Philadelphia 76ers

Basketball Digest, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Donald Hunt

2003-04 Record: 33-49/Fifth in Atlantic Division * 2004-05 Projection: 41-41 * Coach: Jim O'Brein

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: For the first time in six years, the Philadelphia 76ers didn't make the playoffs.

NEW FACES: It was a busy summer for Billy King, Sixers president and general manager. King traded veteran point guard Eric Snow to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kevin Ollie and Kedrick Brown. The Sixers signed Brian Skinner to a reported five-year, $20 million contract, returning to Philly after spending a year with the Milwaukee Bucks. They drafted Andre Iguodala, one of the best athletes in the draft, from the University of Arizona with the ninth pick, and Philly's best deal was shipping Derrick Coleman and Amal McCaskill to the Detroit Pistons for the underappreciated Corliss Williamson.

ON THE COURT: The Sixers are coming off an embarrassing season. The organization fired Randy Ayers at the All-Star break, replacing him with interim head coach Chris Ford, who feuded with Iverson immediately.

Injuries left the 76ers exposed against the better teams. The Sixers suffered through an injury-riddled season, with Allen Iverson missing 34 games with a knee injury, Glenn Robinson 37 games with ankle problems and elbow surgery, and Marc Jackson 57 games with a broken finger and foot problems. It's hard to win with three key players on the sidelines.

New Philadelphia head coach Jim O'Brien should be able to get his new team back to the postseason--if it stays healthy.

OFF THE COURT: Iverson played for the ill-fated U.S. Olympic team. Aaron McKie and Marc Jackson spent plenty of time working out and playing pickup games at Drexel, La Salle, and Temple. John Salmons, Willie Green, and Iguodala starred for the Sixers' summer league team.

With a good blend of veterans and young players at his disposal, O'Brien will emphasize defense, three-point shooting, and pushing the ball upcourt.

WHY THEY WILL FINISH SECOND: The Sixers made some good offseason moves. They didn't land any superstars, but added some valuable role players, which will help Philadelphia build a foundation and move ahead in the NBA.

ON THE SPOT

ALLEN IVERSON AVERAGED 26.4 PPG, 6.8 apg, and 2.4 spg in 2003-04, but the high-scoring guard was injured most of the season--and he didn't seem like the same player when he tried to come back. A solid, healthy season could turn everything around.