Measuring the Sixers' Progress

Sixer Status Check:

With 4 wins in a row culminating with a strong performance against the much improved Atlanta Hawks, the Sixers are showing some consistency at both ends of the court, particularly on offense. They are making three's and scoring in the open court. But the fact of the matter is that the team is just now approaching the level of play it displayed in the last three months or so of last season. And this is almost half way into this season. In the short term, they need to show they can sustain this level for the next couple of weeks. Then they will face the added challenge of incorporating a healthy Elton Brand into the lineup without upsetting the team's chemistry. In other words, here we go again.

Random Thoughts:

In the late stages of the Villanova-Louisville game on Saturday, a timeout was called. Play resumed but just a few seconds later, there was a stoppage of play and another timeout was called, this one the required TV timeout. Then came the final two minutes and another flurry of timeouts ensued. Presumably the sponsors love all this time to peddle cars and beer but it really disrupts the flow of the game for the players and fans. It's long past time for something to be done about it and not just in the college game. But don't hold your breath.

Joe Gordon, an old-time baseball player with the Yankees and Indians, was just voted to the Hall of Fame by a Veterans Committee. This is not about whether he deserves the honor. But Admission to the Hall is too subjective, if not downright whimsical. Gordon died 30 years ago and cannot enjoy his honor. At least Jim Rice, who had to wait 15 years, can. Criteria for admission should be clarified and streamlined, and players should not have to wait this long.