MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Apr 23, 2005 16:41:04 GMT -5
Oh, well that was fun for about 6 minutes. Sixers had a great first quarter, specifically in the first six minutes. Any other team in the East, including the Heat, would have fallen to Philly in this game. But the Pistons are just too good and experienced and deep. Plus they match up against Philly better than any team in the East. Pistons look like the clear favorites in the Eastern Conference at this point. Doesn't look good for my Sixers.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Apr 26, 2005 11:13:13 GMT -5
The problem for Philly is that they have ZERO depth and game/series will be decided by the Bench and Detroit's go the best bench in league in my opinion. Philly's starters are good enough to hang with Pistons, but the bench is a JOKE. Watching Marc Jackson get his **** thrown is frustrating because everyone who watches basketball knew it was going to happen before he even attempted the shot. Webber is such a QUEEN---3 rebounds? If he'd spend more time rebounding and attempting to play some sort of defense, maybe he wouldn't need to do all of those mean mugs to ACT tough. What a clown as I knew when he was traded to Philly, he's a loser and not tough enough to do anything productive. He's a 6'10 SG and his complaining about needing the ball and offense to run through him was just ridiculous. All I can say is can't wait for offseason or Trade Deadline next year because he'll be BEGGING to get out of Philly. Another year, another waste of AI's talents. The guys like Dalambert, Iguodala, and Korver are good foundation, but they need to get 4/5 other players who can play and by the time they do this, Iverson will be on downside of his career. His only hope is getting out of Philly but he's too proud to ask for a Trade--GET OUT OF TOWN ALLEN!!!
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Apr 27, 2005 16:19:47 GMT -5
Yep.
Even before this series started I knew the Sixers needed another big man and at least one more scorer. The scorer could be a slasher athlete or a shooter but he would have to be the type of guy who could create on his own (and be taller than Green who comes off the bench...when he comes off at all). I like this nucleus now and the first seven minutes of game one displayed what they could do with more time to gel and with more experience. But as you pointed out AI isn't getting any younger. If he was 25-27 and going through this ala Mike it would be one thing. But he is 29 going on 39 with all the pounding he takes.
By the way why did O'Brien play him 47 minutes in game one? You don't have legs to finish shots when you play that many minutes, especially against a team like the Pistons.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Apr 30, 2005 11:10:51 GMT -5
Whoo. Wasn't sure if the Sixers could get a game. Most importantly they won against a Pistons team that came to play and shot well. Ben Wallace had the game of his life! Sixers were able to do what the Nets couldn't against Miami. Life is good...for today.
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GUHoya07
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Post by GUHoya07 on May 1, 2005 14:55:29 GMT -5
AHHHHHH KYLE KORVER!!! WHY???!!! THERE WERE 10 SECONDS LEFT ON THE GAME CLOCK!!!
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RDF
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Post by RDF on May 1, 2005 17:06:42 GMT -5
AHHHHHH KYLE KORVER!!! WHY???!!! THERE WERE 10 SECONDS LEFT ON THE GAME CLOCK!!! As bad as Korver's shot selection was, this game was lost when Philly had lead, kept seeing wrong people take shots, and then fouled Pistons putting them on the line to get cheap points. That 3 by Billups was series even though Green had chance to win--he really gagged on that first FT though. Marc Jackson and Rodney Rogers are absolutely worthless. Watching AI drop a perfect pass off to Jackson only to see him never get ball above the rim when most players would've already thrown it down for two is maddening. If Iverson had people who could finish at rim, he'd average 10 assists easily. The fact he's had his best season in NBA this year is amazing but it's also a testament to having Jim O'Brien put ball in his hands which is fun to watch and as a fan I appreciate. Just need about 4/5 players to get to Championship Contention and not talking about stars--just guys who fill roles and can finish when given an open two down low. I highly doubt it will happen as Philly seems doomed but I'm hoping for it because AI is fun to watch and most don't realize what a special player we're all watching--he is able to dominate a game being so tiny and the numbers he's throwing up are putting him among the legends and all time greats. Problem is he's being wasted carrying garbage for the most part and it's just frustrating to see some of the other teams make moves and Philly unable to get much done.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on May 1, 2005 23:12:12 GMT -5
RDF, you said it all.
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hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on May 2, 2005 12:43:02 GMT -5
It just occurred to me (and I'm sure others have mentioned this elsewhere, so I'm probably just behind the times) that Iverson is having a string of years similar to what Tiny Archibald did when he was with the Kings, only better. Archibald had to go to the Celtics and become a role player in order to get his rings. I wonder if the same fate might await AI down the road. Archibald was good enough to be included in the list of the league's 50 best players, so I hope none of you will take this as a slight of AI.
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the_way
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Post by the_way on May 2, 2005 13:34:51 GMT -5
It just occurred to me (and I'm sure others have mentioned this elsewhere, so I'm probably just behind the times) that Iverson is having a string of years similar to what Tiny Archibald did when he was with the Kings, only better. Archibald had to go to the Celtics and become a role player in order to get his rings. I wonder if the same fate might await AI down the road. Archibald was good enough to be included in the list of the league's 50 best players, so I hope none of you will take this as a slight of AI. No its not a slight at all. But comparing AI and Archibald is like comparing apples and oranges. Yes they were both small and lightening quick, but AI brings so much more to the table. The problem with AI, is that he has no talent around him. The best players around him are a rookie (Iuogadala), a raw and offensiveley limited talent (Dalembert), and a 3-pt. specialist whos should be coming off the bench (Korver) instead of starting. Mckie and Rogers are solid veterans but are washed up coming off the bench. Marc Jackson, although he tries hard and overachieves, is the best post-player on their team because he is the only post-player on their team.They have no bench at all. Chris Webber is more interested in his shooting form than actually trying to win ballgame. AI is the second-most dominant player in the league next to Shaq. AI has a solid, good coach in O'brien. But AI's team is light years away from being a contender until they get a competent GM who knows how to build a team. Unfortunately, AI is wasting his time with this franchise as long as GM Billy "I got a degree from Duke" King is still running the show.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on May 2, 2005 13:35:54 GMT -5
It just occurred to me (and I'm sure others have mentioned this elsewhere, so I'm probably just behind the times) that Iverson is having a string of years similar to what Tiny Archibald did when he was with the Kings, only better. Archibald had to go to the Celtics and become a role player in order to get his rings. I wonder if the same fate might await AI down the road. Archibald was good enough to be included in the list of the league's 50 best players, so I hope none of you will take this as a slight of AI. I don't think this is a slight at all--Tiny was a helluva player. I view AI as the "Jordan" of small guards--a type of player we'll not see the likes of for a long time. His toughness is what seperates him--he plays a ton of minutes, gets hammered and just keeps coming. The fact he can be so feared by opponents and he's 5'11/6'0 tall as a franchise player is amazing. Unfortunately, the Sixers are run by an Owner who views Hockey as more important and puts all of his attention and money into the Flyers. If Snider would just focus on the team who has an actual star who can carry a team of solid stars--doesn't even need superstars-- to at least the ECF's we might get our wish. Just wished Geiger would've never vetoed the trade and AI would be in Detroit while Sixers would've received Eddie Jones and Stackhouse. AI would fit in beautifully as he'd be in Hamilton's role or Billups and have that type of talent around him--which fits his game perfectly as well--Joe Dumars knows talent and how to build a team--Billy King has been marginal at best. I liked the Korver, Dalembert, and Iguodala moves, but Webber, Marc Jackson type of bigs, aren't what Iverson needs--he needs finishers like a Stromile Swift and slasher/shooter types like Tim Thomas and he'll win. Sounds laughable to point out guys like that, but I'm serious--he can win with people like that on team with young nucleus and doesn't need an elite player, although Larry Hughes would sure look nice in Philly right now. Rooter, saw Marques Johnson saying that he wants Lakers to do "whatever it takes to get AI in Laker uniform with Kobe" and that made me scratch my head a bit, but it would be fun to watch, I'll admit that. Those two gunning and at least you would know that Free Agents would take a look due to tradition and lifestyle unlike Philly.
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the_way
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Post by the_way on May 2, 2005 14:02:21 GMT -5
I don't think this is a slight at all--Tiny was a helluva player. I view AI as the "Jordan" of small guards--a type of player we'll not see the likes of for a long time. His toughness is what seperates him--he plays a ton of minutes, gets hammered and just keeps coming. The fact he can be so feared by opponents and he's 5'11/6'0 tall as a franchise player is amazing. Unfortunately, the Sixers are run by an Owner who views Hockey as more important and puts all of his attention and money into the Flyers. If Snider would just focus on the team who has an actual star who can carry a team of solid stars--doesn't even need superstars-- to at least the ECF's we might get our wish. Just wished Geiger would've never vetoed the trade and AI would be in Detroit while Sixers would've received Eddie Jones and Stackhouse. AI would fit in beautifully as he'd be in Hamilton's role or Billups and have that type of talent around him--which fits his game perfectly as well--Joe Dumars knows talent and how to build a team--Billy King has been marginal at best. I liked the Korver, Dalembert, and Iguodala moves, but Webber, Marc Jackson type of bigs, aren't what Iverson needs--he needs finishers like a Stromile Swift and slasher/shooter types like Tim Thomas and he'll win. Sounds laughable to point out guys like that, but I'm serious--he can win with people like that on team with young nucleus and doesn't need an elite player, although Larry Hughes would sure look nice in Philly right now. Rooter, saw Marques Johnson saying that he wants Lakers to do "whatever it takes to get AI in Laker uniform with Kobe" and that made me scratch my head a bit, but it would be fun to watch, I'll admit that. Those two gunning and at least you would know that Free Agents would take a look due to tradition and lifestyle unlike Philly. Kobe and AI on the same team? I don't think it would work. The really play the same role even though they played different positions. One of the two players' game will have to suffer at the expense of the other. Its like with GP and Kobe in the same backcourt. It won't and didn't work. GP just brought the ball up and couldn't really play his game.I always thought you need complimentary players in the backcourt. Vince Carter and Jason Kidd. Billips and Hamilton. Dumars and Isiah Thomas back in the day. I think AI's game would compliment a guy like Rip Hamilton/Larry Hughes type players more than a Kobe, Mcgrady, Vince Carter, or Sprewell type player. What the Lakers need is Jerry West. Jerry was good at selecting role players as well as superstars. Mitch Kupcheck is a horrible GM. The Lakers have too many wing players and no interior defense. They have all perimeter oriented players. Brian Grant is the only banger on that team.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on May 2, 2005 23:16:19 GMT -5
Unfortunately, the Sixers are run by an Owner who views Hockey as more important and puts all of his attention and money into the Flyers. Part of me can't blame him. The two games in Philly this weekend weren't even sold out which tells you the people in that city don't care. Despite being one of the great sports franchises in American sports history, the Sixers come fourth in that town after the Eagles, Flyers and Phillies. All season long AI has been saying the right thing by thanking those that come out and support the team rather than complain about the empty seats. But yesteday he made an indirect mention of it. You guys are tougher on Webber than me but I'll admit I have often rooted for CWebb over the years so I'm biased. I think he played well against the Pistons so far this series. He doesn't stay in the paint enough to rebound but he has given Iverson some help on the scoring front. By the way Scottie Pippen on his blog on nba.com wrote that Iverson was his defensive player of the year. He had a semi-coherent explanation for why he felt that way but I not exactly buying it. I love AI and all but I would not put him in the top ten list of defensive players. Great column by J.A. Adande whom writes for the LA Times and most of you probably know from the ESPN show "Around the Horn." Adande wrote about Game Three of the Sixers-Pistons series, concentrating on the unsual respect Iverson generates amongst opponents. Click the link below. And I'll past an excerpt below as well for those of you too lazy to click on the link. For those who forgot Adande for two seasons had the Hoya beat when he was with the Washington Post. Those two seasons were the same in which Iverson played. www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/la-sp-adande30apr30,1,4562511.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba It wasn't the affection displayed by teammates, such as the time Chris Webber wrapped his arms around him and lifted him off the floor after a late jumper put the 76ers ahead by nine points.
No, what really affirmed the special place Iverson holds in this league was the respect accorded him by the Pistons throughout the game.
After the slender, 6-foot Iverson picked up a foul while battling 6-9 Detroit muscleman Ben Wallace for a rebound, Wallace gave Iverson five on his way to the free-throw line.
"Allen's a tough guy," Wallace said. "He's doing all the things for his team to win."
Rasheed Wallace spent the night barking at the referees (he picked up a technical foul while sitting on the bench) and egging on the Philly fans, but showed nothing but love for Iverson.
After swatting an Iverson layup out of bounds, he simply turned away instead of unleashing a yell or his usual stream of trash talk. And as soon as the game ended, he walked up to Iverson and hugged him. Normally you don't see that type of bonding until a series is over.
"That's my man," said Wallace, who also referred to Iverson by his childhood nickname "Chuck." "Once we're off that court, that's my dog. But on the court, that rivalry's there and just that camaraderie. He's going to go at our neck, he knows that I'm going to go at their neck. But that's my man."
We all should pause to appreciate this season by Iverson. He won't get a championship ring at the end of it, and he won't have a most-valuable-player award to show for it, so all we can do is preserve it in the memory banks ourselves.
In his ninth season, he led the league in scoring with 30.7 points a game and was fifth in assists with an average of 7.9. Talk about getting it all done: He reached a career high in assists while producing the second-most points in franchise history.
He showed leadership on a team that started three players with two years or less of pro experience. He made those around him better.
He won't get as many MVP votes as Shaquille O'Neal or Steve Nash, but this goes down as a better performance than Iverson's MVP season of 2000-01, when he pushed the 76ers into the NBA Finals and gave the Lakers their only loss of those playoffs.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on May 2, 2005 23:19:07 GMT -5
I think AI's game would compliment a guy like Rip Hamilton/Larry Hughes type players more than a Kobe, Mcgrady, Vince Carter, or Sprewell type player. Tell Larry Brown that. He was the moron that, when he was the Sixers coach, had Hughes traded thereby cutting short the Flight Brothers combo.
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the_way
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Post by the_way on May 3, 2005 8:33:21 GMT -5
Tell Larry Brown that. He was the moron that, when he was the Sixers coach, had Hughes traded thereby cutting short the Flight Brothers combo. I would say more Rip Hamilton than Larry Hughes. Rip doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective. He can run off screens, moves well without the ball to get open, and he can shoot jumpers. Thats what AI needs. A Rip type player. Larry Hughes likes to dominate the ball a lot too. So I will take that back about Larry Hughes. In all fairness to Larry Brown, Larry Hughes wasn't the the Larry Hughes of today back in Philly. Heck, Larry Hughes of last year and the year before wasn't the Larry Hughes of this year. Plus, AI always wanted to play the 2 guard position. Plus Larry Brown didn't like Iverson at the PG position because Larry Brown said he thought Allen didn't know how to play basketball the "right way". You even saw it in the Olympics, he didn't let Iverson run the point, he had Marbury running the point. But everybody knows that Iverson is more lethal when he has the ball in his hands penetrating, breaking down defenses, etc. Not running off screens when he can create his own shot. Since AI was at the two, Larry Hughes had to be moved.
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hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on May 3, 2005 12:44:30 GMT -5
I agree with way about Kobe-Iverson. There is no way that would work. Way is also right about the Lakers, except that I think Brian Grant proved himself to be pretty much over the hill, leaving the Lakers with no true bangers at all. Their defense this year was about as bad as I can ever remember it, and I go back with the team to its arrival in LA.
I did not know that Adande covered the Hoyas. That's interesting, because he has now written back-to-back columns here in LA with outstanding Hoya-based themes (as those of you who have read Angus's thread will see).
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RDF
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Post by RDF on May 15, 2005 10:53:44 GMT -5
Guess who is running his mouth about "not being able to play with AI--he dribbles too much". That's right folks, none other than PEG LEG PETE himself "C-Webb". Article in NY Daily News mentions how Webber has confided in friends that he can't play with AI because he's too selfish and Webber needs the ball in his hands.
Now I know AI can overdribble at times and he's not a perfect player by any means, but it's sure funny that Phoenix doesn't whine and complain about Steve Nash having ball too much and overdribbling the ball which he can do at times as much as anyone in the league.
Webber said "I'll take a paycut to get out of here" in terms of his asking out of Philly and while it would be acceptable if this guy was a competitor and not just saying this because he hates that he plays in a town that has expectations and analyzes effort of it's players; Webber is taking the punk way out.
Apparently the "Big Dog" told Webber that "it's impossible to play with Iverson" and when you mention that MUTT as your reference, it explains more about Webber than Iverson's game. We're talking about a guy who can't dribble the ball or he'll turn it over and he can't do anything but catch and shoot--which is suited to play with Iverson's game just fine but Mutt was so putrid he did what he is prone to do--gag and choke and was so awful nobody else wanted him.
Iverson isn't popular to play with for main reason in today's NBA--he gives all out effort on the court. It takes certain "type" of player who could handle playing alongside AI and that is one who loves to compete and wants to win. Guys like Robinson and Webber see themselves as stars and have never been known as being tough or fierce competitors. They've come up small in their chances to make a difference and in case of the Mutt, he's in a nice role for him--scarce bench player on a great team. Webber still views himself as a star and points to his "20 and 10"as reason to back that up. Stats mean nothing, it's how you get them and put them up. If you get 1 rebound with game on line that is better than Webber's 10 which usually come off his own missed layups anymore because he can't jump over the stat sheet he memorizes and worships.
I will say that Webber shares same goal as I have--wanting him out of Philly and sure hope this happens to make him happy and more importantly to give Sixers a chance to get a better team of guys around AI. They have started to do that--Dalembert, Iguodala, Korver, but now you need athletic bigs who will run floor, defend, and rebound. I'd trade Webber for Chris Wilcox, and some other boys from the Clip JOINT as those types would be successful with AI or do what it takes to get a Stromile Swift, Tyson Chandler type of big however Jerry West and John Paxon are too smart to want the clown known as "C-Webb". If that's too much, maybe AI can go to management and say "If I'm a problem, get me outta here" and my ultimate dream of him leaving Philly would happen--he should be with the Pistons now-- a perfect team for him personnel wise and instead Larry Brown got lucky that Geiger vetoed the trade or else he'd have been fired with his acquisitions of Eddie Jones and Jerry Stackhouse (it was a multi-team trade) and AI would be going for his second or possibly 3rd title with Billups, Wallace Boys, Prince, etc.......
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the_way
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Post by the_way on May 15, 2005 12:11:22 GMT -5
Stats mean nothing, it's how you get them and put them up. If you get 1 rebound with game on line that is better than Webber's 10 which usually come off his own missed layups anymore because he can't jump over the stat sheet he memorizes and worships. Here is the link to the article: www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/309599p-264954c.htmlLOL. All too funny. ;D Its like the saying goes, "consider the source". Webber's comments don't suprise me at all. Heck, he played in Washington and failed to do anything on the court and embarrassed the franchise off the court with his antics on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, a large contigent of the NBA viewing public, media, everyday people and , astonishingly, Philly fans, actually think Chris Webber is a great player and Allen Iverson is a ball-hog, which is far from the case. They actually think the ball should have been run through Webber more instead of Iverson. If you are a weak-minded,a malcontent of a player, care about your own statistics, or all of the above, you will loathe playing with Iverson. Webber and Big Mutt fit that bill. The most talented player from an offensive standpoint that never had a problem being a scoring tandem with Iverson was a teammate of Iverson's not in the NBA, but in college: Victor Page. Vic would still get his points and he and AI seemed to enjoy playing with one another in the backcourt. But if you name all of the players they tried to bring with Iverson, you see why they never had success. As RDF says, they weren't winners. Larry Hughes is an exception because he wasn't the player he is today, he was also young back then, and Larry Brown hates rookies. Here is the list: Keith Van Horn Glen Robinson Chris Webber Toni Kukoc Jerry Stackhouse Not exactly what I would call, championship-caliber and mentally-tough players
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RDF
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Post by RDF on May 15, 2005 12:46:17 GMT -5
Here is the link to the article: www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/309599p-264954c.htmlLOL. All too funny. ;D Its like the saying goes, "consider the source". Webber's comments don't suprise me at all. Heck, he played in Washington and failed to do anything on the court and embarrassed the franchise off the court with his antics on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, a large contigent of the NBA viewing public, media, everyday people and , astonishingly, Philly fans, actually think Chris Webber is a great player and Allen Iverson is a ball-hog, which is far from the case. They actually think the ball should have been run through Webber more instead of Iverson. If you are a weak-minded,a malcontent of a player, care about your own statistics, or all of the above, you will loathe playing with Iverson. Webber and Big Mutt fit that bill. The most talented player from an offensive standpoint that never had a problem being a scoring tandem with Iverson was a teammate of Iverson's not in the NBA, but in college: Victor Page. Vic would still get his points and he and AI seemed to enjoy playing with one another in the backcourt. But if you name all of the players they tried to bring with Iverson, you see why they never had success. As RDF says, they weren't winners. Larry Hughes is an exception because he wasn't the player he is today, he was also young back then, and Larry Brown hates rookies. Here is the list: Keith Van Horn Glen Robinson Chris Webber Toni Kukoc Jerry Stackhouse Not exactly what I would call, championship-caliber and mentally-tough players BINGO!!! Great points Way and out of the list above the guy who had most success with AI was Van Horn who Iverson actually enjoyed playing with--he would be ready to shoot and did his best, but he's a little gun shy come $$$ Quarter. The others are TRASH. I actually liked the team Brown and King had for AI in '01 which consisted of athletic bench--Jumaine Jones, Rodney Buford, Raja Bell, and a big who was face up shooter and complimented Deke's game in Geiger. Also had Nazr Mohammed and Todd MacCullogh. That is type of TEAM that AI needs--guys who know role and aren't afraid. I'd take all of them back over Webber and Mutt anyday. I'd just like to see a team built around him--and if you get a "Star" get someone who is skilled at rebounding and post play like Mutombo was--see how that worked out for the little guy--he only led them to the Finals. With Dalembert's upside and talent, I'd like to see an aggressive PF not a goon like Webber, but Sixers are stuck here unless someone dumb comes along--but harder to get dumber than Billy King. I expect to see Sixers screw up another offseason and Way you forgot the great "sidekick" that was Matt Harpring--- . It's a known fact that AI went to management during the season and he might have to again if Webber keeps making a stink--Iverson did nothing but embrace and encourage the guy and he gets treated like garbage in return. As you said there are many Sixer fans who think Webber is an Elite Player and should have offense run threw him--if that's case, good luck and enjoy the lottery folks because you'll be there for a LONNNNNGGGG time.
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the_way
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Post by the_way on May 15, 2005 13:37:22 GMT -5
I expect to see Sixers screw up another offseason and Way you forgot the great "sidekick" that was Matt Harpring--- . Matt Harpring crossed my mind, but I didn't think he was worth mentioning. ;D It seemed like he totally forgot how to play basketball when he played for the Sixers. Go figure! The team that went to the finals with AI was great. All of their role players were great defenders. Plus, although they weren't necessarily great scorers, they had as much heart as AI did. Remember, Eric Snow had a fracture in his ankle that he played with the entire playoffs. The screws were all messed up in his ankle, yet Snow still played. Aaron Mckie played hurt. George Lynch was hurt severely during the playoffs, yet he still tryed to play in the finals. All these guys had heart. Webber gets a cold and he has to sit out five games. Glen Robinson has "ankle problems" that "supposedly" kept him from playing basketball this season, until the Spurs picked him up. And for those who think Big Dog is playing the "right way" for the Spurs. He is in the last year of his contract, and he is looking for a good payday. What better way to audition yourself as a model citizen on TV than during the NBA playoffs and on the Spurs for that matter. I remember last year here in Washington, Stackhouse announced to the media after a game, he was done for the season without a medical consultation and without even talking to management. He just felt like calling it a day. After management caught wind of what he said, you best believe Stackhouse was back playing the next couple of games,although he didn't want to because they weren't running the offense through him. These guys are the ultimate signs of a losers. AI is a winner. Losers always hate playing with winners because losers hate to challenge themselves to be better and they hate being challenged by other people to be better. Thats what a winnner does. Can you imagine AI in Detroit? Having one of, if not the best GM's in the business in Joe Dumars. A blue-collar town that actually would appreciate AI instead of calling him selfish every other game, like Philly does. I hate to say this, but AI will probably go down with Ewing as one of the greatest hoyas never to win a championship because AI has an imcompetent GM, in Billy King.
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nychoya3
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Post by nychoya3 on May 15, 2005 16:03:33 GMT -5
I'm not ready to predict a championship, but they've had some good drafts recently in Philly. Andre I looks like a Richard Jefferson-type, at worst, and Sam Dalembert (assuming they keep him and convince O'Brien to play him) was a force in the playoffs. Even Korver, awful as he was in the postseason, is a pretty good productive young players. At worst, he's a valuable role player.
I think Ignodola could end up as the best guy AI has played with in the pros in a year or two, and his defense and energy without the ball make him ideal for Iverson. I don't see them beating the Heat anytime soon, but they have a young core that could provide AI one more good run for the championshiop before his skills start to decay.
Also, I bet Iverson plays for a longtime - he just loves the game. He could transition to a more traditional point guard role overtime, as his body won't be able to handle the constant tumbles forever. He may not win one on Philly, but he could get a chance elsewhere - like Zo.
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