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Hawks-Sixers Preview | Apr. 4, 2008

Hawks.com emailed Enrico from the Philly Blog the700level to get his take on how the Sixers have performed so far in 2007-08. His responses are below:

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    1. The Sixers were an afterthought in the Eastern Conference for a better part of the season, but have really turned it on to become a legitimate playoff team. What has been the key to the team's transformation?

    Enrico: Everybody is pointing towards Ed Stefanksi's chat with Maurice Cheeks when he told Mo to "play the kids." Once Korver was dealt, the team transformed into a running squad that can really get up and down the court. With Korver gone, a guy like Thaddeus Young has seen a whole lot more court time and he's performed very well. I don't think anyone saw the success they've been having coming. I think even the players and coaches were a bit surprised.

    2. Now that the team is playing so well, what do you think is the best case scenario for them heading into the postseason?

    Enrico: To play the Celtics and have KG break his ankle in the first game? Really, I think the best case scenario is for these young kids to win a few games in the post-season. Even if they can't make any real noise in the playoffs, that experience could be a huge asset once these guys are a few years older.

    3. Andre Miller was mentioned in trade talks all season before the deadline but never moved. Obviously that has worked out well for the team in the short-term. Do you think he'll be with the Sixers for the long-term now, or will they look to move him again in the offseason?

    Enrico: I'm not sure about Miller's future. Watching him this season, most Sixers fans have really been impressed and grown a strong liking for Andre. Not trading him has proven to be a great move as he has helped the younger guys grow. Whether he will be hear longer term will depend on what other teams offer Ed Stefanski for him as well as if Stefanksi believes Miller would want to be in Philadelphia past next season. Miller has hinted that he's not in love with Philly but I believe if he leaves as a free agent it will be because he thinks another team will provide him with a better chance for a ring.

    4. Andre Iguodala famously turned down an extension with the Sixers before the season. Do you foresee the Sixers getting a deal done with him this summer or is there a chance he'll end up testing free agency after the 2008-09 season?

    Enrico: I think the Sixers will get a deal done. He may use some other offers as leverage but I think at the end of the day he'll be back in Philly. Well, I hope.

    5. Maurice Cheeks was considered by some to be on the chopping block at various points in the last couple years - how do you assess the job he has done with the Sixers?

    Enrico: I'm partial on Mo. He was one of my idols as a kid, so I have a soft spot for him. If you look at the teams he's had to deal with the past few seasons, it wasn't exactly a star studded roster. I'm just happy he's had a lot of success in this latter part of the season. I'm looking forward to having Mo around to turn these kids into stars.