Post by SoonerfanTU on Dec 20, 2005 22:42:52 GMT -5
As another season wraps up, the Philly franchise brings to a close another disappointing season. What started as a season filled with hope and optimism, ends with Philly vying for a loto pick, something this franchise has come accustomed to.
What went wrong? How could a team with such high hopes underachieve yet again? Early season struggles by Aleksandrov and Aldridge, both high draft choices that have underachieved up to this point, lead to a slow start in Philly. And while Swift provides decent numbers at the PF position, he has been pretty much the only inside player that has contributed consistently.
What has Philly done? For starters they moved Alek for Arenas. This gave Philly for pg for the next several seasons, and freed up Terry to be dealt. Terry was dealt for Miles. Miles was unsuccessfully shopped, but, depending on the FA market, may be resigned to provide depth at both the 3 and 4 spots.
One thing GM Jeremy Hill has vowed to improve next season is the team's defense. While the offense has come around since the acquisition of Arenas, the team still gives up too many points. Landing a top 3 pick in this year's draft would go a long way in helping Philly sure up defense at either the 3 or 5 spot, and would open up a couple of potential trades, involving guys like Aldridge, Jaric, and/or James.
Philly is 13-7 over their last 20 games, and that includes a different lineup each week as Jeremy tries to find the right fit for next year, and some impressive wins over quality ball clubs. As such, one again, Philly heads into next season with optimism that at least a playoff birth is possible.
What went wrong? How could a team with such high hopes underachieve yet again? Early season struggles by Aleksandrov and Aldridge, both high draft choices that have underachieved up to this point, lead to a slow start in Philly. And while Swift provides decent numbers at the PF position, he has been pretty much the only inside player that has contributed consistently.
What has Philly done? For starters they moved Alek for Arenas. This gave Philly for pg for the next several seasons, and freed up Terry to be dealt. Terry was dealt for Miles. Miles was unsuccessfully shopped, but, depending on the FA market, may be resigned to provide depth at both the 3 and 4 spots.
One thing GM Jeremy Hill has vowed to improve next season is the team's defense. While the offense has come around since the acquisition of Arenas, the team still gives up too many points. Landing a top 3 pick in this year's draft would go a long way in helping Philly sure up defense at either the 3 or 5 spot, and would open up a couple of potential trades, involving guys like Aldridge, Jaric, and/or James.
Philly is 13-7 over their last 20 games, and that includes a different lineup each week as Jeremy tries to find the right fit for next year, and some impressive wins over quality ball clubs. As such, one again, Philly heads into next season with optimism that at least a playoff birth is possible.
