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ShareBilly King Chat Transcript: May 18, 2006
King chatted live with fans on May 18.NBAE/Getty Images |
Those were the words spoken by Sixers President Billy King when asked what was going to be done to turn the Sixers into a winner this off-season.
King, who will enter his 10th year with the team and fourth as president of the organization, is challenged to return the Sixers to the playoffs after the team missed the mark in 2005-06 with a 38-44 record.
"I know that we need to add some veterans, for some experience factor. We have to revamp in our approach, more or less, become defensive oriented more," said King before the season ended. "I think we have some offensive tools that can score. I think we have to become a better defensive team, a tougher defensive team, and I think some of the pieces on this roster have that capability. We're going to build this team based on defense. If it takes rebuilding it, we will. If it takes tinkering we'll tinker. We're going to do whatever it takes to get us back on track."
Success is not foreign for the Duke grad who helped the Blue Devils to the Final Four twice and two ACC titles. Prior to King's arrival in Philadelphia, the Sixers had posted six-consecutive sub-.500 records, dating back to the 1991-92 season. During his nine-year tenure, the Sixers have been to the playoffs six times, including the memorable 2001 NBA Finals run.
King chatted live with fans on Thursday, May 18. Check out the complete chat transcript below:
Glendon, Toronto: Hi there Mr. King. I would like to know what you think about your current situation on the draft? What pick do you think you'll earn in this year's lottery and how will that help your situation?
Billy King: We think we'll be at 13 and with some luck we can move up. I think we can get a good player at 13 or higher.
South Philly: Who do you prefer as the premier starting center for next year's season: Dalembert or Hunter?
Billy King: They have to earn it in training camp. We won't have any preconceived plans about who is the starter.
William, Charleston, WV: Will you try to obtain a second round pick since Cleveland now has ours?
Billy King: There's a good chance we'll look to acquire one.
Ray (Vienna): There haven't been any huge changes on the team last season. What do you like best about this team?
Billy King: I thought we could score the ball pretty good last year, but going into next season I think we need to improve defensively.
Malcolm: What are your plans on Louis Williams? A lot of us fans would like to see him play more.
Billy King: Louis is going to get an opportunity in the Summer League this year and if he earns it, he'll get on the court more next season.
James - Philadelphia: Is any one on the Sixers untouchable this offseason?
Billy King: Going into the offseason, I'm looking to make our team better, and I'm not looking to trade any specific player, but our ultimate goal is to win.
Jason Bear DE: Are you looking to re-sign Salmons at the moment or are negotiations still in the works?
Billy King: Can't start negotiating until July 1.
Raphael (Hamburg): Hello Mr. King! The draft is coming. What kind of player are you looking for this year?
Billy King: Mainly we just want to get the best player, we're not focusing on any one position.
Jerry (Lancaster, PA): Billy, anyone that your eyeing up in the draft? What do you think about Gerry McNamara, a 2 hour drive from scranton means bus loads every night!
Billy King: Ha-ha (Laughing) We're just starting in that process, there are lots of great players out there and we will work hard to try and get the best guy available when it's our turn to pick.
Arthur (Manila): Sir King, I must say of the 10 years that you have been in the organization you have done a great job of continuing the proud tradition of the Sixers franchise. May i ask of what you think Andre Iguodala needs to work on this summer for his development as a player?
Billy King: Andre can continue to work on his jump shot. The biggest thing I've told Andre, is to be more aggressive offensively.
Jim (philly): Do you think Iggy was robbed in the dunk contest?
Billy King: Ha-ha (Laughing) Yes.
Blaine, Philly Baby!: Hi, what percent of the returning Sixers from the 05-06 team are locked-in to come into the 06-07 season?
Billy King: We currently have eight players under contract for next season.
David: What do you think is the reason the Sixers sort of fell apart after the all star break, allowing the Bulls to steal their playoff spot?
Billy King: I think after the tough loss against Indiana, and then Boston and Denver, we never recovered after losing those close ballgames.
Paul (Santa Fe): During your time with the team, what do you think was your favorite Sixers moment?
Billy King: Favorite Sixers moment was going to the NBA Finals.
Eddie Calzone: Is there any specific position that you are trying to improve or any specific free agents that you are intrested in adding to the Sixers for next season?
Billy King: I'd like to add another athletic swingman.
mike (philly): Hey Mr. King, as shown during the playoffs the east is on the rise, after not making the playoffs this year and have salary cap issues how do you plan to get back into the elite next year?
Billy King: You can do it via trades, the draft and you have to get a little lucky.
Paul (Philly): Do you think we will ever figure out what style we would like to play? Grind it out on D, Fast break, or half court sets? Seems like we have players that fit one style versus another.
Billy King: I think we're going to get back to solid defense and running when the opportunity presents itself.
Linwood (Baltimore): Billy: When you addressed the fans last month about your plans for the 76ers last season, you weren't exactly clear as to what direction this team will take next year? Will this team be rebuilding or will this team be built to make the playoffs in the 2006-07 season?
Billy King: We're going to try and build a team that is competitive and plays hard every night, but the goal is always to make the playoffs and win a championship.
Billy King: Thanks to the fans. Be patient, we will work as hard as we can to build a team you can be proud of.
