Miller, Ratliff both no-shows
Both Andre Miller and Theo Ratliff did not attend the 76ers final team meeting, scheduled for noon at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Every other player showed, most also having meetings with coach Tony DiLeo and GM Ed Stefanski. The Sixers said Miller and Ratliff's interviews were scheduled for next week, but had no explanation for why neither showed for the final team meeting.
Miller, Ratliff both no-shows
Both Andre Miller and Theo Ratliff did not attend the 76ers final team meeting, scheduled for noon at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Every other player showed, most also having meetings with coach Tony DiLeo and GM Ed Stefanski. The Sixers said Miller and Ratliff's interviews were scheduled for next week, but had no explanation for why neither showed for the final team meeting.
Stefanski said he had calls into both players, but had not heard from either. Both players are unrestricted free agents.
About Miller's absence, Stefanski said, "I don't know if that's sending us a message," referring to the point guard's desire (or lack thereof) to possibly re-sign with the Sixers. DiLeo said he would not comment on his feelings about either player's absence until he found out their reasoning.
Ratliff's absence was particularly noteworthy after his words in the locker room following last night's season-ending 25-point loss. Ratliff called out the coaching staff, saying they were too weak with the players, didn't hold players accountable for mistakes, and that generally the coaching staff was the reason for last night's disaster.
Today, DiLeo said he was aware of, and read, what Ratliff had said. DiLeo said he disagrees with Ratliff's beliefs. DiLeo said, "I saw his comments, I don't agree with his comments, we do hold players accountable ... I'm not the type of coach who will yank a player after one mistake ... I don't agree with him." DiLeo said he is "not passing judgement" until he finds out why each player missed and talks to each.
Stefanski said about Ratliff: "In Theo's case, I'm disappointed in his comments after the game."
You have to wonder what it means -- if neither has a legitimate reason for his absence -- what it means that two guys, unrestricted free agents, blow off the final team meeting.
--Kate
Comments (71)
The sixers have been poorly managed all the way through for awhile now. The only reason they had any success pretty much since 2 decades ago was because they had a young Allen Iverson who could score and in his prime pretty much do everything. Didn't win them anything anyway. Never surrounded him w/anyone but washed up players either. Plus the East has always been pretty weak, atleast weak enough to get into 1 of the top 8 spots. They have exciting young players now but still lack what everyother dominant team has and thats atleast 1 or 2 star caliber players. The NBA is pretty weak...— rjg2424- I'm not worried about Miller. He's not a bad point, but he's not so great either. He's a lousy defender, too slow to make a pass inside, makes stupid decisions in the half-court, and doesn't run the offense in a disciplined fashion. Let him walk and find out how many teams want a 33 yr. old point guard! As for Theo, I suspect his criticism is valid. The Sixers are only a little better, in large part thanks to the development of Thad Young. Their performance is erratic and the backsliding is a result of poor coaching discipline. I don't know if the Magic have more talent, but they play a lot better as a team on both ends of the floor, you can see that they have a strategy that is quite effective, whereas the Sixers are only effective half the time.— ricky
- The eagles are next, then the flyers, you get tired of loosing and no direction and support! Well you will have the phills but that will not last either! You have CHEAP OWNERS that line their pockets only! Someday you morons will wake up!— losteagle
- I'll listen to Miller. His steadfast refusal to negotiate all year followed by his no-show means he is not coming back and this team takes a giant step backward. Something's wrong, whether it's Brand, or DiLeo, or the alternatively hard nosed and super lazy way the Sixers play. But Miller sees no real success here any time soon, and I'm guessing neither should we. Unless they somehow manage to re-sign him. Otherwise, Sixers might lead the league in turnovers and worst FG pct next year. I see people calling for Iverson to come back, which might be interesting, but it's not what they need. Like they have since they drafted Hersey Hawkins, they are still looking for a dead eye shooter, and Iggy, Williams and Green all are NOT it. And since Moses Malone, they are still looking for a center who can match up across the league, but will have to settle for Dalembert, who probably will make more next year than Malone made his whole career.— adamklee
- I knew Miller was done , when he didn't come to the bench during a timeout.And that is too bad because retaning him is very necessary to build with this young team, but he's out of here. Team has talentent , needs a few parts . Never should have let Cheeks go , he could have provided the discipline and accountability piece.— PhillyfanNohio
- I really think the fans are the ones who lose here, the ticket prices, prices of the food an beverages. I'm surprised that no one has thrown up on someone in front of them watching the Sickers. Also, this is for any fans of this team; why is it when they lose you all want the coach to be fired? What did Deleo do different than Mo? You get get a team of street ball players for a total of about ten mill for the entire team to play better than that.— Five
- the NBa is not irrelevant but it is a Joke. I knew from the first week that it would be Lebron vs Kobe in the Finals...the NBA will do whatever necessary to have the highest ratings. If that means making calls to benefit the ratings, then that's what happens. The Sixers had NO chance to advance, the NBA made sure of that. If the Sixers ever want to advance to the Finals they will need to trade for Lebron, Kobe or maybe Dwight Howard (Superman). Short of that, don't bother.— sedale
- Listening to these multi-million dollar players talk after losing and blaming the coaching staff is funny. They blame everybody but themselves and that is the exact reason why the NBA has been on a downhill slide for the past 3-4 years. A bunch of millioniare baby's that no one really cars about.— kingryan
- why do idiots feel the need to hate on the sixers and basketball? I don't understand why they even read the articles or blogs. The Flyers and Eagles both suck and will never win anything. At least the Sixers have won a championship in the last 25 years.— Joe D.
- Who cares about the NBA anyway?— heaterman
- Im surprised at theo. he WAS a fan favorite. Miller should have been traded when he had value. this was suppose to end when AI was booted out. Iggy was suppose to be the selfless player. It proves that these players are all the same. Cant wait for NFL season.— maximus
- Matt Geiger or Sammy, they have become the same to me. Lets get Todd Maculloch back. He is about 500 lbs but he could entertain us with his pinball skills.— bababooey2yall
- Matt Geiger or Sammy, they have become the same to me. Lets get Todd Maculloch back. He is about 500 lbs but he could entertain us with his pinball skills.— bababooey2yall
- The NBA ruined basketball. Those overpaid high school kids get none of my money.— MikeMikeMike
- who cares about the sixers? they are gonna suck for as long as stupid elton brand and his contract is on the team. here's to not being able to sign a single good free agent for the next 4 years thanks to brand's contract— pfranklin
- And Comcast have the nerve to dominate the showing of the Sixers games.Who really cares if you don;t get to watch a losing team without a superstar.— Sallyrogers
- k juggs- its funny u say miller will win a title yet has never, ever gotten out of first rd. he is a limited PG who cant defend, shoot, lead, or penetrate and create- which are very important for a PG to do. sure he can be solid, put up decent numbers but he can severely limit a team on both ends— JONeill
- Can you blame them. Who wants to be around these guys? I am sure Miller is all about moving on. NBA players want to be in the playoffs and win. I am sure he has seen enough of this group. He would like to be on a team that is going somewhere. This team is not.— Horlet
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- Stefanski killed this team by signing brand and firing cheeks. He turned them from an up and coming team to a capped out bore.— Fritz and Alice
- Ratliff had a lot to say last night to the press. Why could he not show up to face his coaches & teammatres and say it in person?— Irish Frank
- the sixers won't be good any time soon - it's a shame. when's college basketball start?— Dish
- You usually have such clear vision, Kate, and perhaps your half-baked wondering is full of irony; regardless, it doesn't take a PhD to understand what the absence of these two guys mean. However, please don't let your column get so slack in the future.— barcelona fan
- Dalembert needs to go. He is not a legitimate NBA starting center. In fact, he flat out can't catch.— Vituperator
- Comment removed.
- You know I was thinking... hmmm, I wonder if Aaron Mckie would be considered for a head coaching job? He definetly has the knowledge.— freaknick215
- Oh yeah Ratliff shows a lot of guts throwing his coaches under the bus what about the no heart losersin the uniforms......please...then no class to not show today...cya loser......WHAT ASHAMEFUL ENDING TO A SEASON...THEY ABSOLUTELY DISGUST ME AND SHOULD REFUND PAYING SPECTATORS LAST NIGHT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY BACK............ILUVPHILLYCITYOFCHAMPIONS!!!!!!— ILUVPHILLYCITYOFLOSERS
- Comment removed.
Why should they show up? They are free agents starting today.— RAS- Who's High Pitch?— evolutionary
- Sixers owner need to spend some real money and get a coach or this team will go no where. I wasn't moved at all about the playoffs because everyone knew how this was going to go just as it did out in the 1st round. Time for a big change and this team will not do it so I'm gone. With no A.I look at them now no sellouts and it was luck to be there but that is as good as it gets.— JBA
- Sixers owner need to spend some real money and get a coach or this team will go no where. I wasn't moved at all about the playoffs because everyone knew how this was going to go just as it did out in the 1st round. Time for a big change and this team will not do it so I'm gone. With no A.I look at them now no sellouts and it was luck to be there but that is as good as it gets.— JBA
- It's always cracks me up how many people post something about a Sixers article saying the team or the sport is irrelevant or how nobody cares. Honestly, if the Sixers or the NBA are irrelevant to you and you don't care, then why would you waste your time reading an article about the Sixers and posting comments about the Sixers. Talk about lame. You must have a lot of extra time on your hands when you're wasting time posting comments about things which you believe are irrelevant. Sorry kjuggs, but I don't Ratliff showed guts at all. If he was a man, he would have showed up for the team meeting today after what he said last night instead of being a coward and hiding. Granted the end of the season was disappointing, particularly last night's performance, but other than Donyell Marshall, I would have figured that Ratliff and Miller would be the most professional guys on the team. For them to skip the final team meeting like that, it was pretty unprofessional and classless.— JimG
- MO Cheeks cares for the sixers— aviong
- No one cares and its irrelevant... but not only do you read the article, you take the time to comment.— billerific
- Comment removed.
- Very surprised Miller didn't show...such a pro on the court, not showing without calling is a lack of respect.— JBP
- It's time for the old St. Bernadette, Bonner & Penn alum to get out the dynamite and blow this thing up! This can't be fixed piecemeal. He's got less than a handful of real NBA players (including Brand). And, I hope he's figured out that DiLeo is an NBA exec, not a coach.— philasportsfan
- I assume hockey fans are posting because they want to express what a stupid sport the NBA really is.— LGbalsac
- the sixers need to start all over— soliteryman
- ihanks kate - keep up the good work - it is what it is - russ— russ4philly
- who cares, seasons over— Will.i.Am
- Comment removed.
- Andre Miller wants nothing more to do with this franchise and I don't blame him. At least we won out on that trade..— robkaos
- I successfully completed another 76ers season w/o watching a single game. Thank God that's over. NBA basketball is a joke, but hey, that's only my opinion.— KevinRx
- Comment removed.
- This is the problem with professional (?) athletes. They think they walk on water and can do whatever. Blame management for paying them too much and allowing them to be bigger than the fans and the sport. Too bad.— psuwelsh
- Agree...quickly becoming equal to hockey in this town.— MidlanticDave
- Why are the hockey fans posting. The playoffs are still going on. Oh I forgot once the flyers lose your no longer hockey fans. I guess you have to much time on your hands. Don;t you have a TEA BAGGING event to attend.— Philly-Mughsots
- kate: any plans for a post-season chat, pre-draft chat, etc.? keeping the blog open for some end-of-the year thoughts and comments? the changing of the guard, so to speak. as much as miller brought to the table, we need to go in a differnet direction at pg (as well as sg and the 5). perhaps expectations won't be quite so high but the results will be encouraging.— 127sixer59
- Well, if there is one thing Theo Ratlif is an expert in, it is playing on mediocre teams.— AreaMan
- Who, why was it the final meeting of the season, isnt basketball still going on?— LGbalsac
- kate, since korver left town, you're probably the best three point threat in the city (per your bio). it's a shame miller is gone, i'd like for sammy to go and theo to stay. this team needs to change its course. a new coach, pg, sg and c are needed. keep brand, young, williams and iggy and toss the rest. you'll still have to worry about having two identical players in young and iggy, so one will ultimately be used in a trade for another need. i'd part with iggy - he has had two play-offs and both times he gave us the same result as the team's leader - an early exit.— Lunchboy
- I would not pay a dime to watch an NBA game. Horrible product, horrible people playing. What I would not give for the good old days of the 70's and 80's NBA.— robertthomas
- no one cares about the sixers— johnnyonthespot
- no one cares about the sixers— johnnyonthespot
- Who's Ratliff?— FLYGUY31
- Comment removed.
- Comment removed.
- Miller was pretty much saying through his demeanor he wanted out for his entire time here. It just wasn't his type city or team.— JonKap
- Sammy needs to go - pay him his money and send him off to loserville. The big man experiment has gone awry in Philly once more.— MrJimmy
Seem pretty clear to me what their no-shows mean.- Comment removed.
- Comment removed.
- Does anyone even watch the NBA anymore? Talk about a league past its prime. I heard the Sixers couldn't even sell out their playoff games. That's hysterical. It just about sums up the irrelevance of this sport.— UncleEddie
- Comment removed.
- When Ratliff says "players" he means sammy.— ConverseB24
- Apple groupies talk about the Reality Distortion Field that surrounds Steve Jobs. Apparently, Ed Stefanski and Tony DiLeo have a Reality Distortion Field around them. Only difference is, I don't see either of them creating the NBA equivalent of the iPod anytime soon.— phasor
Hey Kate, good job as usual, but you really don't have to wonder what these guys missing the team meeting means- they are outta here! At least Ratliff had the guts to blame at least the coaches, but should have extended the blame to his colleagues also. I will be interested to see where Miller goes- with just a hint of talent/coaching around him, he's going to win the NBA championship someday...— kjuggs77- Comment removed.
1
Popular Posts
About this blog
Keith Pompey has been an Inquirer reporter since September 2004. He takes over the Sixers beat after covering the Temple men’s basketball team for the past three years and Temple football the past two seasons. Pompey also previously covered the Penn and Drexel men’s basketball team and Villanova football team after initially focusing on high school sports.
Pompey is a native Philadelphian and a University of Pittsburgh. Follow him on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers or reach Keith at kpompey@phillynews.com.
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.
Classifieds:
Site Services:
Partners:
Powered By:
