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Philadelphia 76ers
By Randy Kim, NBA.com
SEASON OUTLOOK: If coach Larry Brown and GM Billy King have shown nothing else during their time together in Philadelphia, it's that they are not afraid of risk. From a midseason trade for Dikembe Mutombo to acquiring power forward Derrick Coleman, they are willing to do what it takes to improve their team, even if it flies in the face of conventional wisdom. So coming off a disappointing 2001-02 that saw the Sixers struggle on offense -- they were 26th in the league in scoring -- it's no surprise they have a new look heading into this season. Gone are defensive-minded players like Mutombo and Matt Harpring. In their place are versatile offensive players such as Todd MacCulloch, Keith Van Horn and Monty Williams. What Philly has lost in hard-nosed defense and rebounding, they have made up for in shooting and passing. Regardless of these changes, though, Philadelphia will still be Allen Iverson's team. The Answer is coming off yet another strong season (31.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.8 spg) that saw him defend his scoring title, as well as lead the league in steals, despite playing in just 60 games. While Iverson is often criticized for taking too many shots, the bottom line is that "Ivy" wins far more games than he loses, and he's one of the best clutch shooters in the game. Beyond Iverson, the rest of the backcourt is also a strength for Philly. Aaron McKie (12.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, .398 3FG%) and Eric Snow (12.1 ppg, 6.6 apg, 1.56 spg) team with Iverson to give the Sixers scoring, poise and defense from their three-guard rotation. Down low, Coleman (15.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg) will also try to build on a strong season. The key is keeping these four players healthy. Combined, the foursome only played 227 out of a possible 328 games last season. If the Sixers stay healthy, and coach Brown can use his new parts to improve the team's offense without sacrificing too much defense, then Philly is capable of making a run deep into the postseason.
WHO'S IN: Van Horn (14.8 ppg, .345 3FG%) was brought in to help Iverson shoulder the scoring burden, and will force opposing forwards to guard him on the perimeter, thus opening up the inside for Iverson's slashing drives. MacCulloch (9.7 ppg, .531 FG%) is a good inside passer with a soft touch. He's not the defensive enforcer that Mutombo was, however. Williams (7.1 ppg, .547 FG%) gives Philly another option on offense, while underrated swingman Greg Buckner was brought over from Dallas to provide the tough perimeter defense that coach Brown so covets. Rookies Sam Clancy and John Salmons should also get a chance to contribute. WHO'S OUT: Mutombo's departure leaves the team with a hole in the middle on defense. Deke's presence as a shotblocker allowed defenders to take risks on the perimeter and funnel players to him in the key. Harpring was a strong defender and rebounder who also had a decent offensive game. The Sixers also traded backup point guard Speedy Claxton to the Spurs, and will need to find a replacement for him. BENCH: McKie is one of the top subs in the game, and anchors the Philly bench. He can play the one, two or three, he can defend and he can score. After Iverson, he's arguably the most valuable player on the team. Second-year big men Samuel Dalambert and Alvin Jones will be asked to make up for Mutombo's absence. Mark Bryant was brought over from the Spurs to provide another veteran banger down low. Former Timberwolves point guard William Avery was brought in to make up for Claxton's absence, and should get a chance to contribute. THE SIXERS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF ... : They jell on defense. THE SIXERS MISS THE PLAYOFFS IF ... : Iverson gets hurt again. |
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