Did the Sixers Really Blow It?

Well, they blew it. Or so it appears. After trading away their superstar in November and then releasing their washed up, yet semi-effective-has-been, the Sixers put themselves in perfect position to tank and capitalize on a blown year. So why didn't they? What did they accomplish by winning so many games in the second half of the season besides ruining a great opportunity to draft a sure superstar?

From Iguodala to Louis Williams this team has improved and more importantly they have gained confidence in themselves. As much as I love Allen Iverson, his style of play and presence can be difficult for players to mesh with. Pure scorers like Kyle Korver and Willie Green--who dropped 37 last night in the season finale--emerged this year because they finally got the opportunity to find a rhythm on the court without wondering if they should really be shooting instead of Allen every time they heaved up a shot. Iggy got the opportunity to show us all, and more importantly prove to himself that he can take over late in the fourth. A probable All-Star next season Andre emerged from a high flying dunker to an impressive all around player at both ends of the court. The Sixers established their niches on the court and found positive chemistry in the locker room. There is no substitute for confidence and chemistry on a team.

This may be the old Iggy, but I still love it.

I don’t think Billy King deserves to still have his job, but I tip my hat for not putting restraints on his team’s growth this season. So much emphasis has been put on getting a top two pick in the draft this year, but nothing is guaranteed in the draft. 14 0f 24 All-Stars this year were selected 9th or higher. This doesn’t mean that Oden and Durant won’t be great, but there are certainly other All-Stars-to-be out there. With three first round picks and one second round pick, even with Billy King calling the shots the odds are still good to land a few ballers in this deep draft (there is also a good chance that King will take McRoberts with one of these four picks. McRoberts and Randolph on the same team will be hard for me to deal with to say the least).

I just know he is going to take another Dukie...

My first instinct for this post was to discuss how tanking is morally wrong when it is done in a shameless, overt manner. Tanking can damage fan relations and it may be tough for a father to explain to his 9 year old son why the better players aren't playing in the fourth quarter, which can lead to tough questions like 'But don't they want to win?'. 'Well son...' Yet, those damages can be repaired and true fans are stuck with the teams they have. The real harm in tanking games is the damage it does to the players, especially young players. Just look at one young player's frustration with his team. Tanking is completely understandable, but in the case of the Sixers it wasn't the best move for the team. I was rooting for the Sixers to lose after Iverson left, but after watching the team transform they won me over. They will go into next season with confidence, positive chemistry, free of the expectations that will come with a top 2 pick, and ok, I’ll say it, karma on their side.

We shall see how the lottery balls fall on May 22nd.


Now onto my first round Playoff picks.

The East:

Miami over Chicago 4-2
Chicago ended their season when they gave up the #2 seed with a loss to NJ in the last game of the regular season. They will now have to go through Miami and Detroit just to make it to the Conference Finals.

Toronto over New Jersey 4-2
I am not buying that NJ can just turn it on because of their star power and experience. Toronto is legit and Bosh is ready to put himself on the map with his draft mates.

Cleveland over Washington 4-1
This would have been a great series between Gilbert and Bron Bron. No chance for the Wiz.

Detroit over Orlando 4-1
Maybe Jameer will hit a game winner.


The West:

Houston over Utah 4-3
This should be a dandy between two well balanced teams.

Phoenix over Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
I want to pick Kobe here, but they have just been too cold the past month.

Denver over San Antonio 4-3
Yes, this is probably a pure passion pick. Yeah it is. Doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

Dallas over Golden State 4-2
This will be closer than anticipated, but not that close. Golden State is hot and Nelly knows his old team well. That is enough for two wins. On a side note Dirk should be the MVP this year.