Sixers finally have reason to smile
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Sean Deveney /
Posted: 14 hours ago

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2849154


Now, that was a miserable year. For the 76ers, it was one of those rare seasons, one of those mystifying, Murphy's Law, now-what-the-heck-is-wrong kind of years. It happens, and, unless you're the Clippers, the Cubs or the Washington Generals, you figure it's a passing phase.


Trouble began in Philadelphia last May, when coach Larry Brown stepped down. Candidates to replace Brown treated the Sixers job the way Julia Child treated skim milk, and Philly got stuck with Randy Ayers. The team made a bomb of a trade for Glenn Robinson, fired Ayers after just 52 games and sat idly by as a feud between interim coach Chris Ford and star guard Allen Iverson bubbled. All the while, folks in the franchise smiled and pretended to be happy for Brown, who led the Pistons to the championship.



But the Sixers' fortunes are changing. They're wearing smiles for themselves now. They're not championship contenders, but if you're looking for a team that could be the surprise of the season, take a long look at Philly. With the Nets dismantled and uncertainty surrounding the Celtics, Raptors and Knicks, the Sixers could win the realigned Atlantic Division and grab the No. 3 spot in the East playoffs.



The optimism starts with new coach Jim O'Brien, a local guy and a perfect fit -- he is adept at giving players freedom while maintaining authority. In Boston, he handled Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker and managed to squeeze a trip to the Eastern Conference finals out of them. In Philadelphia, he will have to do the same with Iverson and Robinson.



O'Brien's plan is simple: Give the ball to Iverson, and get out of the way. O'Brien will make Iverson the point guard, allowing him to shoot at will and set up shooters Aaron McKie, Willie Green, John Salmons, Kedrick Brown and Kyle Korver.



A useful year out of Robinson, who missed 40 games last season, would be welcome, but it is not a necessity. If O'Brien can persuade Robinson to be a spot-up shooter -- when he tries to take more than one dribble, adventure ensues -- the Sixers will have a nice one-two scoring punch. Not bad for a team that ranked 28th in the league in offense last season.



The problem could be the frontcourt. Philadelphia does not need scoring out of its big men -- it needs toughness, rebounding and intelligent defensive play. Bringing in 6-9 free-agent center Brian Skinner was a sharp move, as was swapping one-legged Derrick Coleman for savvy forward Corliss Williamson. Skinner and the 6-7 Williamson are both short for the frontcourt (as is 6-7 starting power forward Kenny Thomas), but they make up for it in toughness and smarts.



The Sixers' best big man -- athletic center Samuel Dalembert -- still needs defensive schooling. Dalembert is in good hands. There is no better defensive teacher than assistant coach Dick Harter, who will transform the Sixers from a decent defensive team to an excellent one.



But there are other possible pitfalls. The Sixers will be relying on untested shooters. They'll be outrebounded. There will be a wholesale change to their approach.



And there's Iverson, who played only 48 games last year. He has a small frame, and he drives the paint with the same abandon he uses when parking. Playing for the Olympic team could take its toll. If he's hurt, the Sixers are finished, and you would be better off using this column for fishwrap or origami.



There are signs Iverson will be a good soldier, though. He showed up for a rookie camp on Fourth of July weekend and went through voluntary practice. That might not be reason for a parade. But considering how badly things went for the Sixers last season, they'll take a smile wherever they can get one.



Sean Deveney is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at sdeveney@sportingnews.com.

The Sixers' best big man -- athletic center Samuel Dalembert -- still needs defensive schooling.

I didn't realize he struggled that badly on defense. People talk here about him like he's awesome on defense.

he's ultra long and athletic... he's not good guarding one on one, as most young players struggle with that. He has gotten better with every game and averaged more than 12/12 and 4 blocks in April.