2011-2012 NBA Preview #14: Philadelphia 76ers

In a switch, Ryan is taking this one from the East (I'll be taking OKC in the West because, well, he can't talk about it)... let's get going...

Roster Breakdown (Starters in Bold)

• PG - Jrue Holiday, Louis Williams
  
• SG - Evan Turner, Jodie Meeks
  
• SF - Andre Iguodala, Andres Nocioni
  
• PF - Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young, Craig Brackins, Lavoy Allen
  
• C - Spencer Hawes, Marreese Speights, Tony Battie, Nikola Vucevic
  

General Thoughts

This team doesn't seem as good on paper as it does actually watching them, but when you take into account that this is a team that actually plays defense, it definitely levels things out. I'll start with the obvious; Iguodala and Turner are in fact the exact same type of player: Ball handing, all around guards who can play the small forward spot and be just as effective... better slashers than shooters but aren't shy about shooting it. The easy move is to trade Iggy considering Turner was the 2nd pick not too long ago (by that I mean last year) but until that happens, Iggy is your best all around player and defender. People complain that Lou Williams isn't a point guard but with that sort of talent on the roster he's able to play off the ball (where he's more effective). Elton Brand is the rock that keeps this team solid. He isn't the 20-10 guy anymore but 15-8 from the blocks will do just fine for them. We often get into the habit in sports of pointing out the flaws of teams and simply having that flaw lead whatever we are saying about that team. Williams isn't, Iguodala and Turner aren't, Thad Young isn't... but this team actually is one of the best all around teams in the league.. that's what they are.

X-Factor

In the point guard renaissance, Jrue Holiday definitely applies all the way. He averaged 14 pts, 6 asts and 4 rebs last year, and I expect those numbers to continue to go up as he realizes that this is his team and he has to run it accordingly. He doesn't do anything that is eye popping (Like a Rose or Paul) but he's all around good and does something that neither one of those guys does, which is defend, although the numbers don't reflect it. I think that if this team is going to go anywhere further than they went last year, its going to be because of Jrue.

Predicted Finish

8th in the East