Tonight we spend some time with the man who knows one of the Eastern Conference’s up and coming teams, Jordan of the 76ers blog Liberty Ballers (formerly Sixersoul). As usual, thanks to SJ for putting this together and to Jordan for providing all the insight.
And now, the answers:
1. From an outsider’s perspective, what are your thoughts on the Blazers this year?
I think the Blazers are insanely stacked. They have a ton of young talent and if they live up to their potential they could very well be the next NBA dynasty. However, I want to see if Greg Oden can stay healthy. I want to see if Roy can stay healthy, which seems like it’s been a problem.
They have to potential, but it’s difficult to gauge right now if they’ll be an exciting young team that never lives up to the hype, or the next dynasty. That being said, I think every NBA fan has to envy what they’ve been able to accomplish in the past few years.
2. How do you see your matchup with them playing out? What part interests you the most? Any worries?
To be honest with you, I’m not too concerned with our matchup basketball-wise. The teams are in different conferences and only play twice a year. I expect and would be completely fine with a season split.
Don’t get me wrong, the games will be fun to watch. I’m anxious to see GO and Rudy in action. I’m also interested to see if my buddy Jason is insane for thinking BRoy is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
What worries me is Greg Oden. Sammy D is an incredible defender, but often has troubles with the super-athletic guys.
Ultimately, these two games means yearlong bragging rights between me and my Blazer-buddy. It’s also fun to see the “Dude, just watch, Brandon Roy is going to torch the Sixers.”/”Wait until Lou Williams dunks on Oden” trash talk pan out. It always feels good to talk up a player and have him perform with someone else watching.
3. With all the hype surround this team would you even entertain the idea that Blazers are “better” than the Sixers?
As of today, October 9th, I would have to say the Sixers are a better team, barely. The thing is, by the end of the season it wouldn’t surprise me if the Blazers were much better. Their ceiling is ridiculous. As I tell all my Western Conference friends with good teams, see you in the Finals.
4. If you could grade the Sixers’ off-season, what would you give it?
A-. I couldn’t have scripted a better off-season for the Sixers. The minor complaint I have is the slight overpaying of Andre Iguodala.
5. What excites you most about the Sixers in this upcoming season?
Elton Brand. Playoff run. Andre Iguodala’s supposed improved jumper. Lou and Thad’s progression. Mo Speights emergence of the steal of the draft and having at least one All-Star? Hopefully.
6. Realistically, where would you put the Sixers’ ceiling, high and low?
High ceiling- Championship. It’s not likely, but possible.
Low ceiling- Without major injuries, no lower than the sixth seed.
I see them somewhere in the middle.
7. Looking at the team from all angles, what is the one thing that worries you about the Sixers?
Many people would say outside shooting, not me. That’s not their game and we have just enough to get by. I expect Lou, Thad and Iggy to improve from behind the arch and the additions of Donyell and Kareem Rush will help.
My biggest concern is the lack of that go-to guy at the end of games. Brand has never been that guy and Iguodala wants to be that guy, but the moment always seems bigger than him. Which leads me to the next question…
8. If you were able to be GM but could only make one move, what would it be?
Robert Horry, no doubt.
And somehow get something for Willie Green.
9. What is the key to the Sixers success this year?
Building on last year and the integration of Elton to the team. Also, can Iguodala take the proverbial “next step”.
10. Any sleepers we should be aware of?
If Mo Speights gets some playing time, watch out.
Thad looks much improved and I don’t know if he can still be considered a sleeper, but Lou Williams is an absolute stud.
11. How do you feel about the ever-classy Mo Cheeks as head coach?
Love him. He has the perfect feel for his team and always seems to press the right buttons. His rotations can=2 0be a little suspect sometimes, but overall I couldn’t ask for a better coach for this team.
12. The post AI-era looked bleak but the Sixers have surprised everyone but getting back in the mix. What was it like going on that mini-rollercoaster, culminating with the Brand signing?
Just two years ago I was praying for one of your players actually. A low moment in my life, but I’ll be honest, I wanted the Sixers to tank at the end of the Greg Oden sweepstakes season. Things didn’t work out. We got Thad, fired Billy King and all of a sudden we’re in the playoffs. Everything has happened so quickly. I did love watching A.I. play, but I’ve always believed there came a point where he was hurting the team.
13. Do you believe the Sixers should have sent the Pistons packing last year?
Absolutely not. The Pistons were clearly the superior team. If a few quarters went differently than the did, they could have, but there’s no way they SHOULD have.
14. You may have addressed this earlier, but does the lack of perimeter shooting on this team scare you?
Not at all. Check above.
15. After his semi-disappearance in the playoffs last year, is this the year Andre Igoudala makes a leap forward or has he hit his glass ceiling?
That’s the million dollar question man and I have no answer. I’ll tell you what, I’m not too confident about him taking that step. All I can do is hope.