Things To Watch This Preseason

Philadelphia 76ers fans have their first opportunity to see their 2007-08 Sixers on Friday, October 12 against the New Jersey Nets. It’s going to be an very competitive preseason with many things to keep an eye on as the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season. In preparation for the regular season, here is a positional breakdown of the team.

At the Point

Veteran point guard Andre Miller is heading into his first full season wearing a Sixers’ uniform. He had a tremendous second-half of the season with the team, leading them to a 30-27 record, while providing the team’s core group of players with a steady hand at the controls. His play should continue to improve this season, as he developed an immediate rapport with the team last year, averaging 13.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. Over 57 games last year, Andre proved to be an invaluable piece of the puzzle and this season the Sixers are hoping he will continue to build on that success.

Lou Williams will continue to solidify his role at the point guard position. Fans, scouts and opposing teams got a glimpse of Williams’ abilities during the second half of last season, which he carried into summer league, with impressive performances in both Las Vegas and Utah, where he averaged 24.0 points per game. Heading into his third season with the team, Williams will continue to provide a steady hand at the point, while continuing to gain valuable experience on the court, both in games and during practice. Veteran Kevin Ollie will continue to provide stability and leadership at the position.

On the Wing

On the wings, the Sixers are athletic and loaded with talent. Andre Iguodala- who finished last year second in the NBA in total steals - is coming off a season where he was one of only four players to average at least 18 points, five rebounds and five assists - joining the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. He joined Jason Kidd and Kevin Garnett as one of only three players who recorded multiple triple-doubles last year. He will look to continue to build upon those numbers while solidifying his status as one of the cornerstones of the Sixers’ foundation.

Coming off the bench and flourishing in his role as the team’s Sixth Man is sharp-shooter Kyle Korver, one of the most accurate three-point threats in the NBA last season. Additionally, Korver scored 20 or more points off the bench 15 times last year, becoming the first Sixers player score at least 20 off the bench at least 10 times in a season since Orlando Woolridge, who accomplished the feat 12 times in 1993-94. Korver also led the NBA in free throw percentage, ending the year hitting 91.4% from the charity stripe.

Rodney Carney, Thaddeus Young, Willie Green and rookie Derrick Byars are competing for time alongside Iguodala. The team has not indicated who the starter will be, with Head Coach Maurice Cheeks stating that a determination will be made at the conclusion of training camp and the preseason schedule. Green is coming off a strong second half of last season, which he capped with a career-high in points in the team’s final game of the season at Toronto. After a solid rookie year, Carney hopes to build on a very successful summer league this year, during which time he showed ability to get to the rim and finish, while also creating opportunities for his teammates. Meanwhile, Young brings depth and athleticism to the wing position, plus as much potential as any player in the NBA.

Power Forward Position

The Sixers have some new faces at the power forward position, including Reggie Evans, who adds a dimension of toughness on the glass, as he averaged an NBA-high 19.7 rebounds for every 48 minutes played last season. Alongside Evans is rookie

Also in the mix are Shavlik Randolph, Louis Amundson and Herbert Hill. Randolph - who missed almost a full-season due to injury - is back with the team and participated in workouts throughout training camp and continues to make strides to return to the court and contribute. Amundson - last season’s NBA Development League Rookie of the Year - has been a pleasant surprise for the Sixers since his arrival last season. He provides high-energy coming off the bench and also made his presence felt during the team’s summer league games.

In the Middle

In the middle for the Sixers is Samuel Dalembert, who had the opportunity to hone his skills during the off-season as a member of the Canadian Men’s National Team which participated in the FIBA Americas Tournament in Las Vegas, NV. Dalembert averaged 10.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last year, while becoming the only Sixers player to play and start all 82 games last year. Along with Dalembert is first-round pick Jason Smith from Colorado State, an agile seven-footer who hopes to quickly establish his role with the team with his solid rebounding and work ethic. Joining him in the middle will be Calvin Booth, who will be asked to provide key minutes in reserve and veteran leadership in the locker room.

Leading the Way

Coach Cheeks is entering his third season as the Sixers head coach. The team is continuing to assume the identity of their head coach by displaying a collective intensity and focus on the defensive end of the court, mental toughness, and a dedication to each other. With the solid core of players in place and key acquisitions from this off-season, Coach Cheeks can continue to mold this team in his image.