Thaddeus Young: Needs Big Numbers For 76ers

Thaddeus woke up on Thursday morning feeling no pain in his right ankle. That was a great sign for the Sixers.

Without Thaddeus the Sixers lost six out of seven games. Thaddeus returned to action against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. He scored 18 points.

In Thaddeus' second game back he scored 20 points and nine rebounds, and the Sixers won. Thaddeus went on a tear this season, at one time, late in the season, he had a seven game streak of 20 points or more.

Thaddeus scored a career high 31 points against the Chicago Bulls in the last game at the Spectrum. Thaddeus is a natural small forward at 6'8'' and 220 pounds.  He stepped up in Elton Brands absence and has provided that exciting youth at the power forward position.

Most people did not expect Thaddeus to improve from last season, in which he averaged 8.2 ppg and four boards, to this season averaging 15.3 ppg and five boards.

In 20 games this season Thaddeus has scored 20 or more. This season was a big stepping stone for Thaddeus. Hopefully, he has a great playoff run and leads the Sixers to victory.

The Sixers play the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday. The Magic swept the three-game series with the Sixers. In order for the Sixers to win this playoff series this team has to step up. Thaddeus, The Andres, and role players like Lou Williams and Mo Speights will be key to the Philadelphia 76ers playoff hopes.