Saturday, December 19, 2009

Sixers Flirt With Respectability

The Sixers may be on the verge of, dare I say it, respectability. Almost immediately upon his return, Marreese Speights has had a major impact. Jrue Holiday is making impressive strides as a playmaker. For the first time, Elton Brand is showing signs of life. Willie Green is making solid contributions. Thad Young and Andre Iguodala are not living up to expectations, perhaps they never will, but they are talented athletes who can be counted on for at least 35 ppg. Lou Williams is about to return. And as for Sam Dalembert, well every team needs at least one French existential philosopher king.

But where does Allen Iverson fit in all of this? Unless, he is willing to reduce his minutes and his field goal attempts, all of the positives noted above could be transitory. He wasn't willing or able to make these concessions when he was with the Pistons. Will he be more conciliatory in the twilight of his career in Philadelphia?

When the Sixers signed Iverson, it seemed innocuous enough. The franchise was dead in the water and at least the Georgetown great could put some fans in the seats of the Wachovia Center. Unfortunately, the ever complicated Mr. Iverson has the potential to disturb the makings of some good chemistry within the young Philly squad.

Perhaps Iverson's current injuries will serve to limit his playing time and render the above discussion moot. Otherwise, he may have to display a degree of maturity and selflessness which have not been his hallmark.

One thing that hasn't changed, however, amid all the personnel turmoil is a very porous defense. Until that is addressed, this will never be a good team. Is there a Princeton defense?