Liberty Ballers

That's Tanktastic!

2010-03-16T02:38:06Z

yay

My new favorite team, the Gneu York Knickerbockers, took care of bidness on the road against our Philadelphia 76ers, who are reportedly not tanking. Despite an 11 point halftime Sixer lead, the home team's sub-30% second half shooting brought the Ca-Knicks back in the game before the final fourth quarter surge that pushed NY over the top. The Sixers now sit tied with Detroit for the 7th seed (they're down 30, I'll give the Celtics the dubya), a full game worse than the Knicks, who they'll face again on Friday. As of this writing, the Wizards are struggling to stay with the Jazz midway through the game. If the Wiz win (not to be confused with wiz wit, which is how I like my cheese steaks), we'll be smashed into a 3 way tie for the 6 spot, the magical spot according to Human Target lookalike Derek Bodner. Dream big.

Let's go to the game action shall we? We shall. The entire Sixers season was generously, metaphorically, and metaphysically jammed into one single play down 9 with the game basically out of reach with under two minutes to play. Andre Iguodala (who?) had the ball on the far side foul line extended with about 15 seconds left in the shot clock. Thaddeus Young was on foul line extended on the near side, and Jrue Holiday stood in the near corner. As 'Dre jab stepped baseline and power dribbled to the middle of the lane, Jrue and Deus made cuts to the same exact place. The two guys off the ball bumped into each other and the guys guarding them, while Iguodala pulled up just shy of the awkward bumpage and took what looked like a two handed floater (isn't that a jumpshot? whatev, cbssportsline) that made the ugliest sound off the back rim/backboard I've ever heard. It was uncoordinated, disgusting basketball emphasizing this team's poor communication and guess-and-check offense without any direction or purpose. And it made me laugh because I'm just too tankalicious for you baby.

The Knicks are the worst rebounding team I've ever seen. Or at least tonight they were, I won't claim to have watched them a ton this season, because frankly, snarkysnarkysnarkysnark <-- I'm assuming there's something funny I could say there. Philly missed 53 shots from the field and 9 from the line, picking up 21 offensive rebounds in the process. I will award us no credit for that, and place all of the blame on the softest frontline in the league named David Lee, Danilo Gallinari and Al Harrington. It hurts just to type those names together. Offensively? Sure. They're plenty talented. I think Harrington could be a top 25 player in the league if he improved his shot selection and defense. But he's been in the league for 12 years and been on 4 teams (and a second stint with Indy) so I'm gonna go ahead and say itsnotgon'happen. Anyway.

Once again, our vaunted three-point defense held the Knicks to JUST 44% from three, which is better than we could do, so I guess we should commend them for that. Wide-open looks were a result of lazy double teams and random rotations. I can't tell you how many times I've seen Samuel Dalembert run out on an open three from about 15 feet away with a worthless hand in the air. Actually I can ballpark it -- a bunch. But again, I was rooting for them to be open and go in so I'm cool as a fool in a swimming pool.

Final thoughts in a horrendous run-on sentence! Willie Green scored well and did everything else horribly, good thing basketball is only about scoring NOT and Jodie Meeks apparently maxed out his minutes last night and will be paying overage (that's spelled like the opposite of underage but i meant it pronounced over-ige -- clear? Crystal) charges for at least the next bill or two I think Toney Douglas can play and always have because he and Isaiah Swann were cashmoney at Florida State but Jrue played lockdown D on him for a good part of the game speaking of Jrue he looks so much better than he did earlier on this season that it's foolish to call him a rookie anymore and I expect we'll be seeing 18-8-6 from him for years to come and Dalembert looked pretty solid on the boards but again it doesn't make any sense to cyberstroke him when he's outrebounding Alice from the Brady Bunch and Iguodala really really really couldn't find hay in a stack of hay (that's obviously a metaphor for his 5-22 shooting night but that was for our metaphor-deficient readers out there HEY GUYS!) although Jason Kapono's shot looked great when it went in he is still without doubt the worst ~~pirate I've ever heard of But you have heard of me~~ all-around basketball player I've ever seen oh and hey if you predicted Kapono would snag more defensive rebounds than Elton Brand tonight than you sir are a sorcerer and I applaud you PERIOD

Reference roundup:

1. Silent G's

2. Hockey

3. Cheese Steaks

4. Elementary Mathematics

5. Destiny's Child

6. Sarcasm

7. Seinfeld

8. South Park

9. Borat

10. AT&T

11. A Few Good Men

12. Obscure College Basketball Players Only I Remember

13. Pirates of the Caribbean (HT mopey)

14. Family Guy

Find 'em all! God that's awful, eclectic writing that has very little to do with the Sixers. Here's hoping this doesn't ruin our bloglationship! For Jordan's sake, at least read what he writes. He tries so very hard.

UPDATE (seconds later): From commenter yosoysean, here is your new 2010 Sixers theme song, to the tune of the Jeffersons.

We’re moving on down
It’s a free fall
We have one of the worst records in basketball
We’re moving on down
It’s a free fall
For a slightly better chance at John Wall

Does it get any better than that?

Poll

By jsams: Which hurts your head most?

Knicks @ Sixers game thread

2010-03-15T22:29:08Z

Frank Franklin II - AP

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Mike Bourn is running late. He's just now leaving Tyrone Hill's house. They were recording a song for their new album, 'Rone and Me - in stores April 20, 2010. Or he's just stuck in NYC traffic; I can't remember.

Anyway, this is one of the most important games of the season for the Sixers - a rare must lose. Losing is the only chance the Sixers have at WTF (Wall, Turner, Favors). The good news is, the Knicks aren't tanking because their pick is owned by the Jazz. But according to Rodney Carney, the Sixers aren't tanking either. Wink, wink. I think you fooled 'em RC.

I predict the Sixers win this one and shatter my dreams in the process, but a little back-and-forth via Twitter with my boy, bandwagonknick gave me a glimmer of hope. He reminded me that the reason the Knicks won their last match-up with the Sixers was because they went to a "college-zone" and forced the Sixers to shoot from the outside. I don't see why that wouldn't work again, and since D'Antoni seems to know what he's doing, I expect he'll do just that.

Plus, Bill Walker owns.

Update: No Lou Williams (back spasms) or M16 tonight (knee).

Go Sixers!

Posting and Toasting

Franchise altering week

2010-03-15T14:22:37Z

More photos » Michael Perez - AP

Philadelphia guard Jodie Meeks may be doing more in the final 16 games than fetching basketballs during warmup (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

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Every now and then a franchise faces a point in time that could drastically alter its fortunes going forward. A point in time when two or three games could be the difference between turning the franchise into contenders rather than extending the window of mediocrity another five years. The Sixers are sitting at such a crossroad.

The last time the Sixers were in such a position was during the 2006-2007 season. After a dreadful start which led to jettisoning disgruntled and disgraced superstar Allen Iverson, the Sixers were 5-19 through 24 games. Trading for veterans Andre Miller and Joe Smith led to a late season surge that left the Sixers with a 35-47 record and the 12th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. In the end, netting Thaddeus Young wasn't awful, but it wasn't the franchise altering addition Kevin Durant or Greg Oden -- if healthy -- would have been. The Sixers were close, perhaps closer than they realized, only three games back in the standings from Portland (#1 pick) and 4 games behind Seattle (the #2 pick) in a bunched up final standings.

Those late-season wins were hollow, the impact they would have on the Sixers young core overstated. In the end, talent wins, and a lack of talent will doom a team to mediocrity, experience be damned. It's true that the Sixers have no shot of catching New Jersey, Minnesota, or Golden State, the three worst teams in the league, but they are within two games of the 4th worst record in the league. Besides the fact that picking 6th provides significantly more opportunity than selecting 10th, history has repeatedly shown that in order to truly be involved in the lottery 6th is about as far down as you can fall. In my opinion, this team needs an Evan Turner or Derrick Favors -- or, obviously, John Wall -- to turn around their future. Cole Aldrich could be a nice roleplayer, but he doesn't turn the Sixers into contender status, either next year or in five. This week will define the Sixers chances.

I understand an inability to openly cheer for your team to lose. As a season ticket holder myself, it's something I struggle with daily. This team, however, has sucked away any emotion I had in me, and I'm left with a purely analytical viewpoint of this team. From that perspective, it's clear that losing for the rest of the season aids the long term development of this franchise moreso than squeaking out three extra wins. People can argue that losing creates a losing culture, and over an extended period of time I can buy that. That being said, the remaining 16 games of the season aren't going to change whatever damage has been done by a dreadful opening 66. More importantly, talent wins. The Chicago Bulls weren't ruined in 1984 when they won only 27 games, just like the Sixers late season run in 2007 didn't propel them past the Seattle Sonics/Oklahoma City Thunder.

The good new is, unlike the the ill-fated 2007 finish, upper management appears cognizant of the fact, much to Eddie Jordan's chagrin. For the first time all season, Willie Green was a DNP-CD, instead being replaced in the rotation by Jodie Meeks (7+ minutes in the first half) and Jason Kapono, who started the second half in place of the struggling Louis Williams.

Too little too late? Perhaps, thanks in large part to the meaningless five game winning streak in early February when the Sixers were supposedly "going uptown". They've gone 3-12 since then, including losing 4 in a row and 9 of their last 10.

The Sixers play only 6 of their final 16 games against sub-.500 teams, 4 of which come this week. The Knicks have no reason to tank, as they do not own their own draft pick this year, and the Nets are trying desperately to avoid setting a record in futility. With two games against New York, one against New Jersey and one against Chicago, this is the week the Sixers need to put them back in contention. The two games against the Knicks may be the biggest games of the season.

Good luck, Sixers fans. Wish the team well.

Sixers Lottery Standings 3.14

2010-03-15T06:11:35Z

Lottery	Team	Record	GB
10	Clippers	25-42	3.5
9	Knicks	23-43	2
8	Pistons	23-43	2
7	Sixers	23-43	2
6	Kings	23-44	1.5
5	Wizards	21-43	1
4	Pacers	21-45	--

This week's games:

Clippers: Hornets, Bucks, Kings

Predicted record: 1-2

Knicks: @Sixers, @Celtics, Sixers, Rockets

Predicted record: 2-2

Pistons: @Celtics, Cavs, @Pacers, @Cavs

Predicted record: 0-4

Sixers: Knicks, Nets, @Knicks, Bulls

Predicted record: 3-1

Kings: Lakers, Bucks, @Clippers

Predicted record: 1-2

Wizards: @Jazz, @Nuggets, @Blazers, @Lakers

Guaranteed record: 0-4

Pacers: Bobcats, @Cavs, Pistons, Thunder

Predicted record: 1-3

-------------------------

This is a franchise-altering week for the Sixers. Either they solidify the 10th spot in the draft lottery, or keep hope alive for Wall, Turner or Favors (WTF). They have 16 games left in this dismal season. Of those 16 games, 5 are against sub-.500 teams. And all four come this week!

This is it folks. 0-4, I'll be jumping for joy. 1-3, I'll be satisfied. 2-2, I'll have delusional hope. 3-1, I'll stop caring about lottery. 4-0, I'll ... I don't even want to go there.

I'm pumped.

D-Wade is Good, Sixers are Not

2010-03-15T02:35:43Z

More photos » Issac Baldizon - NBAE/Getty Images

Dwyane Wade can point at the ball.

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Going into the game we know what is wrong with this team, what we have to look forward to in the future, and that we need to lose as many games as possible to get more ping-pong balls (no we are not playing beer pong). As entertaining as the game was on Friday, this one was just as much a dud. The Heat had control of the game from the get go and controlled it throughout. The closest the Sixers got to being competitive was at the end of the 3rd quarter when Andre nailed a fadeaway before the buzzer to cut the deficit to five. The Sixers turned right back into the Sixers making only one field goal in the first four and half minutes of the fourth. The Heat took advantage and posted a 14-3 run in that time without Wade on the floor.

Some Notes from the Game:

Jrue Holiday started the game on Q Richardson - he was going under screens nonchalantly and giving Q open threes - soon switched to D-Wade (tough to evaluate his defense on Wade because nobody can really stop him) - gave way to much room to Carlos Arroyo in the second half which allowed him to get pull of jumpers without contest - the boy is straight cash homie from long range hitting all four of his attempts - seemed to lag off the ball concentrating more on who has the ball than staying with his man
More on Jrue (can you tell who I paid most attention to during this game?) - the court vision was there and it was spectacular; especially on a first half fast break where he found Andre on a half court bounce pass that lead to an Iguodala slam - when Heat went to a zone, he split the defenders on a gorgeous find to Thad in the middle for a floater - got into the lane extensively, many times looking to pass rather than draw a foul or pull up - one instant he drove and drew the double-team immediately finding Sammy for an oop
Thaddeus Young had a nasty box-out on Udonis Haslem, I thought I would never see the day (maybe he does have the ability) - couldn't grasp the concept of getting a hand up on perimeter shooters allowing clean looks for the Heat - struggled on pick and roll situations when he was at the 4; of note, Haslem set a screen for Mario Chalmers and instead of showing on Chalmers, he ole'd and allowed Mario to easily get to the bucket - still has some sweet shoes (no black but still sweet)
Jodie Meeks played 9 minutes and air-balled his only shot attempt
The Heat went to a zone midway through the first half and were content with Sixers jacking up threes - Sixers did a pretty nice job with this hitting 11 of 24 but gave up on the inside game - early on Elton Brand got the ball down low on the first 4 possessions (two fg's and drew a foul)
Jason Kapono started the second half over Lou Williams - my only guess as to why is in an attempt to break the zone with an outside threat? your guess is as good as mine - he took the second most shots (one behind Iguodala) and hit his first threes of 2010 - to quote the great @derekbodner "Jason Kapono's hustle stats: 1 rebound, no assists, no steals, no blocks" - when the big story out of the game is that Kapono got 25 minutes and took 14 shots, chances are you lost
Andre Iguodala had pretty solid numbers getting 15 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists but on 15 shots and 5 points from the line; not exactly efficient scoring - kept settling for pull-up jumpers rather than taking it to the basket and getting fouled (when he did drive, he got fouled or finished the majority of the time)
Dwyane Wade is extremely good - if somebody ever tells you NBA players don't try, show them a tape of D-Wade - he abused everyone who attempted to guard him, ran the break to a T, was aggressive on defense generating 5 steals, got through double teams easier than the Situation on a Saturday night (hey-oooo!!!), and was unstoppable in the P&R
Sam Dalembert's biggest contribution was getting elbowed above the neck (never showed it but host of SportsNite said that's what occurred) leading to Jeramaine O'Neal's ejection.
Jordan's boy Joel Anthony started
Marreese Speights' dress attire was subpar
Billy-Bob Green got 0 minutes tonight. Maybe Eddie read Kate Fagan's latest column?

Well that does it for me in my first Game Recap. Please be kind. I'm still pissed about Maryland being in the hardest bracket. Next game is tomorrow at the Wach against the "I Hope We Get Lebron Cuz We're Screwed If We Don'ts". I'll be in attendance booing like crazy when they announce Eddie Jordan as the coach (once again, only in title).

Box Score

Peninsula is Mightier

The Artist's Picks

2010-03-14T21:24:39Z

More photos » Darron Cummings - AP

Good, yes?

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We're all friends here so I figured you could stand a bit more college basketball talk minutes before Selection Sunday officially gets underway. Whatcha think?

Sixers @ Heat - Selection Sunday? More Like Selection FUNDAY!

2010-03-14T20:00:37Z

Though I'm writing this the day before, it is not hampering my rectum-tightening excitement for ~~this game~~ Selection Sunday. Joy, heartbreak, excitement, pain.... it's like seeing the opera performed by Greg Gumbel. For free! I plan on filling out my own bracket before the Selection Committee comes out with theirs, so we'll see how I do compared to ol' Joe. I recommend @DerekBodner does the same so we can compare penis size after the fact. Also, join our Liberty Ballers March Madness Pool For Pride (LBMMPFP) at CBS Sports~~line~~.

What'd you say? Oh this is a Sixers blog? I had no idea.

Sixers/Heat. I predict a huge loss in light of how well (well?) they played against the Cavs. Still impressed by 'Dre and hope he brings it again tonight, but I think the letdown of losing to LeBron despite Cleveland's lack of effort will result in another ping pong ball. By the time you see this (I'm going all visionary here, don't piss yourself ~~douchebags~~ Lost fans <-- sbnation better not "expletive" that, I was referencing the cleansing device), the Wizards, Pistons, and Knicks will have beaten the Magic, Hawks, and Mavs (respectively). And tonight (tomorrow for me) Indiana is at Milwaukee and Sacramento hosts Minnesota!!! That's like money in the bank (Tanner whatchu drank?).

(NEXT DAY UPDATE: Some of these things happened. Oh and Tanner's got the recap tonight, treat him nice and click on his linkies)

Eh-knee-way, go Heat, go college basketball, and go Jay Bilas's comments about everybody's tremendous wingspan.

Out.

Lazy Sunday Sixers Links

2010-03-14T16:43:31Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

"Why does she want me benched for young guys? Doesn't she know I put up 36-14-15 in a conference tournament 7 years ago?" -- Willie Green

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Today is one of the greatest days of the year. No, it's not because Daylight Savings started and I LOST (every time this word is mentioned it will be in reference to the show) a precious hour of sleep. It's Selection Sunday Babay! Get your brackets printed out and your formulas (U+Me=Us) in your TI-83 Calculator. But on a day as wonderful as this, we are reminded that our awesome team plays and Edward Jordan is still the coach, by title only of course. Enjoy the links, not very many because it's Sunday. I'll be going to the game tomorrow so I can root for our boys to lose in person. Sadly, I do not have a "Fire Eddie Jordan" shirt to wear on the red carpet.

EJ Unfazed by Firing Talks

"It doesn't bother me," he said after a film study and short practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

"It's something you get used to," he added. "It's part of the business. We are just going to prepare our team to play as well as we can."

*Speights Update* Post player Marreese Speights, who sprained his right knee against the Toronto Raptors on March 7, will be a game-time decision.

Eddie has not LOST this team; Well According to Him

Everyone thinks Eddie Jordan is fired. Fans. Media. Management around the league. I'd bet a few of his own players. Everyone, that is, except Eddie Jordan.

"I don't know where that [rumor] comes from. [The media] just puts it out there: 'The team's not listening.' They're full of crap."

Fagan Not a Fan of Tanking Rest of the Season

...because a good portion of this roster will be back next season, playing the rest of this season to lose - as opposed to playing to win and losing anyway - would affect next season, too. Something akin to declawing a cat and tossing it back into the wild.

...we'll still likely see quick hits of talent evaluation within that effort. The talent-evaluation minutes need to come from Willie Green and Samuel Dalembert. But tanking the final three weeks will rip apart whatever is left of this roster.

SAS Apologizes for Iverson Article

Yea, and monkeys might fly out of my butt. This "apology" is more of a defense mechanism and attack at Iverson's inner circle.

I've been vilified and excoriated, called a turncoat and a sellout, unworthy of so much as a handshake from several members of Iverson's former team, the 76ers - the last people in need of more adversaries. The truth is, I deserve it.

The thing is, if I'm honest enough to express these feelings about Iverson, to stand up and say none of us who care should sit idly by and act as if the combination of Iverson's history in the fast lane and his present family issues will be healed by silence, where are his so-called friends, the ones with the all-is-well expressions while knowing there's mounting evidence to the contrary?

Focusing on family would be a beautiful thing for anyone to do under such difficult circumstances, but how often does that happen - particularly with someone living the life he's lived? And those closest to him sat around, watched, and did virtually nothing.

Dei Lynam Previews Tonight's Game vs. the Miami Heat - If embed doesn't work just hit the link

Completely Un-Sixer-Related News of the Day: Gus Johnson Gets Very Nervous on Desperation Threes

I love Gus Johnson, especially during March Madness. Only 5 more hours until the brackets are announced. Oh yeah, also 5 more hours until the Sixers tip-off in Miami. Welcome to Miami (Will Smith reference quota met).

Saturday Sixers Link Fix

2010-03-13T19:00:18Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

"His hair is mesmerizing. I could stare at it all day" -- Thad Young

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Not a lot of hard-hitting links today but we must press on (see what I did there? press.... like the media... and I'm giving you media links). More college hoops on today so there's time to catch some prospects. Greg Monroe is in the Big East Championship tonight along with Devin Ebanks (9 PM ESPN). Derrick Favors and his ability to shoot after the shot clock goes off and still have the basket count (bitter much?) plays NC State at 3:30 on ESPN2. John Wall and UK are puttin a hurtin on Tennessee as I type. Cole Aldrich and X Henry play at 6 in the Big 12 Championship on ESPN. Good basketball today. Check it out. On to the links.

Tom Moore Says Expect To See EJ Until April

Comcast-Spectacor COO Peter Luukko said Friday that chances are "not good" Sixers coach Eddie Jordan will be fired this weekend.

Game was Entertaining; Ending Came According to Script

...the roles were played as scripted. The Cavaliers made all the defensive plays down the stretch. The Sixers became, well, the Sixers. Turnovers. Airballs. No-hope threes. Missed free throws. All the things bad teams do at critical moments even on good nights.

Last Night Certainly Had Plenty of Highlight Moments: Check Em Out

Zumoff Tells Fans What to Expect for Remainder of Season; Toots Pinckney's Horn

...here’s what you, the fan, can look for. Ed and I will be analyzing the roster, as Sixers management will be doing as well, to determine how individual players are developing while projecting into their future. Ed is especially good at breaking things down to the fundamentals, having been a former player and assistant coach.

Meet Me in the Sixers Locker Room, It's Goin Down

SAS recently made even more of Allen Iverson's troubles public with this column a few days ago. An anonymous NBA player recently told ESPN this about the situation:

"One of my NBA friends in Philly says a bunch of Sixers can't wait for Stephen A. to show up in their locker room so they can have words with him."

Larry Brown Continues his Quest to make the Bobcats the Old Sixers

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer is reporting that the Bobcats have signed (Larry) Hughes for the remainder of the season

Completely Un-Sixer-Related News of the Day: Don't Put Weed There

Former Jazz center Robert Whaley was arrested in Salt Lake City yesterday and jailers found marijuana "between his buttocks." Apparently we'll see how he does on the prison playground league now.

Sixers lose to Cavs

2010-03-13T02:21:37Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

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Box Score

Fear The Sword

Fantastically fun to watch. Andre Iguodala put on an absolute show, as did LeBron. The first quarter had some of the sickest in-game dunks I've seen all year. AND WE STILL LOST! (Which is a good thing for all you tank-rooters? root-tankers?)

Here's a brief recap:

Andre Iguodala played one of the best games I've seen him play in ... I don't know how long. He had a few hiccups toward the end of the game, took too many threes, and shot 5-9 from the line, but overall it was a fantastic performance -- superstar-esqe. Going head-to-head with LeBron for most of the game was even more impressive. I'm trying hard not to get sucked into believing that Andre can be a superstar, because performances like last night make you wonder.
Jrue Holiday has a couple nice moments, but didn't have a very good game. Mo Williams went off, after being shutdown the last time these two met. Mo dropped 21 points on 13 shots, and got into the paint often. Jrue also had a back-breaking turnover down the stretch. Bottom line, these types of games are going to happen with a 19 year-old rookie -- no big deal. However; something to keep an eye on is Jrue's defense. It's been getting worse as the season goes on. Let's hope it's not a fundamental problem and either a) some form of the rookie wall or b) a product of the team's collective lack of effort slash defense.
Lou Williams was awful for the most part.
Thaddeus Young had a pretty good game, but all I can think about is the play where he tried to crossover, stepped back for an 18-footer, and missed the rim by about 6 feet (short and to the right). I think we have to accept Thad for what he is. A year ago we all thought he could be a go-to guy on offense. Now, I think his ceiling is a less coordinated Lamar Odom with half the rebounding skillz -- and that's not necessarily a bad thing. If he can continue to provide energy off the bench, crash the offensive glass, and somehow maneuver every shot he takes within 2 feet of the rim in, then I'll be happy.
Elton Brand dropped 24-9, but I wasn't impressed. It wasn't a dominant 24-9. It reminded me of Joe Smith circa 2007 aka the ping pong ball killer (along with Andre Miller). And he failed to get to the line a single time.

----------------------------

Overall it was a very entertaining game. I wouldn't get to excited that the Sixers were able to hang with the Cavs. I got the feeling the Cavs were just going through the motions most of the game, and watching it live, there was not a single second where I thought to myself, "I think the Sixers might pull this one out." The Sixers always seem to play the Cavs tough, partly because Andre takes the LeBron-hype personally -- at least that's what it looks like.

Unfortunately, the Pistons were the only lottery team in front of us to win last night, so we didn't gain much ground. But as the season comes to a close I become more and more excited for the off-season -- especially those 30 minutes of the draft lottery where our sports lives could change forever.

Next game is tomorrow in Miami. I expect another loss.

Cavs @ Sixers game thread

2010-03-12T22:57:21Z

Jeffrey Phelps - AP

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I almost pulled the 'ol 'LeBrons @ Sixers' in the title, but the Cavs are much more than just LeBron now -- they have Iced Tea West.

Anyway, tonight should be pretty excited. For all the folks rooting for losses, this is as guaranteed as it gets. Instead of worrying about the Sixers pulling off a miracle win, you can just sit back, watch the most exciting player on the planet (besides Evan Turner), watch Jrue Holiday develop, and celebrate either a Wizards or Pistons victory. If the Knicks beat the Grizzlies tonight the will Sixers will move into a three-way tie for the 7th worst record.

Lottery	Team	Record	GB
10	Clippers	25-40	3.5
9	Sixers	23-41	2
8	Wizards	21-41	1
7	Knicks	22-42	1
6	Pistons	22-42	1
5	Kings	22-43	0.5
4	Pacers	21-43	--

Weird prediction: Jodie Meeks scores 10+ in the fourth quarter.

Serious statement: If the Sixers beat the Cavs I'll take all the blame for the jinx.

Sixers Links on a College Ball Filled Friday

2010-03-12T17:02:36Z

More photos » Chris Young - AP

"I can't believe the highest bid to play with me was only $8 from some guy they call Ricko." -- Lou Williams

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Happy Friday to all my peeps out there. Especially the marshmallow ones. I'm pumpin out today's links pretty quickly because I'm driving back home to the great city of Allentown from Maryland for Spring Break (wow I'm lame). Enjoy the links for today and get used to them; I'll be dishin these out about every day or so Johnny Stockton style.

And if this team frustrates you too much, there's some money college hoops today so you can get yourself familiar with some draft prospects (or just see competitive basketball which you won't get from the Sixers). Big East and Big 12 tourneys are in the Semifinal stage and the ACC is starting the quarterfinals today (Maryland vs. Georgia Tech 7 PM ESPN2). Read 'em, but most importantly check out the conference tournaments.

Comcast to Make Decision about Eddie Soon

In the next few days, they will either fire coach Eddie Jordan or step back and wait until the season ends.

*Same Article* Apparently Larry Brown is still running this franchise

Brown told Snider to keep Jordan, play the young guys, and make the necessary changes in April, the source said.

*Same Article* 64 Games Into the Season and We Still Don't Have A Plan

According to other sources, the organization is weighing two schools of thought:

Keeping Jordan through the season and demanding that he give more playing time to younger players such as Jodie Meeks, Jason Smith, Jrue Holiday, and Thaddeus Young.

Firing Jordan immediately, allowing time for an interim coach to evaluate the younger talent and restore some semblance of order to the season.

Speakin of Larry, He is Very Intrigued by this Roster. Coincidence?

"They've had phenomenal drafts and they're in a good situation financially. I don't think they're very far away," Brown said. "I know what kind of owner (they) have, I know the fans are as good as any. I look at their roster and I see the chance for improvement very quickly."

Maybe all that was idle reminiscing, but I couldn't help but think how much Brown misses his wife and kids, back in Philadelphia all winter. Never know what might percolate.

Bob Cooney is Looney: Keep Eddie Jordan For Another Year?

If you bring in another coach, like any of the ones mentioned above, you will pay a pretty large salary. Plus, you still must pay the 2 years of Jordan's guaranteed contract.

If you let Jordan stay, and the team plays through next season and the Princeton offense clicks and the team shows monumental improvement, then you have a better dilemma on your hands as far as your coaching position. Plus, you never know how many more possible candidates might emerge between now and then.

Here's a Chance for all the Lou Haters to School Him on the Hardwood

All you need to do is win an auction at the upcoming 27th annual benefit for the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center and Williams will come to your house and shoot hoops with you in your driveway. Seriously.

Do the Sixers Have a Full-Time Analyst for Advanced Data? The Wall Street Journal Suggests No.

The Wall Street Journal found that half the league's teams this season have at least one of these statisticians who helps make in-game, draft-day and trade-deadline decisions. Many of these teams are among the NBA's best.

The 15 teams without such analysts have won 40.7% of their games, and only three -- the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks -- are on pace to make the postseason.

Me, Jordan, Mike B, and Derek at a Recent Photo Shoot

I sure hope Michael Bourn still has that full beard today.

Completely Un-Sixer-Related News of the Day: Bill Walton Likes Wild Turkey and Kitchens

...the night after winning a title with the Celtics in 1986, Bill Walton spent the night alone, in someone else's kitchen, listening to the Grateful Dead and sipping Wild Turkey.

Bird awoke the next morning and got up to take a shower, he wasn't sure if he dreamed Bill Walton's visit. He poked his head into his kitchen and saw the big redhead sitting there, just as he had left him.

Big Board #20

2010-03-12T06:01:24Z

More photos » Al Behrman - AP

This isn't a still picture, kid can just hang there for days.

Browse more photos »

The Enigmatic Devin Ebanks, as he is known in the superhero realm, takes the final teen spot on the board. He was the Aaron Rodgers of the Big Board, being introduced in the first couple spots but failing to secure one until now.

Next up is USF junior guard Dominique Jones. While he's viewed primarily as a 2 in college, in order to make it at the pro level, he'll have to come in as a point guard. Otherwise, he'll be relegated to Eddie House territory, coming off the bench for instant offense and a career of 1-year contracts. Sharing a backcourt with senior point guard Chris Howard his whole career has led him to play predominantly off the ball, but if you look at their numbers, Howard's assists have decreased each year since Jones got there, and Dominique's have improved since his freshman year. Right now he doesn't have the IQ or decision-making to play the point consistently, but he's gifted enough to do it if he commits himself. He has passing ability and court vision, it's just a matter of whether or not he can mold himself into a point guard.

Jones is a streaky shooter, shown by his current 2-22 rut from beyond the arc, but he can come on strong when he gets going. He doesn't rise up too high on his shot, and could do with a quicker release. Playing the point guard at the next level will certainly help since his opponent will likely be smaller than him anyway. Right now, he's looking like Rodney Stuckey did coming out of Eastern Washington. Not too athletic, but big and strong for a point guard with limited actual point guard abilities. Even though Stuckey is far from a finished product, at #20, a guy like him would be a steal.

Dom has pretty decent defensive skillz, helped by his endless motor (he's going green) but hurt by his average lateral quickness. He's more of a "head full of steam" guy and typing that just made me realize how odd of an expression that is. Aside from problems going to his left, his handles are good, primarily because he gets so low when he's controlling the ball. And he's a good guy too so that's pretty cool. He's also the best player in South Florida history which isn't saying much unless Kentrell Gransberry's mom is reading this blog.

I just realized that's the least funny thing I've ever posted here. Uhh....my bad? This whole Body thing has me intimidated. You could say I had a "Body image problem" if you get what I'm saying!!?! Ok, we're back. Thank God. Vote or something.

UPDATE: If you wanna read older player profiles, which I'm sure you don't, go here or here

Poll

Do what D-Bod tells you to.

Jan Vesely - 6'11 - Czech Republic - 1990

12 votes

Ekpe Udoh - 6'10 - Baylor - Junior

10 votes

Gani Lawal - 6'8 - Georgia Tech - Junior

6 votes

Paul George - 6'7 - Fresno State - Sophomore

5 votes

Dominique Jones - 6'4 - South Florida - Junior

14 votes

47 votes | Poll has closed

SixersBeat Radio Show

2010-03-12T00:09:07Z

Every week Brian and I host a 76ers Radio Show, SixersBeat. Feel free to listen live, call-in to get on the air, or download and Listen afterwards.

Links

Listen Live
Call-in Number: (917) 889-3649
Listen to previous shows

Feel free to list topics below that we'll try to touch on during the show.

Liberty Ballers March Madness

2010-03-11T22:13:04Z

http://libertyballers.mayhem.cbssports.com/e

The password is "ricko" without the quotation marks though. If you don't have an CBS Sports ID, make one then click the link again. Make your name something we recognize not like "Yo Momma" or "Big Pimpin," because I'd like to insult you for all of your picks.

Should be fun boys and girls, can't wait for Selection Sunday. I'll probably lose.

Thursday's Edition of "Just Fire Him Already"

2010-03-11T14:51:44Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

Check out that Oak Tree!

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COO of Comcast Peter Luukko Denies EJ Dismissal Talks

We have not done any of that. I've had a lot of people telling me things, and I'm getting calls, but we have not made a predetermined decision

Right. Just like the Cavs and Z didn't have a deal for him to return before they traded him.

*Same Article* Decision nearly came before All-Star Break?

the hottest speculation from one source in the Wachovia Center last night suggested that the plan at that time was to fire Jordan and president/general manager Ed Stefanski and use senior vice president Tony DiLeo in a dual role for the remainder of the season.

Willie Green Provides Valuable Insight Into the Situation

Until further notice, he's the coach

SAS Says EJ and Stefanski Aren't Only Ones to Blame

Make sure to include the man who essentially was responsible for hiring them both: Peter A. Luukko, the president and chief operating officer of Comcast-Spectacor

"Oh, absolutely," Luukko said during last night's game... "I own some accountability in all of this. We all do."

Eddie Jordan is One With Nature

There's an old poem I read a long time ago about the oak tree. We've been around long enough, done enough diligence that our roots grow deeper than you can see.

More enticing news about the most definitely soon to be firing of Eddie Jordan. Probably still happens at the end of the season but if it does happen before hand, look for it to be on a Friday afternoon on a day the Sixers don't play. Teams love to break news (we sprain news here at LB) when media outlets are ready for the weekend. Brings about less negative attention.

Until then, enjoy the sparkle in Eddie's smile (from the metal of course) because you won't be seeing it for much longer.

Worst coaching change in franchise history?

2010-03-11T14:41:43Z

More photos » Chuck Burton - AP

Eddie Jordan's first year as Sixers coach has been disappointing, to say the least. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Browse more photos »

As Sixers fans, we've spent the season complaining about Eddie Jordan. From the time he decided to implement the Princeton offense on a roster that obviously wasn't a fit, it has been obvious that the Eddie Jordan hire was wrong.

Just how wrong?

Since it's beginning to look more and more like the firing of Eddie Jordan is a matter of when, not if, I decided to take a look back at all the coaching changes in 76ers history with the goal of determining whether this was the most unsuccessful coaching change in franchise history. A few quick notes, then after the jump we'll take a look at the chart of coaching changes, and discuss some of the epically bad hirings.

I only looked at the franchise from the time they moved to Philadelphia.
I'm comparing a coaches first year with the team in comparison to the previous year before he took over.
Because the season was 80 games during the '66-'67 coaching change, winning % needs to be used as well.
I'm extrapolating out Eddie Jordan's winning percentage over 82 games, to make direct comparison.

Continue reading for a breakdown of past coaching changes, and discussion on whether this is the worst in franchise history.

The graphic below will continue the year of the coaching change, who the new coach was, the Sixers record during his first season, and the Sixers record during the previous season.

Looking at the graphic, the obvious candidate was the dreadful, historically bad '72-'73 season. Let's take a closer look at the worst 4 turnarounds ('72-'73, '92-'93, '03-'04 and this season).

1972-1973

The granddaddy of epically bad seasons, this is the record for futility teams try desperately to avoid. As you see the 7-57 New Jersey Nets play their hearts out over the final 18 games of the regular season, this is a big reason why.

Roy Rubin took a team in disarray. Wilt Chamberlain was traded a few seasons earlier, and upon Rubin's hiring Billy Cunningham bolted for the ABA. All that was left of the NBA Championship team was a 36 year old Hal Greer and a bunch of journeymen led by recently acquired Fred Carter (who, ironically, would later go on to replace Doug Moe behind the bench in the 26-56 '92-'93 campaign).

Even with all the personnel changes, a 21 win drop -- while setting a record in futility -- is hard to beat.

1992-1993

Doug Moe and Fred Carter. No other names go so hand-in-hand with Sixers ineptitude.

This was, however, another season doomed to failure. The trade of disgruntled superstar Charles Barkley left an already mediocre team bereft of talent, and ushered in an era without hope, an era not ended until Allen Iverson -- and, perhaps more importantly, Larry Brown -- ushered in a new era of Sixers basketball.

Doug Moe had collected a career 609 wins before heading to the Sixers, including winning the coach of the year award in 1988 when his Nuggets went 54-28.

The coaching job was horrible, matched only by the talent on the roster.

2003-2004

Larry Brown is a tough act to follow, especially when he tinkers with his roster at the end of a run to try to make one last, desperate, doomed run.

After winning 48 games and losing to the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Brown bolted for the Pistons -- set to appear in consecutive NBA Finals -- leaving Randy Ayers to try to win with the mess of a lineup Brown left him. And win he did not.

After a dismal playoffs, Larry Brown moved whipping boy Keith Van Horn for Glenn Robinson. The "Big Dog" was just coming off a 20 point per game season, and allowed Kenny Thomas to move back to his natural power forward position. The move, and the season, was an epic failure. After one injury riddled, mediocre season with the Sixers Robinson was benched for Andre Iguodala, and he suited up an entire 42 games during his Sixers career.

As for Randy Ayers? He was fired 52 games into his only season.

Expecting the squad to match the success Larry Brown was able to squeeze out of them was unrealistic, and the trade of Keith Van Horn was a colossal failure, but a 15 win drop?

2009-2010

This brings us to the present. I'm not going to go into detail about Eddie Jordan's coaching job because, frankly, it's been beaten to death. Covered ad nauseam here, by myself elsewhere, and all over the mainstream media, to the point where it pains me to dissect any further.

The team was in a rare spot, having to make a coaching change after a .500 season that saw them in a playoff, when interim coach Tony DiLeo unexpectedly turned around the Sixers fortunes last year. Because of the expected "mediocrity" of the ballclub going into the season, the projected 12 win decrease is amongst the worst in franchise history.

It's hard to argue with a historically bad season as the 1972-1973 season was, even if the team was a dismal 30-52 the previous season and lost its best player. The same argument could be used 1992-1993, which also had an already bad team losing its franchise player. With very little roster turnover this year (loss of Andre Miller, regaining Elton Brand for a full season), this season ranks right up there with the worst coaching changes in franchise history.

So, there you have it. What's been the worst coaching change in franchise history? Can this team at least win that?

Sixers get blown out by Bobcats

2010-03-11T06:04:00Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

Browse more photos »

Box Score

Rufus on Fire

Instead of looking at the 99 problems, let's look at the positives.
DB joined LB.
TAFKAMB lost his Twitginity.
Jodie Meeks scored a Sixers career-high, 5 points. Dude has a beautiful-looking shot, and also showed some solid effort on defense. Granted, it was 5 minutes of trash time. The Jodiac Killer even attempted to box out -- which is more than I can say for some Sixers. Hall of Fame?
Jrue Holiday showed good signs again. His shot isn't as pretty as The Meekster's, but it's wetter than a dog's nose (41% now). Holiday Line: 13 points (5-11, 2-4 3P, 1-2 FT), 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 5 turnovers in 38 minutes.
Thad had a nice move off the dribble where he did a quick crossover and drilled the shot from about 18. He also had a filthy slam, (dunk occurs at the 40 second mark) and 3 blocks.
There's a chance this was Eddie Jordan's last game -- if you believe the rumor that he's gone as soon as he's "lost the team". I'll let you decide if this is a good thing or not. Would you rather have 18 more games of Jordan or no chance at a top 5 pick? If this were an alternate universe like in LOST, we could have both.
John successfully predicted the end of White Collar's first season.
The Kings killed the Raptors which helps us in the Lottery Standings!

Lottery	Team	Record	GB
10	Clippers	25-40	3.5
9	Sixers	23-41	2
8	Wizards	21-40	1.5
7	Knicks	22-42	1
6	Pistons	22-42	1
5	Kings	22-43	0.5
4	Pacers	21-43	--

Answer these questions in the comments:

Rank the top five players you want the Sixers to draft after Wall-Turner.
Who's your favorite Sixer?
Do you want Ed Stefanski gone?

-------------------------

Peace and goodnight. Our next game is Friday against the Cavs -- and LeBron's supposed to be back.

Derek Bodner joins Liberty Ballers

2010-03-10T22:50:20Z

I'm proud to announce that LB will be adding more talent to our team today. Most of you are probably familiar with his work. He's been one of the Sixers moderators at RealGM, he's the creator of Philly Arena, he co-hosts the weekly podcast, Sixers Beat, and does some work for Draft Express.

Ladies and gentlemen, Derek Bodner!

With the addition of DB we hope to accomplish a lot of new and exciting things here at LB, so stay tuned. And don't, worry, TAFKAMB and Tanner will both assume their roles as, um, TAFKAMB and Tanner. As a matter of fact, I think I saw them doing a little rookie hazing this morning. This may or may not be a picture of Derek and John bringing coffee to TAFKAMB's office.

Here's a word from the man himself, Derek Bodner:

I'll keep this short, as Jordan it up quite nicely. Browsing through the comments in recent days, I recognize many of the names and faces participating in the community. If you're not familiar with my viewpoints on the team, feel free to browse the PhillyArena archive, or just continue reading this site during the coming weeks.

I'd like to thank Jordan for providing me the opportunity to contribute to this community, and I look forward to the challenges ahead as I try to contribute to the outstanding site Jordan and the gang here have built up. If you have any questions, or wish to contact me, you can grab my email from my profile.

Also, follow us on Twitter!

Me - @LibertyBallers

TAFKAMB - @LBMikeBourn

Tanner - @tsteidel

Derek - @derekbodner

Bobcats @ Sixers game thread

2010-03-10T22:18:26Z

Rick Havner - AP

View full size photo »

Another important game in terms of lottery implications. Even though the Bobcats are a playoff team, they are terrible on the road this season (8-23 as opposed to 23-8 at home). But both teams are playing the second of a back-to-back, so in the infamous words of KG, "Anything is possssible!!!"

Three things interest me tonight:

Jrue Holiday's development
How the team will react to this
The possibility of seeing Michael Jordan in torn jeans

Also, keep an eye on our lottery friends:

Utah @ Detroit

Clippers @ Heat

New York @ San Antonio

Toronto @ Sacramento

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Go team.