Some have suggested after reading the wish-list that begins with Mike Miller, that he is not much of an upgrade over Kyle Kover. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There are some posters such as Seude, who point out that Miller is a big upgrade over Korver and we couldn't agree more with that assessment.

This is not to denegrate Kyle Korver, because he did a fine job for the Sixers and has been a major addition to Utah. It's just at Miller is bigger, just as good a shooter, can create his shot better and is a better defender (although he will never make any all-defensive teams).

One person questioned whether Mike Miller is a team player. He was a team player while competing for the U.S. Olympic Team last summer and with his ability to stretch a defense, should be included on this year's team (especially if this reporter was the coach).

We're not saying that Mike Miller would be the savior for the Sixers, but he would be a serious upgrade. And he'd give them much more than they received from Korver, which was pretty substantial..

One writer, JJG, said he prefers Rashard McCants. Another Jason Ringler, asks why not consider Kyle Lowry instead of Miller. Again, the Sixers need somebody who can spread a defense with outside shooting. McCants and Lowry are good players, but they wouldn't be top priorities here.

The priority remains a power forward and Josh Smith would top that wish list, but the Sixers have to have a number of game plans. We're just saying Mike Miller is somebody to strongly consider.

NOTE: There have been suggestions about how to make this new format better. I take all suggestions and give them to those in charge. Morty suggested enlarging the box that you type in. These will be passed along. The people are working with us and have responded to any suggestion/complaints that I have sent them.

Also, the readers have to be commended for the potential deals proposed here. Whether we agree or not, all the opinions are appreciated. Keep up the great work.

One thing that the Detroit Pistons series showed the 76ers was that they still have a long way to go to get to that next level. Which is why the offseason will be interesting.

There have already been many great suggestions from the fans of this blog and to my e-mail on what the Sixers should do. For the next few months we will be dealing a lot with this topic.

If this reporter had one player he would try to land, it would be Mike Miller of Memphis.

As mentioned in Sunday's Inquirer, Miller has two years and almost $19 million left on his contract. He is 28, in the prime of his career and if I were coach K, he'd be on my Olympic team.

Miller gives the Sixers something they desperately need - perimeter shooting.

Memphis almost dealt him to Miami at the trade deadline. The key question is whether the Sixers have the players or draft choices that Memphis would desire.

To be fair to both teams, this is all speculation. We know the Sixers like Miller's game, but do they like it enough to pursue a trade?

And if Memphis is no longer looking to dump salary as it did in the Pau Gasol deal, then the Sixers may not be the best fit.

We know the need the Sixers have for a low-post presence. But after seeing Rasheed Wallace connect on more three pointers than the entire Sixers team during the Pistons series, the lack of a perimeter game has to be addressed.

And who better to address it with than somebody who shot 50.2 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from three-point range for a team that finished tied for the third worst record in the NBA?

Samuel Dalembert is among the most interesting people we have met on the NBA beat. He is intelligent and has a great sense of humor.

Of course, he is also one of the most difficult players to evaluate. Few centers are more athletic. Dalembert is a great weakside defender, where he gets many of his blocked shots. He is a strong rebounder, but has yet to develop a go-to move in the low post.

While some may question his competitive desire, remember that Dalembert has played all 82 games each of the last two seasons. And that included this year after entering training camp with the stress fracture in his left foot.

From a consistency standpoint, this was his best year, 10.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.34 blocked shots.

Dalembert had a lot to be proud of until the postseason, where he was soundly outplayed by Rasheed Wallace.

Again, that's no disgrace because Wallace is a four-time all-star and when he's motivated, can be a dominant factor on both sides of the ball.

On the surface, Dalembert's playoff numbers against Detroit, weren't that bad - 9.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots. Of course Wallace averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks.

The major question as Dalembert turns 27 on May 10, is can the Sixers be a team that goes deep into the playoffs with him at center?

Most people focus on his salary, that has three years remaining and about $34 million left. We've been told that in today's NBA, that there are teams that wouldn't be turned off by that salary. However, if a team wanted to acquire him, they would have to ask the same questions the Sixers must be mulling - can he take a team to the next level?

While he has continued to improve, Dalembert still makes a lot of questionable basketball decisions on the court.

One would hate to give up on sombody if he begins hitting his prime and centers usually take longer to develop. Plus, Dalembert really didn't begin playing baskeball until he was a teenager, which might explain why his instincts are still lacking.

Either way it's a tough call for the Sixers. There are plenty of reasons to keep him and probably almost as many to think about exploring a trade.

So that brings a simple question. Should the Sixers keep him or explore a trade. (And they would have to get decent value back if they did trade him).

Ed Stefanski will look at any way to improve the team, which means there should be no untouchables (although Thaddeus Young might be the closest thing to that).

The question about Dalembert is among many that the Sixers face in this offseason. On this topic, there isn't an easy answer.

Some could say the 76ers finally ran out of gas. Or that the Detroit Pistons finally woke up.

Or maybe a combination of both. However the season is officially over after Thursday's 100-77 loss to the Pistons.

In reality, the Sixers probably won one more game than many (including this reporter) expected against the Pistons.

The problems that plagued the Sixers from their first game of the season in Toronto, didn't go away. They had trouble defending the pick and roll. They allowed too many wide open shots. And they didn't have a lot of success defending off the dribble.

In addition, the Sixers had difficulty executing their half-court offense. The most misleading stat of the game was that the Sixers outscored the Pistons, 21-9 in fastbreak points. Of course, 14 of those fastbreak points came in the second half, when the game was already over.

At least by losing decisively in the last 10 quarters, starting with the second half of Game 4, the Sixers won't enter the off-season with false hope.

The roster doesn't have to be totally revamped, but a minimum of one impact player at shooting guard and/or power forward has to be added.

And there will be questions whether the Sixers should upgrade at center, especially with how inconsistent Samuel Dalembert was against the Pistons.

But there is a lot of time for those questions. For now, the Sixers should be proud of the fact that they overachieved, but should also realize that the last three games of this series showed how much work the organization has to do during this offseason.

It's hard to find anybody who feels the Sixers can extend their playoff series to a seventh game.

The fans don't seem to be too excited about things, especially since as of late Wednesday, only 12,500 tickets were sold for the game.

If the Sixers have done nothing else this year, they have at least earned respect for never quitting. And if their season ends on Thursday against the Pistons, it probably will be because they were beaten by the better team.

What would be surprising is if the Sixers bow out meekly. They have scrapped all season and while they looked tired and demoralized in Tuesday's 98-81 win, their history suggests that they can bounce back.

That doesn't mean they can win the game, but it would be surprising if they don't put out a first-rate effort.'

As for winning, they need a better performance from Samuel Dalembert. While so much attention has been paid to the struggles of Andre Iguodala, Dalembert has been outplayed this series by Rasheed Wallace.

Another key will be getting a spark off the bench. And in that respect one of the few promising signs from Tuesday's loss was the play of Lou Wililams, who had 16 points and shot 6 for 9. Williams is now 9 for 14 in his last two games and he has adjusted to the physical play of the series and how defenders aren't making it easy for him to get to the basket.

Most of all, it's interesting to hear coach Maurice Cheeks talk about the Sixers' need to defend the screen and roll better Haven't we been hearing that all season?

While getting off to a good start is sometimes overrated, the Sixers must have it happen in Game 6. The last game was lost in the first quarter when the Sixers fell behind 35-21 and never recovered.

The Detroit players have talked about the importance of knocking the Sixers out now and not allowing this series to extend to seven games.

The Pistons seem determined, but the Sixers have surprised observers all season. They are built on grit and determination and those qualities don't allow a team to simply fold. Which is why the feeling persists that nothing will come easy for the Pistons in Game 6, while the possibility of a Game 7 can't be discounted, although few seem to believe it can happen.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The 76ers haven't always played well this season, but even in defeat on many occasions, they have shown plenty of fight.

In the last six quarters they haven't shown that same spirit and now they could be down to their final four quarters of the year.

 Coach Maurice Cheeks insisted after Tuesday's 98-81 loss to the Detroit Pistons that put his team down 3 games to 2 in the best-of-seven series, that there is plenty of fight left in his team.

If only they could give an indication of it on the court. The Sixers were outscored 58-37 in the second half of Sunday's 93-84 loss. And on Tuesday they were outplayed the entire game (even though they outscored the Pistons in the second and fourth quarters).

The Sixers could never rebound from the opening body blow delivered by the Pistons during a 35-21 first quarter.

That's not to say the Sixers didn't play hard. It's just that they were extremely unproductive. And they seemed demoralized.

Then again when the Pistons are into it, they are still a very impressive team. This is the same Pistons team that looked on the elderly side in losing Game 3, 95-75. That game seems like a long time ago.

The Pistons appear to be refocused and one has to question whether the Sixers have any answers when all five of Detroit's starters are on the same page.

Even with Andre Iguodala having his first solid game of the series, the Sixers will be in trouble if none of the other starters plays well, which is what happened in Game 5. 

Samuel Dalembert, who has had one exceptional game in an otherwise disappinting series, was thoroughly outplayed by Rasheed Wallace (who had 19 points, six rebounds and six blocked shots).

Andre Miller picked an inopportune time to have his worst game of the series. The only other Sixer besides Iguodala who performed well was Lou Williams (16 points).

The Sixers have no choice but to put this game behind them and based on their performance, it shouldn't be too hard to do.

Still. one has to wonder how much confidence the Sixers have at this point and whether they have it in them to come back once again when virtually everybody thinks they may stay down for good.

There is a general feeling that the Detroit Pistons have finally woken up and that they will now go on and put the 76ers away in six games.

 Here are three words that we would say to that - Not so fast.

While the Pistons looked like they crushed the Sixers spirit with Sunday's 93-84 win, who is to say they have turned the corner for good? Or who is to say the Sixers have finally faded?

The Pistons have been wildly inconsistent in this series. Many said after their Game 2 romp of the Sixers that the Pistons would now be in overdrive.

And then the next game the Pistons looked like they were shell-shocked, with little intensity in their 95-75 loss to the Sixers.

So it would be premature for anybody to conclude the series is over. Then again, the Sixers have to show that they are capable of wiping away the bitter aftertaste of the second half of Game 4, where Detroit simply steamrolled them.

At Monday's practice, the Sixers said all the right things, about how confident they were and how they have to do a better job in various situations, particularly defending the screen and roll.

What seemed to hurt the Sixers the most about Sunday's loss was that Detroit played harder than the Sixers in the second half. While the Sixers don't always match teams in the talent department, they pride themselves on bringing it every game. In Game 4, they only brought it for a half.

The players talked about how they relaxed late in the second quarter once they were up 14 points. And the relaxation extended into the second half.

No doubt the Sixers have their work cut out for them and there is a good reason why many figure they are finished. Still, they deserve the benefit of the doubt.

For that matter so does Detroit. The Pistons haven't shown consistency and fire for any extended period this series. Which is why Game 5 should be so compelling. And also why this series, which some felt would be over by now, has provided us with no shortage of drama.

The 76ers have shown they can bounce back from one demoralizing loss. Now they have to prove they can do it again.

Even Maurice Cheeks admitted that it was difficult not to look ahead when the Sixers led the Pistons by 10 at halftime of Sunday's 93-84 defeat. Now the Sixers are back to their accustomed underdog role.

If Detroit comes back to win this series, everybody will point to the Pistons 34-18 third quarter.

Remember, the Sixers bounced back from a demoralizing 105-88 loss in Game 2.

The difference is that the Sixers trailed that game by 17 at halftime. Sunday's loss looked like a win, especially since Detroit appeared to sleep-walk through the first half.

So now the Pistons have some real life. The Sixers shouldn't be counted out just yet, but here's stating the obvious - they need to get some production from Andre Iguodala.

He's shooting just 22.4 percent for the series and has missed all nine three point attempts. Tayshaun Prince has been the most dominant player in the series and he has put the clamps on Iguodala.

Sure, Detroit has done a good job on help defense, but Prince has enhanced his reputation as one of the best defensive players in the NBA.

Time is running out on Iguodala To his credit, he will continue attacking, but it won't do the team any good if he's forcing shots.

Of all the developments in this series, Iguodala's disappearance has been the most stunning and disappointing of an otherwise interesting series.

So much of the talk at both the 76ers and Pistons practices on Saturday centered on the first five minutes of Game 4. Both Andre Iguodala and Rodney Carney said that the first five minutes will be crucial.

"We have to be ready in the first five minutes," Iguodala said.

Added Carney, "I think the first five minutes will determine how the game will go."

The thinking is that the Pistons were pounded, 95-75 in Game 3, and will want to come out strong and make a statement in the beginning of the game.

Pistons coach Flip Saunders also mentioned the importance of gaining early momentum.

"In their two wins, the Sixers got off to good starts early," Saunders said.

That's not entirely true. In the Sixers 90-86 win in Game 1, Detroit led 27-22 after one quarter and 51-38 at halftime.

And in the Sixers' 95-75 win on Friday, the score was tied, 20-20 after one period.

Still, the point is, that Detroit must re-establish itself after getting embarrassed on Friday.

The Sixers will try to build on the momentum. Either way, it might be placing too much on the early porition of the game and not enough on the late stages.

In both losses, Detroit faded in the second half. The Pistons were outscored 52-35 in the second half of Game 1 and 51-35 in the second half on Friday.

What this seems to indicate is that the team with the younger legs, the Sixers, has been the one in control in the second half of both wins.

So while the start of any game is important, the Sixers have proven that the finish might be more crucial.

Here are some random thoughts on other topics.

ITEM: Many have voiced their displeasure with the new format of the blog. Morty among others asked if anything can be done.

RESPONSE: Change is always difficult, but this is the way it's going to be. The other format was easier for me, but my view has been to make the best of it. For those who have followed us over here, your participation is greatly appreciated. If there are any specific complaints, please email them to me (mnarducci@phillynews.com) and they will be forwarded to the appropriate people.

ITEM: The other day The Greek noted that one of the blog posts was done at 3:47 a.m. He suggested that somebody took over the blog and began posting.

RESPONSE: No, that was me. The reason for the early post was simple. After falling asleep early the night before (following five nights in Auburn Hills, Michigan), this reporter was awakened by his cat at 3 a.m. who wanted to eat.

Anybody with a hungry animal, realizes that it's easier to feed the little critter than to continue to hear him crying for food. It was too difficult to return to sleep, so it was as good a time as any to work on the blog. 

ITEM: Xing writes that Flip Saunders may find himself on the unemployment line if the Sixers eliminate the Pistons.

RESPONSE: Book it.

ITEM: Where are all those people who complained about Reggie Evans earlier this year?

RESPONSE: Evans' warrior mentality has been one of the biggest reasons the Sixers lead this series. And lost in how well he is playing is how Thaddeus Young is excelling in his first postseason. Young is averaging 10.3 points in the first three playoff games and has been outstanding in the first quarters, when many of his teammates have not gotten off to quick starts.

Who would have thought that after three games, that Evans and Young would be averaging more points than Andre Iguodala?

ITEM: Speaking of Iguodala, there has been the expected backlash with the way he has played this series (7 for 33 shooting).

RESPONSE: There is no question he has been pressing and it's why he has committed 12 turnovers. For the Sixers to have the lead, with him playing below par, has to actually be encouraging. And it says here that Iguodala will bounce back. Write him off at your own risk. 

By the way, one other admirable trait of Iguodala is that he doesn't hide when things aren't going well. He is a stand-up guy who has faced the constant questions of his slump.

ITEM: Ed Rosenberg writes that the Sixers can win this series and whether it happens remains to be seen. Ed points out that the Sixers know they can win it.

 RESPONSE: Ed, no question in their minds now, they know they can win it. The Sixers won't admit it, but it seems as if they entered the series thinking they could be competitive. None of the players were making foolish predictions, but there was a feeling that they could compete. Three games is a big enough sample to make the players realize they can not only compete, but win. Who knows what will happen, but as Ed mentions, it's going to be very interesting and very exciting.

ITEM: More and more are writing in about the need to extend Andre Miller.

RESPONSE: Of all the moves, none would be more important than extending Miller. If it doesn't happen and he departs after next season, the Sixers will take a serious step back. This should be priority No. 1 in the offseason.