Mo Can't Play Everybody
The 76ers' coach is planning a regular rotation, with plans to stick to it.
Mo Can't Play Everybody
Maurice Cheeks has carefully given every player a look through the first four games of the preseason. That's not going to happen when the ball goes up for real Oct. 29.
There will only be room for a limited number, perhaps nine men in the rotation.
"By the first game, I'll make a decision about who's going to play,'' said Cheeks, the 76ers' coach. ''I'm not going to try and fit two minutes here or there for a guy. I'm going to stick with (a rotation). If one isn't playing well, then I'll go to someone else.''
So who plays? Who sits? Who wears street clothes?
The Sixers have 16 players, including the injured Jason Smith, and at least one has to go. The NBA limit is 15, with 12 in uniform.
Unless we've all been missing something, the starters will be forwards Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young, center Samuel Dalembert and guards Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala.
The rotation guys: Figure forward Reggie Evans, center Theo Ratliff, forward/guard Kareem Rush, guard Lou Williams.
If there's a ''spot'' guy (much as Kevin Ollie was in previous seasons): Perhaps it's Royal Ivey, Willie Green or Donyell Marshall.
If there' s a guy forcing his way into playing time: It's Marreese Speights.
If he makes the team, he'll be in street clothes: Jared Reiner.
One more guy in street clothes: That could change from game to game.
Likely cut: Antywane Robinson.
I haven't seen much of Kareem Rush (haven't heard him make much noise in pre-season yet), but surprised he would move ahead of Green already. I assume that is simply the need for a consistent three shooter vs. a streaky scorer like Green? When(if) Theo or another big guy gets injured, I would think that would make room for Speights to get some minutes...he looks really promising.— srvdove
srvdove: rush will be counted on for outside shooting but if he can't provide it green (and ivey to a lesser extent) will eat into rush's time. green can provide a little bit of everything although not a difference maker. speights may force his way into the rotation later on but probably will have very little early exposure.— 127sixer59
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
