21 Games In and the Sixer Glass is Half Empty

Here's a measure of how disappointing the Sixers' season has been to date. They are tied for last place in the Atlantic Division with the Raptors, who just fired their coach. Ahead of the Sixers in the standings are the Knicks, who are paying Stephan Marbury $21 million not to play, and the Nets, who were the consensus pick to finish in the cellar. Oh yes, and there are the Celtics who have already clinched a playoff spot. Looking at the rest of the Eastern Conference, there are only four teams with records worse than Philly, the Bobcats, Wizards, Pacers and Bucks. Complementing this on-court ineptitude has been anemic attendance at the Wachovia Center.

Perhaps the Sixers can draw inspiration from the Eagles who were given up for dead just a few weeks ago. But 21 games into this season which began with such lofty expectations, there are far more questions than answers.