Play the Blame Game: Players, Coaches, or the System?

The Pistons will still make the playoffs, but they are too far behind the Celtics and Cavaliers. This could very well end six straight trips to the Eastern Conference Championship. Iverson will be a one-and-done deal with Detroit, and is not expected to be re-signed.  

Philadelphia 76ers (9-12)

Blame: System

The 76ers surprised everyone by making the playoffs last season, and pushed the Pistons to six games. After acquiring Elton Brand, they were supposed to be in the playoff picture and even contend for an Eastern Conference Championship.

However, 21 games into the season, the team isn’t in either picture.

Last season, the 76ers were a great fastbreak team. Andre Miller constantly pushed the ball and frequently found Andre Iguodala for easy baskets. The team’s glaring weakness was interior defense and scoring, and they had hoped that Brand would solve those problems.

While the defense has been adequate, holding opponents to just 95.1 ppg, the offense has completely stalled, averaging only 94.3 ppg. This is due to Maurice Cheeks frequently running the half-court offense to give his defense a chance to set up. However, this system has backfired for several reasons.

Miller was most effective in transition, often scoring on layups or finding open players. Iguodala was most effective in transition, doing most of his scoring on finishing the fastbreak. But both players have had trouble adjusting in the half-court offense.

Iguodala in particular is struggling the most, because he is neither the ball-handler or the shooter for this system. Consequently, his numbers have dropped in virtually every statistical category.  

The best system for this team is to mix the transition game to utilize Iguodala, and the half-court offense to utilize Brand. However, it is a new system, so it could take some time for everyone to adjust.

But if there is no visible progress, Cheeks could be the next coach to pack his bags.

Toronto Raptors (8-11)

Blame: Coach

This one is tough, since people believe that Sam Mitchell didn’t deserve to be fired, despite the disappointing start. After all, it was only two seasons ago that he was named Coach of the Year and led the Raptors to Atlantic Division Champions.

They were, however, eliminated in the first round in each of the last two seasons. Last season, the Raptors dealt with a series of injuries that led to a rocky season and a disappointing campaign. They were also severely lacking rebounding and defense, which was exploited during the five-game loss to Orlando.

The Raptors had hoped that Jermaine O’Neal would solve those problems, and Andrea Bargnani would develop more consistency after a disappointing second year. O’Neal is no longer his former All-Star form, but he is playing relatively decent basketball, and Bargnani has improved from last year.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?