI all over again. Plays hard, takes it to the rack and can run point very effectively.
Oct.25 at 8:19 am
Nr.8 says:
How about Carney?
Oct.25 at 9:26 am
Ron says:
Lou Williams is only like AI when it comes to being spotted in the clubs. Besides Slam can in no way give a shout out to Bow Wow’s BFF.
Oct.25 at 10:20 am
Johnny Kilroy says:
Bow Wow re: LouWill on ‘cribs’ about eight years ago “watch out for this kid!” … fierce words, the NBDL should have taken notice
Oct.25 at 1:13 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
I can’t believe you guys like Louis Williams so much.
Oct.25 at 2:12 pm
Co Co says:
Who is Louis Williams?
Oct.25 at 2:26 pm
Ron says:
I guess a guy who avg. 20 ppg in summer league gets his own cult following. Lou Williams is not what many of you think he is. He is an under sized guard who isn’t even a poor man’s Iverson.
Oct.25 at 10:36 pm
bootlace says:
I also think Igoudala will average 20ppg in the very near future, probably this year.
Oct.26 at 12:45 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Sorry I didn’t ice Billy for you, Khalid.
Oct.26 at 7:47 am
The Big Cheese says:
Louis Williams has looked amazing during the summer league/preseason. How come no one talks about him?
Oct.26 at 1:03 pm
Lew B. Money says:
i see Kobe Bryant getting moved to Philly soon, and somehow Isaiah Thomas will be invovled…
Oct.26 at 4:12 pm
tony says:
“oh, and Thad Young looks HUGE this preseason. Its like he added 30 lbs since last year (unfortunately, none of it went into his tiny dome)” I may be wrong, but I thought of the “upside indicators” for Thad was that the kid is smart – at least, 4.0, school smart. AI2 a very poor version of Marion? I would say a smaller player, hence not as up to playing the bigs on the D end, but the dude can actually dribble and in a pinch create his own shot. Doesn’t that make him perhaps an upper-middle class mans Marion? Less the petulance? Louis Williams makes me grind my teeth in a seething rage, but he is NBA elite quick. So, you know, that renders his mentality and other measurable irrelevant. Khalid, so obsessed with shooting? AI2 apparently can’t, so he’ll never average 20 (strong words there). Korver, second best player on the team because he can and Miller is a good PG BUT can’t? I’ve defended Korver to death in the last three years but he is what he is (and he is very good at that); not the second best player on the team. That is actually Miller – I don’t think anyone needs him to shoot particularly. Concur on Willie Green except I would say a good driver and plays idiotically – he’s the only player I have ever wished physical harm on (I don’t feel bad, when you average two blown fast breaks a game because you’re not making the right play but instead trying to make sure you end up with the score I no longer recognize you as a human being). Agreed on Sam. Sixers had an open practice a few weeks ago, Mo was mic’ed up for the crown (loose usage) and everything. Team-promo-a-rama. Sam was the only player to be yelled at repeatedly and incessantly – in THAT environment. “BOX OUT SAM! MOVE! MOVE! CUT, MAN!” It’s alright THIS is the year he gets it. He’s just so athletic! Kind of a bummer that it will happen moments prior to the end of times. Just as the prophesy has foretold. Retarded gazelle that one.
Oct.26 at 4:13 pm
tony says:
Oh my stars. Um - that’s missing about 28 page breaks.
Oct.27 at 5:27 am
Tariq says:
Khalid… “Khalid” doesn’t mean “warrior”. It means “eternal”
Oct.27 at 10:08 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Actually it’s immortal warrior. immortal and eternal are interchangable. i will often break the defintion in two to make it more simple for people to understand. i appreciate what you are trying to do but the reason why i simplify things are to avoid long drawn out discussions about my name (such as this). there is something very personal about it that makes me uncomfortable. My middle name is tabari btw. very old school term for those native to the city of tabaristan (persia). now you know my whole government.
Oct.29 at 4:05 am
Tariq says:
Khalid: 1- I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It’s just that I’m a native Arabic speaker and any linguistic discussions like this get me excited. My brother’s name is Khalid. Anyway, “like you said, immortal and eternal are synonymous. I don’t know where the “warrior”part comes in. “warrior”means “muharib”"or “muqatill”or even “faris”. However, possibly the most famous warrior in Islamic history was named Khalid (Khalid ibn al Waleed), so maybe that’s what that’s about.
2- Ha ha Eagles.
Nov.1 at 7:41 pm
me says:
if we don’t get rid of dalembert soon, i’m going to go insane. he has the IQ of a 5 year old.