At 76ers Media Day, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams were asked if the Sixers are capable of competing with the Celtics and Cavs and other elite Eastern Conference teams.

They both agreed that they aren't that far off. They said the Celtics were a terrible team before making a few tweaks and winning a title. I think the message was that KG and Ray Allen are just like Rodney Carney and Stromile Swift. Or something.

 Last year, there was such a buzz to start the season. People had high hopes. The moment they signed Elton Brand, I thought a 50-win season was possible. Now I'd be awfully surprised if they won that many games.

Tell me, kids, how close (or far) are the Sixers to actually joining the ranks of the elite?

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Your Philadelphia 76ers

I did not share those hopes last year. Without a perimeter-shooting game, adding a low-post guy like Brand just clogged the middle, invited double teams and kept the slashers from having room to operate. It was going to be difficult, even if he remained healthy. This season, the best option, for me, is playing Brand as a high-post or elbow center, sitting Sammy D. entirely and letting the motion offense whirl around. I still believe there has been so much change that expecting anything better than a .500 record would be overly optimistic.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Your Philadelphia 76ers

Sammy D. would tell you - in a rambling, 20-minute dissertation - that he could be the X factor if only they'd play him regularly. I believe the X factor translates as taking random, ill-advised jump shots and failing to box out.

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Your Philadelphia 76ers

The only X factor with him are the little eyes on dead cartoon fish. Hey, how was Boston? Have a good time? Thinking of moving back there? I'm available this weekend to help you pack. It's the bye week.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Your Philadelphia 76ers

The wedding was wonderful, thanks. And I appreciate the offer. That's why I love you, Buttons. You're selfless.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Gonzalez, John; Ford, Bob

Subject: Your Philadelphia 76ers

Sorry to be late to the party. I hate joining in when the insults are flowing, but I've actually been working. Unlike some people.

Bob knows this: I'm as big a fan of the round ball as there is, but the Sixers have no pop. No sizzle. No zing. Maybe they're good enough to be the seventh or eighth best team in the conference, but all that buys them is another first-round playoff exit and a mid-first-round draft pick. Zzzzzz.