Holiday gives Sixers one reason to celebrate

In almost every city the 76ers have visited over the past couple of months, the question from the opposing team's media has been the same - "What pick did the Sixers get Jrue Holiday with?"

During a season that has brought nothing but angst and frustration to Sixers fans, players and coaches, the 19-year-old Holiday has been the one subject that demands positive attention.

When talking about the reasons for the Sixers being so far below expectations this season, most correctly refer to the fact that point guard Andre Miller was not resigned. Miller's heir apparent, Lou Williams, has been hindered by injuries and inconsistency. Through it all, however, there has been Holiday.

Right now, his averages of 7.5 points and 3.1 rebounds won't open many eyes. But they were were mostly compiled while Holiday was playing limited minutes behind Williams or the departed Allen Iverson.

In fact, in the 15 games since Iverson left the team due to the illness of his 4-year-old daughter, Holiday has averaged 13.3 points on 50.3 percent shooting, 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds.

It hasn't led to more Sixers victories, of course. In fact the team is 3-12 since Iverson's departure. But if there is a reason for optimism, it is because of the play and the future of the UCLA product whom the Sixers took with the 17th pick last season.

And remember, when the Sixers chose Holiday with that pick last June, many had been clamoring for the point guard who was taken 18th - North Carolina's Ty Lawson. Funny how that talk has quieted down.

Holiday possesses that special blend of physicality and finesse, a point-guard mentality in a two-guard's body.

"He's been incredible," said forward Elton Brand. "Especially when you consider that he wasn't even playing that much at the beginning of the year."

Iverson, in the short time he spent with Holiday, saw the talent right away, often saying that Holiday would be a premier guard in the league in the not-too-distant future.

When asked who he would compare his rookie guard to, coach Eddie Jordan thought for a minute then said: "I'd have to think about that, I'm not really that good at comparing. I do look at the type of player he is and I see nothing but positive things from him. He has gained a wealth of confidence and is one of the better young guards in the league."

No doubt there will be, and should be, many changes with the team this offseason, though even more significant ones will come after next season. But one position probably won't need tinkering, thanks to last year's 17th pick.

While he missed six games due to a sprained right knee, Sixers center/forward Marreese Speights didn't appear to miss many meals. He has noticeably put on a few pounds, which really didn't surprise Eddie Jordan.

"Whether you're our age or an athlete, you have to discipline yourself from going to the refrigerator at 1 in the morning," the coach said. "It's no different from a professional athlete."

Speights returned in Friday's loss at New York, playing just 5 minutes. When Jordan decided to go with the younger players for most of Saturday's home loss against the Chicago Bulls, Speights played 30 minutes and collected 17 points and 11 rebounds.