Trade Deadline Approaches But Sixers Should Stand Pat

With Elton Brand officially out of the equation for this year, the Sixers are now officially a running team again - in effect the same team that was so successful last year. And in recent weeks, they have been replicating that success. But a number of national and local commentators seem to have concluded that the home team has limited upside with its existing roster. They will make the playoffs, of course, probably in the 7th spot, but would then lose to Boston, Cleveland or Orlando, or so these pundits conclude. However, a cursory look at the standings shows this to be far from a foregone conclusion. The Sixers in fact have a very legitimate shot at finishing as high as 4th so they wouldn't even have to face one of the Big 3 in the first round.

But why not raise the bar and set more ambitious goals? A Sixer upset of the Cavs, Celtics or Magic is not unrealistic, for two reasons. First, because of the turmoil in Philly this year surrounding the Brand integration, or lack thereof, the team has not had the chance to recapture last year's momentum. They are in the process of doing that now, and as their confidence builds, there is room for significant upside over the next couple of months.

Second, and perhaps more important, the team's young players are better than they were last year. Andre Iguodala is approaching veteran status and playing his best ball. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams are showing more maturity to go with their explosive offensive games. Willie Green and even Royal Ivey are solid role players. Sam Dalembert, limiting his role to shot blocking, rebounding and alley-oop dunks is contributing again. Then there is Marreese Speights who may be the perfect counterpoint to Dalembert's offensive underachievement. Speights is the wild card for this team if he can limit his immaturity mistakes. He is already creating match-up nightmares for the opposition. The Sixers didn't have Speights last year when they lost to the Pistons in 6 games, so he brings a major new dimension to the team.

And finally there is Andre Miller. Iguodala fans make take offense but Miller is the GPS for this team - passing, scoring, rebounding, defending, making good decisions. Here's a question. Which point guard in the Eastern Conference, or the Western Conference for that matter, is outplaying Miller this year? The first one with the correct answer wins two tickets to Cher's 15th Annual Farewell Concert ................ Time's up. The correct answer? No point guard is doing more for his team than Andre Miller, All Star balloting not withstanding.

Yes, the Sixers could use additional outside shooting. Yes they could use more size at guard and forward. But not at the expense of the delicate chemistry it's taken a half of a season to regain. They should allow the trade deadline to come and go and make their playoff run with this group. Any major personnel moves should be delayed until the off season.