Sixers Running In Place in the Off-Season

In the aftermath of the disappointing 08-09 season, the Sixers were faced with three major issues - the respective futures of Sam Dalembert, Elton Brand and Andre Miller.

The team reportedly tried to shop Brand and Dalembert, to no avail. The former's market value is severely diminished because of contract size, age and injuries. And even the Yao Ming-less Rockets were not sufficiently tempted to make a play for the seven-footer from Haiti.

As for Miller, if you believe the press reports, the Sixers have not even made a serious offer. It may be that what we've been hearing from both sides is negotiating posturing. And perhaps a significant sign-and-trade deal could be constructed.

But the fact remains that while numerous teams around the league have already made significant improvements, Eddie Jordan's squad is excrutiatingly similar to that of Tony DiLeo.

The personnel moves made in the last few months have been marginal at best. Jason Kapono is a fine long-range shooter and that was a Sixer shortcoming. But Kapono is still a limited minutes role player. In the right situation, he could be a difference-maker the way John Paxson and Steve Kerr were on the great Bulls' teams but this Philadelphia ensemble will never be confused with those Jordan-led Chicago teams.

And despite the glowing scouting reports of draft pick Jrue Holiday, his resume is just too limited to plan your future around him. He could turn out to be the Wachovia Center's version of Paul Pierce - or he could be the reincarnation of Rodney Carney.

In the meantime, Ed Stefanski says the team needs a guard, a swingman, and two bigs. Oh is that all? A wish list like that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the immediate future.

Right now we're looking at last year's team but with Lou Williams replacing Miller at point which is certainly not an upgrade. No doubt some new role players will be added up front and in the backcourt but the Sixers don't have a lot of bargaining chips with which to deal from a position of strength.

What we're left with is the audacity of hope, and Eddie Jordan's motion offense.