Prior to the start of the 2007-2008 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers were expected to make a run at the top overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft. The reality is quite the contrary to this. The 76ers will not only not get the #1 overall pick, but will not even be in the lottery. The Philadelphia 76ers will make the playoffs for the first time since 2002-’03. This Sixers team is making history with every game that they play. There are many reasons as to why this is happening, but the top 5 are as follows:
5. Trading of Kyle Korver
When Kyle Korver was traded, two things happened. The team’s three-point percentage plummeted but their defense improved. New General Manager, Ed Stefanski looked to dump salary. In actuality, he dumped a liability—A Defensive Liability. Kyle was lucky if he even knew how to spell defense. Hey Kyle, D-E-F-E-N-S-E!!! It’s not all about the three-point shot. You may be a big white boy, but learn to do some other things. Having that shot got you drafted and it will keep you in the league but it may not give you playing time. Hey Kyle, It’s time to hit the gym to work on your game. Take the trade as a rude awakening. If you do that then not only will you be helping yourself but also the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz! After all, Ed Stefanski helped the 76ers by shipping your tail out of here and dumping your salary to make room for a big name free agent this summer.
4. Billy King Being Fired & Ed Stefanski Being Hired
When Billy King was fired, it gave the 76ers the chance to bring in a new face to the front office. Billy was the President and General Manager of the team since 1998. In that time, he had made many good decisions but even more bad decisions. He cannot draft to save his life. He would also give players on his own team contracts that they were not worthy of. Samuel Dalembert was given a 6 year $10 million contract. At the same time, King gave Willie Green and Kyle Korver similar deals. If given the chance, King would probably have re-signed Derrick Coleman, Tyrone Hill, and George Lynch again. Ed Stefanski is a brilliant mind when it comes to basketball decisions. He was the man in New Jersey behind the drafting of Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic and Marcus Williams. He was also the backbone behind the trades that brought Vince Carter and Jason Kidd to New Jersey. Imagine what he can do in Philly with that resume.
3. Maurice Cheeks Receiving a Contract Extension
2 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Kojo Wilson about 1 year ago
I like the sixers, I really do. They have a college-like enthusiasm. they're young and hungry for experiences
but experience will be thier downfall
Detroit has that- plus youth and a much improved bench (stuckey, afflalo, maxiel)
Its good to see Philly back, its a great sports town and they should always be relevant on the NBA landscape- But Detroit will be too much of a lesson for them.
Detroit 4, Philly 2
Edit Comment Cancel
Ami Bedics about 1 year ago
First off all Kyle has done nothing but help Utah win. The ONLY reason the sixers are in the playoffs is because the east is horrible. Kyle always and still does give 100% effort. He has said numerous times that he works on all aspects of his game every year. He had improved other areas of his game while he was in Philly. Yes he takes alot of three point shots but he did also cut back, and anyway why not shot when your good at it. I do believe Utah has the best record in the whole league since the trade. Now I'm not saying he is the whole reason, but he is a big reason.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.