Archive: May, 2008
There doesn't seem to be too much concern in Sixerville about Andre Miller at this point.
To this reporter, determining Miller's fate is the most important move this offseason, because how can any long-range planning be made without knowing his future intentions?
The other day, Ed Stefanski said there are other priorities and yes, it's true the Sixers have to settle the situation with restricted free agents Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams now, while Miller's contract doesn't expire until after the 2008-2009 season.
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 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.
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.
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.
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
