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Let the countdown begin for the 76ers
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Philadelphia 76ers' Andre Iguodala, left, and first-year head coach Eddie Jordan
hope to bring the team back to respectability this season. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
It's one day before the 2009-10 NBA regular season gets underway for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Like most teams, the Sixers have a bevy of questions. Here are five questions they'll need to answer if they hope to take the next step.
1. Can the Sixers win consistently in first-year coach Eddie Jordan's Princeton-style offense?
Jordan was successful with the New Jersey Nets and Washington Wizards. But in New Jersey, Jordan had the likes of Richard Jefferson, Kerry Kittles and Jason Kidd. In Washington, Jordan coached Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. Can Jordan win with Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young? They're nice players, but the Sixers have been stuck as a middle-of-the-pack team. Let's see if Jordan's offense propels the Sixers into the upper echelon.
2. Can Brand and Iguodala co-exist and carry the Sixers at the same time?
The key for Brand is health. His Achilles and shoulder both appear to be 100 percent. But can Brand regain his All-Star form? Thus far, he looks good. Let's see how it is 30 games into the season. If Iguodala can develop his halfcourt game, he'll be that much better. Shooting has been an issue as has shot selection. The Sixers tend to flourish when they're out and running. If they can learn to co-exist in a halfcourt style, they'll be better off. The big question is if they can co-exist. Can they? We need some proof.
3. Will Lou Williams be able to run the point?
This is the fifth NBA season for Williams. With the departure of Andre Miller a free agent to Portland, this is Williams' team. He's never had the opportunity, but he deserves a chance. He's always been a scorer first and passer second. Let's see if Williams is up to the task. Rookie Jrue Holiday will play some, but it will be Williams in the starting lineup.
4. Will the real Samuel Dalembert please stand up?
This will be Dalembert's eighth season in a Sixers uniform. He has two years and nearly $24 million remaining on his lucrative contract. Sometimes, Dalembert is criticized too much. Are there centers in the league worse than Dalembert? Yes. But when you see Dalembert's potential, you get frustrated. You want him to bring it every night. He's had way too many 23-point, 15-rebound efforts one night only to come back with a six-point, four-rebound performance the next night. The Sixers need Dalembert to produce this season.
5. Do the Sixers have enough to get to at least the second round of the playoffs?
They have been eliminated in six games in the first round by the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic in consecutive years. I don't see any evidence pointing them to the second round in 2009-10. But that's why they play the games. I just don't see it. Please let me know what you think.
