This offseason, we at Gino's Jungle would like to think we have covered everything from A to Z when it comes to the Boston Celtics. With the regular season tip-off quickly approaching we decided it was time to take a look at the enemies. For the next five weeks we will be giving you the down low on all thirty teams in the NBA. We'll be doing this somewhat in conjunction with Celtics Blog's NBA team previews.
Team Name: Philadelphia 76ers
Last Year's Record: 27-55
What did they do this offseason?
The 76ers didn't suffer any significant setbacks or accomplish anything that's really going to push them forward this upcoming season. They made a few small roster moves, and a few organizational moves that should make them a little bit better this season.
Things started this offseason for the 76ers when they traded Samuel Dalembert to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. This move should prepare the team better for the future and give them a little more depth this season.
The biggest move for the 76ers this offseason happened at Madison Square Garden when they drafted Ohio State product Evan Turner. Turner should be a solid role player at worst, but the sky is the limit as far as his potential goes.
From an organizational standpoint the 76ers made a pretty big move by getting rid of head coach Eddie Jordan and bringing in Doug Collins to manage the squad. By itself, bringing in Eddie Jordan won't make the 76ers a legitimate contender, but it will help them move in the right direction.
What will they be good at? Bad at?
Believe it or not, the 76ers should be a pretty athletic squad this season. Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holliday, and Lou Williams could be a pretty lethal combination when it comes to running the fast break. Don't be surprised if they steal a few games from some of the older teams (like the Celtics).
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 76ers are going to have a horrible front court. The loss of Dalembert makes them very weak inside, and teams with deep front courts (like the Celtics) could make them pay for that. On most night's the 76ers will find themselves on the losing end in the battle for the boards.
What should we expect from the 76ers this season?
I except the 76ers to turn a few heads this season. No, they don't stand a chance in hell of getting any further than the 1st round of the playoffs. But, I do think they could end up grabbing the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference.
At the worse, I see the 76ers ending up as the 9th or 10th seed in the East. If they can do that and show steady improvement they could be a true contender in the league sooner, rather than later.
Maybe I just have a warm spot with this team since the Iverson era? Hey, we'll just have to wait and see!
The Expert's Take: (Liberty Ballers on goals for this year’s squad)
The front office will tell you the goal is to make the playoffs and "make some noise" -- same as last year. My goals are different. I watched some of the worst basketball I had ever seen last season and eventually resorted to rooting for ping pong balls. I also saw regression from Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights. All I want from the Sixers is steady development of the young core, consistent effort on a nightly basis, and improved defense. I'd also like to see a long-term plan implemented rather than a flurry of random, senseless transactions like Tony Battie and Primoz Brezec.
Final Prediction: 41-41 (8th in Eastern Conference)
Written by:
