Post by greatwall - PHI on May 15, 2009 0:55:38 GMT
Philadelphia Inquirer
The days of Allen Iverson are a thing of the past for the 76ers, the team in recent years has been down. Watching them practice (yes we can talkin' about practice) has been tough, no focus or poise by the players. Since coming over from his comfy job as a TNT analyst opposite Charles Barkley, Head Coach Kenny Smith hasn't won many games BUT the team has played harder. "I just want guys that get it, obviously we don't have the most talent in the league, but if we play hard every night we'll get better. We are only a few pieces away from being able to compete."
Coach Kenny had the difficult task of evaluating the 76ers talent when he took over, and he came to the decision the 76ers didn't have many guys that fit in the plan. "Can't say I was super in love with any of the guys that were on the team when I started, but a few fit a run and gun system so we plugged them in." Guys like Baron Davis, Yi Jianlian, Troy Murphy, and Raja Bell were either too old or soft to play with Kenny. "I liked Baron and Raja, but they were too old to really help us. While Yi and Troy were soft, even though they could run the floor."
GM Charles Boen has done a good job of getting Kenny guys that fit the system, and Kenny's favorite was getting Chris Duhon. "I really needed a young, quick, past first PG to run the show and mold into what we do. It all starts with the PG and Chris is doing a great job for us, did you see him score 41 points over Charlotte?" Charlie Villanueva (acquired for Yi) was always known as a scorer, but has gotten tougher and growing into one of the best low post players in the game. "Charlie has really improved since he has been here" said Kenny "When he plays big, we are a tough team to beat." Mehmet Okur can spreads the floor at the 5 better than anyone as well as give the young team toughness. Okur talked highly of Villaueva "I played with Carlos Boozer, and yes he is a different player but CV now has that drive that makes Boozer so good. I know my presence can really help him, by pulling the other teams center away from the basket." Jason Richardson (acquired for Jeff Green) gives the 76ers a legit #1 scorer, and Kenny is really looking forward to trying to get Jason's career on track. "Jason has all the potential in the world, but hasn't really lived up to it. He needs to get smarter, but he is going to have his chances with us and has a chance to be an elite 2 guard."
The 76ers are obviously done for the year, currently tied for the 3rd worse record in the league. Add in a big time rookie and 35 M in cap space (minus resigning Okur) and this team could be in the playoffs next year.