Philly's Youth Movement: 76ers Back on Track

So, maybe Billy King knew what he was doing after all.

The Philadelphia 76ers stand with a below-average record of 22-30, which is good enough for only fourth best in the Atlantic Division.

However, eight games below-.500 in the Eastern Conference means hovering around that 8th and final playoff spot.

Record aside, the Sixers' youth movement is showing several signs of life. Former New Jersey Nets Assistant General Manager Ed Stefanski took over for the aforementioned King in December, handing over the keys to a team that had no identity, and worse, seemed to lack direction.

Are the Sixers a running team? Will Larry Brown take over for Mo Cheeks? Has Billy King ruined this franchise with expensive contracts in the past with guys like Chris Webber and Kenny Thomas?

Several other questions surrounded the team: Will Andre Iguodala take the money and run to another team? Is Andre Miller strictly trade bait for the deadline? How many swingmen do you need on one team?

Lot's of questions without answers, but here's one fact.

While they aren’t exactly an elite franchise, the 76ers are showing a pulse.

Andre Miller has been the MVP of this team for the first 50+ games. Perhaps recharged by the idea of playing with a new infusion of talent, or perhaps to elevate his status as a top-notch point guard in hopes of enhancing his trade value, Miller has been a steady force.

Andre Iguodala is one of the most exciting players in the Association. He can jump out of the gym and is a human-highlight reel waiting to happen. However, there are concerns that he wants to go elsewhere after turning down a huge contract extension with the Sixers. The team has several decent young wing players with Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and Rodney Carney. That seems like one too many, so look for one of those three to be absent in the near future.

Thaddeus Young, the rookie from Georgia Tech, looks brilliant since becoming a starter. In his last five games, all starts, Young has averaged 11.2 ppg and 7 rpg in just over 30 minutes. These are modest numbers to say the least. 

If we look deeper, Young is just 19 years-old and has just six total starts this season. He is quickly showing alot of promise. He is long and athletic and should have a place to stay in Philly for a long while.

There are some other good young talents on the squad as well. Rookie Jason Smith has alot to learn, but looks like he can be a 14 point, 8 rebound a night guy in this league. He has a nice outside stroke which will help spread the floor.

Sam Dalembert is coming into his own as a formidable presence in the middle, blocking shots and tearing down the boards on a regular basis.  Dalembert has always been an underperforming talent with a lot of potential, and this season may be as close to a breakout season as he has ever had.

Lou Williams looks like he could be Allen Iverson Lite in a few years, as he is usually the quickest player on the court. Being Miller's understudy can only help in the maturation process.

One weak link could be Willie Green. He does not shoot the ball well, and the Sixers need a 3-point shooter in the near future. After giving up Kyle Korver for the expiring contract of Gordon Giricek, the Sixers hoped Willie Green could be the guy from the outside. That has not worked.

Above all of this, give some dap to Mo Cheeks for getting his team to play hard every night.  He has handled his young players with care, keeping a fragile young team from shattering.

What we have here is a hoard of youthful talent that could come together in the next few years. That's not to say they are a championship caliber team, but they have given teams a run for their money all season.

Beating Dallas last night 84-76 shows that they are not afraid to play with the big boys. They have won four straight and six of their last eight. If they can keep playing for all 48 minutes, look out.

No one in the East will want to play these guys.

Billy King, congrats, even though your gone. It looks like whatever you did just might be working.

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